“Life shapes life” this is the spirit and aim of most of the cultural exchange program. Now, I totally understand it and have totally shaped by it.

 

 

In these two months, every day is so fruitful and meaningful! I must admit when I first came to India, I was little bit disappointed.  The rickshaw drivers are so greedy and the manners of some people were hard for me to accept. Likewise every street seemed to be littered with rubbish and punctuated with puddles of dirty water. These first impressions totally contrasted with my former understanding of India the mysterious and beautiful land which I had read about in books. Thus, it caused me to have an idea to directly fly back to Hong Kong. I guess I was suffering from “culture shock”. Luckily, I have not done this. Or else, I would have never recognized the beautiful part of India.

 

Starting with the orientation facilitated by FSL-India, my impression toward India started to change. Firstly, I met many new friends with whom I have been able to enjoy many different culture experiences such as visiting the famous temples of Hampi.  Alternatively I have been able to discuss with these friends both the positive and negative sides of our volunteering experiences. I am not exaggerating when I say these are my comrades in India. I sincerely hope we can keep our friendships alive even when we are back in our respective countries.

 

Secondly, although I have heard some feedback of FSL-India projects from other volunteers, I must admit that the two projects which I have been involved with were both, meaningful and satisfactory. They provided with a range of insights that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of some aspects of Indian culture. For example I learned a great deal about the hardships endured by India’s many street children. Likewise in my second project I learned a lot about the education system as I taught English in a college. In the beginning of this second project, it was difficult for me, because it required me to teach spoken English. This was extremely challenging as English is not my first or even second language. Therefore, I always needed to prepare well before I gave a class to my students. Luckily my English is getting better all the time. At the same time, I feel more passionate about teaching after seeing the improvement in my students. Until now, I am quite satisfied with what I have done in my lessons. I really hope my lesson can provide substantial help to build their future.

 

Thirdly, I recognize that most of the volunteers had the similar difficult experience when we first arrived in India, but we also agree that there are many beautiful and kind people in India. I remember some of the FSL-India volunteers and I lived with an India family in Medikari for the weekend. Their hospitality and friendliness makes us to have as an unforgettable memory in India. Apart from the people, there are numerous stunning places in India for example like: Hampi, Bellur, Ootty and so on. These are very peaceful and clean country town and their buildings are full of India elements- detailed handcraft and full of religious shadow which we cannot or hard to find in our respective countries.

 

Before coming to India, I was accompanied with many questions – about my future, my independence and question about my language ability. Now most of the questions have found a satisfactory answer in these two months. And I am very thankful to my volunteer partner, roommate and friend Mr. Sean. He let me understand how to use another insight to look at my life. In the past I was so worried about I will be achieving nothing before 30 years old like: having a flat, stable income or high position because we always use this to judge the success of people in Hong Kong. But from Sean cases, I understand that some achievement like life experience and knowledge cannot count by money and power. And I Love one of his expression which he learnt from book “Always ask your yourself, the life you want, is totally from your willingness, or just from others?” Yea I may not have a big flat and a bunch of money before I am 30 years old, but I also have something which they lack and understand.

 

“Life shapes life” this is the spirit and aim of most of the cultural exchange program. Now, I totally understand it and have totally shaped by it. In the near future, I hope I will have a chance to travel different part of nations and to continue the spirit of culture exchange program.

 

Keng

FSL-India from Hong Kong