Adventure and Experience .

Before I went on this trip, some of my friends were telling me how bad Cambodia was, that there were a lot of insects and lizards. But I still wanted to go as I felt that I needed to be adventurous and also to help those who are less fortunate than we are. I was a little afraid that I would regret going on this trip. But I saw a quote, and I agree with it.

"Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience." -Victoria Holt

Just before the trip, I did not know what I expected. Maybe I just expected too much, because when I visited the villages, I was quite shocked by what I saw. Their living conditions were worse than I what I expected. For the first two days of the trip, we went to Baray Kompong Thom Province for our homestay. This allowed us to experience the living conditions of the people there. This made me really miss my home, and this allowed me to realize how fortunate I really am, that I have a fully-structured house and a comfortable bed, unlike most of the Cambodians living there.

We also visited an orphanage and helped out there. The orphans lived life to the fullest, and had a positive outlook on life. And I felt that that was something we could learn from them. Many times, we complain about what we have. When someone gives us a gift, no matter how big or small, we do not know how to truly appreciate it. However, the Cambodians there, really know how to appreciate things. When we give them something as little and as small as a piece of sweet, they will say "Thank you" and they appreciate it. From what I have experienced in Singapore, whenever someone gives us a sweet, most of the time, we consume it immediately, and most of the time, we ask that person for another piece.

Through this trip, it has taught me to appreciate everything we have, and not take things for granted. For example, in the classroom. We have fans in the classroom, and yet many of us complain that it is very hot, and that we want air-conditioners installed. However, classrooms in the schools in Cambodia do not have fans. Let alone air-conditioners. Yes, I agree that Singapore is a very developed country. However, just because of that, we still should not take things for granted. There are many people who are less fortunate than we are. Maybe we should think of others more, and be less self-centered. And this trip can really help us do that, to be a better person.

I did not regret going on this trip. Actually, I felt blessed, grateful and thankful that I could go on this trip, as this is not something that we can experience that easily. I feel that more trips like this should be organized as it really teaches people the values in life.


Be appreciative. Be grateful and thankful for what you have, as there are much more people who are less fortunate than us.

-Jazreel