GIG1005 Social Engagement
Reflective Essay
Tan Pei Xuan (MIC170046)
They
say the best things in life are free and no doubt, I totally agree with it.
Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. I’ve got
special memories through the Social Engagement course while volunteering at
Kampung Desa Temuan. Without this place, I might never came to realization that
it is the little things in life which are usually left unnoticed, are the
things that brings happiness in one’s life.
We
never thought of getting the chance to gain so much experience in Kampung Desa
Temuan. Before we came to this decision, we had many discussions to decide the
place and activities that we are going to do as the course structure has
changed slightly. We were a bit confused when we were told to carry out
activities which are different from previous batch of seniors. Nevertheless, we
are very lucky and grateful to have Dr Puah Suat Moi as our course
coordinator-she is always there to support us and give us guidance throughout
the whole project.
On
29th April 2018, all 44 of us Biomedical Science first year students
gathered at ASTAR bus stop as we took a bus to the Kampung. We did many
preparation prior to the event day such as test run, preparing the materials
needed for Explore Race, preparing lucky draw gifts and many more. We reach our
destination after a 30-minute bus ride. Once we reached, we divided ourselves
according to the task allocated for us earlier.
The
task allocated to me on that day was to take pictures, from the time we reached
the kampong until all the activities ended. As expected, there were a lot of
cute kids running around once we reached our destination. We settled down with
all the things we brought and were briefed again by our HOD before started with
our assigned task.
I’ve
managed to take many pictures during the Explore Race and career talk besides
food preparation by our food bureau. They kids were quite shy at the beginning
of Explore Race. After much cajoling and small talk with them, they started to
open up a little and became more active. Some of the children even danced in
front of us and made jokes with us. There was a special feeling in my heart and
unexplainable when I saw them playing in front of us. It just feels like the
child in me is alive again.
While
I was interacting with the kids, I realized that they are easily kept happy
with the little things that we might have not noticed, they are happy when we
show concern and give them words of encouragement. It was during that moment
that I realized we adults are too busy chasing happiness we defined ourselves-
money, luxury items, expensive holidays. However, the definition of happiness
for the children is different. For them, they are happy as long as someone
shows concern and give them words of motivation. It was during this point that
I ponder upon this question- Why can’t we just be as happy as them? Why do we
make our own lives so complicated when things can actually be simple?
After
lunch, the children had a career talk with us and they played musical chairs.
They had fun playing musical chairs and in the midst of playing, one of them
fell down. I was shocked but thankfully, my course mate managed to handle the
situation well.
Time
certainly flies so fast. It was already 4 pm and we had to leave. It was sad to
leave the kids behind. One day being a volunteer at Desa Kampung Temuan makes
me realize the pros of volunteerism. Spending at little bit of time with the
children makes me more relaxed and enjoyed the cherishing moments with them. In
my opinion, urban people are highly encouraged to join volunteering activities.
A few hours of volunteering will help to relieve stress generated due to the
hustle and bustle of city life. Education is very important as it will change
their lives.
(674 words)
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