Volunteer Work

Part of my application process for applying to the program here in Thailand was to write a two page essay. I was given five questions to answer, some asking why I was applying to Thailand or what was my experience with studying abroad. One question though that stuck out the most asked, "In countries like Thailand, you will have a "super-star" status, how will you accept this?" When I first answered this question I merely responded with the typical response, not thinking about the true essence of the question and answer. After two months of being in Thailand I understand what this questions means. My life thus far has consisted of merely going to class, taking a nap and then going out. I was acting as if I was on a vacation, using my new found "super-star" status in a negative way. I was not a student studying abroad, but a 22 year old in Thailand for four months. I was blinded, completely naive. Not until a week ago did I realize that I had been absorbed by Thailand, I had been absorbed by the so called "super-star" status. I do not regret my time so far, it has been unbelievable, but I do regret my initial reasons for being in Thailand. Starting a couple weeks ago, I decided to give me time back that I had taken so immaturely away. By volunteering in Thailand I feel that I will not only be bettering my life but others as well.

There are two organizations that I have been working for: Free Burma Rangers and Payap University English Department


FBR: What they do

The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) is a, "multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma. Ethnic pro-democracy groups send teams to be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency assistance and human rights documentation. Together with other groups, the teams work to serve people in need (freeburmarangers.org)." In short, FBR's vision is to, "free the oppressed and to stand for human dignity, justice and reconciliation in Burma.

Situation in Burma

"Over sixty years of civil war has left Burma one of the poorest Countries in the world. In an attempt to suppress the democratic opposition, the military dictatorship attacks its own people, killing thousands, and leaving millions displaced. Many opposition are either imprisoned or killed. In most of the country there is a false peace due to the dictator's ability to control dissent. In many ethnic areas, the regime's army continues an all-out assault on its people. There are offensives, ongoing laying of landmines, attacks on civilians, forced labor, and destruction of civilian property (freeburmarangers.org)."


What FBR Does


"The Free Burma Rangers was formed in 1997. FBR is comprised of people from different ethnic groups within Burma providing direct relief to communities affected by the regime's oppression. These teams are trained to provide medical care and counseling, while documenting and reporting human rights violations. Since its formation, more than 400 missions have been conducted to assist over one million people. Together with other organizations working towards a free and peaceful Burma, over 50 Free Burma Ranger relief teams bring help to people under attack (freeburmarangers.org)."



What is my role?


I work at the main office in Chiang Mai, Thailand; there are also offices and other affiliations of FBR throughout northern Thailand and in Burma. I work with a splendid fellow by the name of Larry. I do not know Larry too well yet, but with his southern accent and gregarious demeanor, I know we will get along. Larry and I file reports that FBR teams create after missions to Burma. I personal go over these reports (which could be 5 pages or 50 pages) and check whether they are coherent, translated and/or able to be stored into the online FBR database; after checking these reports I scan them into the electronic database. Not only do I look over the reports, I do video editing and photo collecting from missions as well. FBR's mission is to let the world know, and through the video footage and documented photos, they can achieve their mission; FBR gives the videos and photos to other non governmental organizations (NGO'S), governments or journalists. Although my work is somewhat tedious, I honestly feel that I am adding something to this organization. I have done volunteer work before ranging from Church trips to Maine, helping with local parks and collecting recyclables. And yes, I learned a lot from my time there, however they were somewhat generic. Working at FBR, I feel that the work I am doing is unique, and intriguing; not only am I working but I am learning. I am excited to continue my work here, and will keep everyone updated as much as possible.


Payap University English Department: Tutoring, helping and mentoring

When not working for FBR, I am volunteering for a English class that is taught at Payap University. This class consists of an American teacher and thai students. Although I have not officially started, I will be mentoring and tutoring. I hope that they will learn from me and I will learn from them. I am also excited about this unique opportunity because I have never taught before and I am eager to see what will happen. This experience will not only add to my cultural understanding and also to the students as well.

Moreover, I am in the workings of volunteering at a local farm as well. The details of this project are limited but I will obviously keep everyone posted.

Concluding


Taking a step back and looking over my life so far has changed me and given me insight. When contemplating life in a holistic view, I am able to see my pros and cons; how I was leading my life. From my mistakes and realizations I ask for you to step back, take a look at your life and see if its what you want. Are you doing good? Are you leading a positive life? Are you satisfied with your time spent? Humans are creatures of habit, they get stuck in this trance, this daily routine that blinds them (this happened to me). Work, eat and sleep are very common words that eat away at peoples lives. Why not change those words, add a little excitement, risk, and zest to your life. Look at life's opportunities, they are right around the corner.