My name is Kendall and I am a 19-year-old college student living in America. I’ve never left my country before, but this year I impulsively decided that it was finally time to get out of my comfort zone and experience something new.
This summer I spent six weeks volunteering on the Teaching Students of the Dawasamu Island project. My responsibilities included improving literacy and numeracy comprehension as well as providing lessons in P.E., music, and art. I’ve never had any experience teaching, but my time spent in the school made me open my eyes to the importance of education– and how taken for granted it is back in my own country.
Although I only volunteered for six weeks, I still feel like I contributed to the larger goal; improving the education in the Dawasamu District. Although I am still young, I can easily say that my time volunteering in Fiji changed my life. It was such an amazing experience being able to indulge myself in a culture different from my own as well as learn about the cultures of the other volunteers.
It was so beautiful to see people from different countries and nationalities all come together for one purpose; to help others in need. I still have a long way to go, but my time volunteering has made me realize the type of person I want to become and my desire to surround myself with like-minded people. I’ve formed so many bonds with both the volunteers and villagers in such a short period of time.
It was definitely hard to say goodbye, but I am hopeful that I will one day be reunited with all of the friends I’ve made. Volunteering was the best decision I’ve made in my life and I definitely plan on volunteering abroad in the near future.
