Our three FH students shared their experience:
Hamson Kwan (BAEAL)
I was given the opportunity to get in touch with the refugees at the border of Thailand and Myanmar on the ‘Kindness Day.’ I visited a refugee camp and school, and it was a priceless experience I can never forget. I was responsible for teaching a group of adorable kids how to dance. Although there were communication barriers, the smiles on our faces said everything.
When you start doing something good, others will follow. Be kind.
Rachel Chiang (BACHC)
"Everyone here, whether you want to and can change the world, please raise your hand."
Most of the representatives present from more than 40 countries and regions raised their hands. I felt a sense of cohesion in this moment, that we are all gathered here to share and learn for the same cause. The 12th USLS invited a lot of excellent and leadership people to speak, and one of the most impressive speeches was by the founder of the Hong Kong Crossroads Foundation. He shared how he fundraised for 500 computers in the early days, providing many children with access to electronics. During the Q&A session, a student revealed that he had been helped by one of these computers and now wants to help others. The thunderous applause, which even surprised the speaker, vividly illustrated the power of help and change.
There was also a speaker from Somalia, Ifrah Ahmed, who spoke on the topic "Fighting the Circumcision" and introduced us to a brave and strong woman. During the Q&A session, a delegate from Africa told us that someone close to her was going through the same thing. So she wanted to help more women and help those around them, to Fighting the Circumcision, and the hug between the speaker and the delegate showed us the power of inherit.
On Kindness Day, one of our groups visited a refugee camp to spend the afternoon with the children. Some of the children, even though they couldn’t express themselves in Chinese or English, used a translator to tell us in Chinese that they really liked the Chinese people. This deeply touched us and motivated us to help them in our own way. This seminar exchange not only taught us how we can make a difference but also showed us that there is a global community of friends working towards the same goal. Let's work together to make the world a better place.
"If not us, then who?"
Ivy Wang (BAEAL)
On the second day of the event, after finishing the event activities, I decided to explore one of the most famous shopping centers, Central World, in Bangkok. After having dinner at a Thai rice noodle restaurant that Jay Chou had visited before, I wanted to better enjoy the street view and the unique tuk-tuk and motorbike culture in Thailand. So, I booked a motorbike online to head back to my hotel.
However, as soon as I stepped outside the mall, it started raining heavily. The driver was already waiting for me, but I didn’t have an umbrella or a raincoat. In a kind gesture, the driver offered me his own raincoat, even though he didn’t have an extra one for himself. He communicated with me in Thai, mixed with some simple English words. I was deeply touched by his kindness and generosity. Despite his offer, I decided not to take his raincoat and chose to enjoy the sudden rain instead. By the time I reached the hotel, I was soaked, with dripping wet hair, dress, and shoes. Nonetheless, I was truly impressed by the warmth and kindness of the local people, as well as the unexpected heavy rain.
I gained lots of ideas from the global thought leaders, experts, and peers, significantly broadening my understanding of humanitarian topics. Additionally, it also provides a valuable opportunity for me to talk to and learn from professionals and like-minded scholars all over the world, opening doors for collaboration on projects, internships, and future employment. Traveling to Bangkok and experiencing a different culture enhanced my adaptability and intercultural communication skills, which is also an essential competency in today’s interconnected world.
