Tamil Society Trip - A Weekend Away

11-13 July 2013


Group Photo!

My school’s Tamil society goes on an annual weekend-long time. This year, they went to Ipoh, the capital of the Perak state, and the Cameron Highlands, and they invited me! We left school Thursday evening around 7:30pm and drove to I-city World just south of Kuala Lumpur, stopping in Melaka for dinner. I-City World is a theme park with a few roller coasters and activities, centered around ice. For someone who never sees snow, it’s very exciting. However, since we arrived around midnight, we couldn't go inside as it was already closed. Often it is open until 2am, but I think it closes early during Ramadan. There was still plenty for the students to see outside of the actual park. There are animal figurines and plenty of light displays to enjoy. That is if you like taking photos. So many colorful trees, flamingoes, sunflowers, penguins and snowmen, etc. After spending about an hour here, we got back on the road to continue our journey north.


I-City World


With Chandara, one of my fellow English teachers

That night, we started playing a game similar to Secret Santa called Bobo Jojo that would last all weekend. I lucked out and got one of the students I know though she is not actually in one of my classes. I received various food items, a Malaysia magnet, a bracelet, and a strawberry keychain.

Early morning, after another rest stop and a stop for breakfast, we arrived at Gua Tempurung, the natural cave system where we were to go caving. Of the four tour packages they offer, we took the Grand Tour, the longest and most intense. I think we were in the cave for nearly four hours! Down several set of stairs into the largest cave opening where the guide pointed out the different shapes in the rocks. It was really beautiful in the cave. We went up several hundred stairs to an overlook before descending down just as many stairs to the river. Not only did we get our feet wet, but many students and teachers for that matter, got their everything wet. We had to crawl through the shallow river under rock hangings on our hands and knees (oh so painful on the knees). The students had a great time. We had to slide down a cliff and drop through a hole in the rock face instead of taking the stairs back out of the cave. Naturally, at the end of our caving adventure the students had a massive water fight. I ended up getting soaked as well.


Gua Tempurung


Stalactites in the cave


Weeeeee!


The hole that we all dropped through

After showers at the cave site facilities, we drove to the Little India of Ipoh for lunch. Shops along the road mostly had the same items - Punjabi suits and other Indian clothes, incense, garlands, Indian spices and Hindi figurines. A cute area with lovely music from the shops filling the streets.


Little India in Ipoh

As there was still plenty of daylight, rather than going straight to the hotel, we drove out a distance to a recreational center at the base of the Cameron Highland hills. There were some climbing playgrounds with which the students and I and one of the teachers, Kanda, had fun. Games were also enjoyed in the open grassy field.


The recreation center's playground

We stayed the night in Ipoh. In the evening we went to the temple for Friday prayers. It's apparently the main temple in Ipoh where Thaipusam piercings takes place. Dinner on the hotel’s rooftop was followed by a talent show by the students.


Waiting to walk to the Temple


The Hindu Temple entrance

In the morning, we went to Cameron Highlands which is well-known for its crops, primarily its tea and strawberries. Of course we visited one of each. We took a tour of the tea plantation, learning about the five stages of tea production. The Strawberry Farm we visited is actually owned by one of the teacher’s relatives, so we were treated to platters of fresh strawberries with crème and honey. Many students also bought ice cream sundaes topped with fresh strawberries. Before the day was finished, we also stopped at a bee hive and shopping center, and a vegetable market.


The Cameron Highlands


Students with a flower garden during our lunch stop


Me with my mentor's daughter, Kisheera, at the Boh Tea Estate


The Cameron Highlands

We arrived back at the school, exhausted but content, on Saturday night around 1:30am. What a wonderful trip.

English can open doors

Sometimes students question why they must learn English. Understandably so. English is spoken throughout Malaysia, but one can certainly go through his or her day without the need of English, especially in a small town like Labis. To show the students one of the reasons why English is valuable, my fellow English teachers and I decided to offer a first-hand experience to our Form 6 students.

On Friday, 5 July, 2013, I, along with three English teachers from SMK Labis, took 38 Form 6 students on a day-trip to Kuala Lumpur to visit the office of the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE). MACEE is the Fulbright Commission in Malaysia and is thus the bread and butter of my English Teaching Assistant program. They also provide opportunities for Malaysian students to study in the United States through EducationUSA, and this was the focus of our visit. “[The idea of studying abroad] is new to me. [The EducationUSA presentation] motivated me to know the culture in the United States. …My favorite time of the day was when we see all of the staff from the United States. I felt like I was in the USA. I love it! And I think I want to go study in the United States,” says Mahzan, one of the participating students.

A warm-up US trivia activity tested the students’ prior knowledge of the United States. While some students successfully answered questions asking for the number of states in the US and the name of the capital city, all were baffled by the number of colleges and universities and the number of Malaysians studying in the US. Can you believe there are over 4,800 universities in the United States? And that over 6,000 Malaysian students are currently studying there?

Getting down to business, the students attentively listened to presentations given by members of the EducationUSA staff regarding opportunities for Malaysian students to further their education in the United States. They learned how to choose the right program and university, as well as about the required entrance examinations – the TOEFL, SAT, and ACT exams – common online applications, scholarships, and available resources. The students were also shown the resource library at the MACEE office and were told they may come and use the books any time they are in Kuala Lumpur.

The visit to MACEE and EducationUSA concluded with the students’ presentations of short “Oh My English!” skits. Contrary to the popular TV show “Oh My English!” (you can find full episodes on YouTube), my students acted the part of Malaysian students studying in the United States (instead of a foreign teacher in a Malaysian school setting). Each group had a different location – in the dormitory, in the canteen, in the classroom on the first day of class, and meeting classmates for the first time – and they had to predict how their experience as an exchange student would be. Uproariously funny, the students thoroughly enjoyed this activity and performed some very entertaining skits.

Naturally, a trip to Kuala Lumpur is not complete without some time for shopping. After an educational morning, lunch and prayers, the students were given time at Berjaya Times Square, a local mall, to shop, eat, watch movies, or enter the indoor theme park. There is no shopping center, or supermarket/grocery store for that matter, in Labis, so this was a much appreciated opportunity for the students.

At the end of the day, the students and teachers were exhausted and ready to make the five hour trek back to Labis. Nevertheless, the day’s activities at the Malaysian-American Commission for Educational Exchange were very beneficial and worthwhile for the students who learned a plethora about the American school system and opportunities available to them after secondary school. As student Lisshaline said in her Thank You speech to the staff of EducationUSA and MACEE, “I hope students can keep all this knowledge in their mind and apply it for a better future.”

Fun on the bus

Upon our arrival at MACEE

The EducationUSA Presentation

Group Photo with students and teachers from SMK Labis and EducationUSA Staff

Some shopping mall enjoyment

Birthday Wishes

1 July 2013

A birthday well spent in Labis. Throughout the day I received many birthday wishes and happy returns of the day from students and teachers. A few students even gave me gifts!! A beautiful photo frame with a picture of me from Teacher’s Day, a Hello Kitty doll from my student’s brother (we share the same birthday), a birthday bird, a mug and a Happy Birthday carving, Malaysian tea, a keychain from Singapore, and cupcakes. I was spoiled!!

First gifts of the day

The evening marked the most memorable part of the day. I went to supper with 10 of my Form 6 students at a quaint restaurant new to me. All incredibly lovely ladies who are always a joy to be around. We all sat on cushions around a long table in our own private curtained-off room, setting the mood for a fabulous evening. Milk shakes, fruit juices, and ice blendeds led to noodles, chicken and rice, soup, fun fries, yam samosas, and fried ice cream. We joked and laughed, told stories, and spoke in four different languages (well, some of us did). We made wishes on post-it notes and tacked them on the wishing wall. We ate homemade mango bread still warm from the oven. Towards the end of our supper, the lights dimmed and suddenly a chorus of voices started singing “Happy Birthday” as a mango crème-filled vanilla cake was brought into our room, complete with candles. Wishes made and candles blown out, I was introduced to a Malaysian birthday tradition. The birthday girl must remove a candle using only her mouth! Surprisingly or not, this birthday girl was successful and not messy!

A beautiful day spent in fabulous company.

The Wishing Wall

Colorful drinks!

Time to eat!

Fantastic company in a lovely restaurant

Group photo!

Using my teeth to remove the candle from the cake

Tea Time with more friends after dinner

Proud Mother of 21 Young Adults

14-15 June 2013

At first timid and hesitant, twenty one Form Six students from SMK Labis stepped out of their comfort zone, took the plunge, and flawlessly lead a half-day “Under the Sea” themed camp for 80 Standard Three and Four students from two different schools – SK Sri Labis and SK Felda Tenang – in Labis, Johor. I give them full credit for the success of the camp.

In the meetings prior to the camp, we brainstormed themes, activities, and the desired structure of the camp. From the beginning, the students understood that they were responsible for the success of the camp. Thus, they put all of their energy into planning the activities. I was available for clarification or to provide alternative ideas on how to design the camp sessions, but they were the real masterminds.

The night before the camp was to begin, twenty one students, four ETAs, and several English teachers from SMK Labis came to the school for the final camp meeting and also to have some fun. I had planned an English camp for the Form 6 students, complete with games, a scavenger hunt, camp fire and s’mores. We all had a great time and went to bed feeling tired but excited and prepared for the next day.

Camp Fire!

First S'mores!

Bright and early in the morning, the Form 6 students greeted the primary students as they arrived at the primary school where we were hosting the camp. One of the schools in attendance has never had an English camp before. The students looked scared, but the facilitators quickly began making them feel welcome. I took a step back and watched the magic unfold. The secondary students brought the primary students from the two schools together and began their interactions which will surely last beyond the duration of the camp.

Greeting the students

Introductions and Baby Shark Song

Throughout the camp, the Form 6 students maintained high-energy levels, reprimanded each other for not speaking English, ensured every primary school student was having a good time, made sure all of the activities ran on time, and of course, lead the activities – songs, games, relay races, water activities, and English water-themed Pictionary.

Flour power!

The aftermath of blowing flour

In addition to developing their leadership skills, this camp was designed to prepare the students for their MUET exams in July, specifically the English speaking exam. From their reflections, I know the students found the experience to be beneficial, as I hoped it would. Over the course of just a few short hours, I saw my students transform from quiet and nervous-excited individuals to confident, enthusiastic, and independent young adults. I couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished or more content with the improvements they made to their speaking skills throughout this process.

Group photo

My Motivation

Today, one of my Special Education students handed me a Malaysian sign language book. In her usual fast-paced Bahasa Malaysia, she told me she wanted me to take it home to study so I can better communicate with her. She so strongly wants to talk with me and I think it's frustrating for both of us when I can't understand her BM. Slowly we are making progress.

It's times like these when I'm reminded of the impact one person can make on another. My presence and friendship encourages her to learn English so she can talk to me. And her desire to learn motivates me to become a better teacher and reminds me to remain invested in my students' lives. After all, they are why I am here in Malaysia.

Moments of Awkward and More

All but one of these adventures occurred during my trip to Vietnam. The first happened in Malaysia after I left my place of residence.
All together, they make for quite the memorable two week holiday.


Most creative way to give a girl your number
My friends and I were having lunch at a Malay restaurant in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. As we were waiting for our food, I notice two of the male workers staring at me from behind the counter. I smile and wave in an attempt to get them to stop staring. It didn’t work. When I received my food, the waitress handed me something else and said, "Someone has given you their number phone." Confused and thinking someone had just bought me a phone, I take the item. Indeed, it is not a phone but a hard object with two names and two phone numbers written on it, from none other than the two male workers. After much analysis, it is concluded that they used an animal bone on which to write their names and numbers and then considerately placed the bone inside a stapled plastic bag. Creativity: 10.

Proof:



Go to bed in one place, Wake up in another
I don’t know what I was thinking or how this happened, but one night, I went to bed in my dorm room and woke up outside on the steps of the hostel. I vaguely remember trying to return to the room just to find the door locked. Not wanting to wake up my friends, I sat down on the stairs and fell asleep. In the morning, I woke up as confused as ever, knocked on the door, was let in, and went back to bed. Strangeness factor: 7


Most interesting pick up line
My friends and I were at a restaurant and bar in Saigon listening to a live band. At one point, I was asked by an older gentleman to take a picture of him and his friends. I obliged. Shortly thereafter, he comes back over to my table with a fifty dollar Australian note and proceeds to tell me about how all of Australia’s money is plastic and how you can tell if it is authentic. Did you know that Australia makes all of Vietnam’s money, too? Awkward factor: 8.5


Best method to ensure your dance partner remembers the dance
At another pub, listening to another local band, I am asked to dance by an older gentlemen. Thinking he is going to continue the trend and swing dance as the previous two individuals did, I accept. But no, it was just awkward, free style dance. Of course, the band had to play the Beatles’ I Wanna Hold Your Hand at this time, so this man held my hand and would not let go. He must have known that I wanted to sit down, and yet wanted to ensure I would remember the dance. Thus, he takes the back of my hand and wipes the sweat from his forehead. A final kiss on the hand and I am free. Disgusting factor: 10+


Other fun events from my vacation in Vietnam

Driving a bicycle taxi around the block while the real driver sits in the carriage

Getting up close and personal with leeches after exploring a Northern Vietnamese Army tunnel


Taking two waitresses from our restaurant to sing karaoke with us in Hue

Getting locked out of our hostel at night because the electricity to the block went out and the hostel only has an electric door

Finding He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in stone on Marble Mountain


Crashing a Vietnamese wedding with two new friends, one of whom is a student at my former university!

Fellow Tar Heels crashing a wedding




Love life and live it to the fullest.

Making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate

This is the halfway point. I’m halfway through my Fulbright grant and my students are halfway through the school year. Thus, I just returned from spending the two weeks of the school holiday in Vietnam, traveling the countryside at times alone and at times with friends. I just want to highlight the most meaningful events here.

***

In honor of their son who passed away four years ago, my distant relatives have founded a school and fund a few initiatives in Vietnam to help disabled youth who have been affected by Agent Orange in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam, I had the opportunity to visit the school and spend a day with the Children of Vietnam NGO. A huge thank you goes to Dick Schmitt for making my visits possible!

The Children of Vietnam NGO

The Children of Vietnam NGO “works to change the lives for the better of poor, orphaned, homeless, disabled, and vulnerable children in Vietnam” (COV Mission Statement). In the one short day I spent with COV, I saw two of their six initiatives – the Hope System of Care for Children with Disabilities and the Empowering Foundations for Women and their Children – in action. These are two wraparound initiatives targeting the most vulnerable in their communities.

The Empowering Foundations for Women and their Children works to help single mothers and their children become self-reliant through providing a combination of microloans, education, housing, and healthcare. During my visit, we made one house visit to meet with a woman who single-handedly raises her three children and breeds pigs and ducks to sell as an income-generating project. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet with her as she was very busy making her daily rounds asking neighbors and restaurants for their leftover food scraps to feed her pigs. We were, however, able to talk with her 12-year old son who has taken on many of the roles of the head male figure in the household since his father passed away.

In addition to the house visit, we also visited an orphanage which benefits from the initiative. As it is summer vacation for the children, we found them watching television in the common room, playing chess in the dorm room, and making necklaces, fishing rods, and crowns from the leaves of trees in the courtyard. I played with the children while the COV staff met with those in charge of the orphanage.

The Hope System of Care for Children with Disabilities provides comprehensive care to children with mental and physical disabilities, many of whom have been affected by Agent Orange/dioxin. Around 300 children benefit from this initiative. As the day I visited was International Children’s Day, we attended a ceremony in which the children were provided with large bags filled with nutritious foods, foods to which they may not otherwise have access. Ping, the COV intern who happens to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I were given the privilege to hand out the bags to the children. After the formal ceremony, Ping and I played with some of the children, putting smiles on all of our faces, while their parents met with COV staff to discuss the comprehensive plan for the children. About every six months, COV meets with each family individually to discuss the needs of the children, including health care, physical check-ups, economic support for the family, education, and nutrition.

Children of Vietnam is an incredible organization with a very hard-working staff and is clearly making a positive impact in the lives of many people in Central Vietnam. Learn more at their website: www.childrenofvietnam.org


At the orphanage - I just did her hair


A child creating a crown from leaves and twigs. Ping is helping!


Families receiving care packages as part of International Children's Day


Me with the children beneficiaries


The children having a great time taking pictures of each other with Ping's phone


The Children of Vietnam staff and me


The Landon Carter Schmitt Residence for Blind and Visually Impaired Children

Built in memory of Landon Carter Schmitt, this residential school is currently home to 28 visually impaired and blind children from the Quang Tri province in Vietnam. This school provides a safe place for the students to grow and learn how to assimilate into mainstream society. The teachers and residential staff are trained in the best methods for working with the visually disabled youth so that the education is most beneficial to the students. The students are taught “braille and mobility and English and computer”…so that they have the “skills that will help them contribute to their families and country in ways no one thought possible when they were born without, or lost, their sight” (The Landon Carter Schmitt Residence e-mail newsletter).

Unfortunately, since I visited during the school holiday, there were no teachers or students at the school. However, Tam from the Global Community Service Foundation and also the owner of Tam’s Café (http://tamscafe.jimdo.com/) in Dong Ha, graciously took me to visit the school. It is truly incredible to see the work that my relatives and the members of the Dong Ha community are doing to improve the lives of these children. It is empowering and inspiring.


The Landon Carter Schmitt Residence for Blind and Visually Impaired Children


Tam and I in front of the LCS Residence dedication plaque

Thank you to all who made this experience possible for me:
Dick Schmitt, my cousin and founder of the LCS Residence for Blind and Visually Impaired Children
Nancy Letteri, the Executive Director of Children of Vietnam
Loung Thi Huong, Country Director of Children of Vietnam
Nguyen Xuan Tam, GCSF staff who gave me a tour of the LCS Residence

Thank you for the work you do.