LOPEZ TAN
BUSINESS STUDIES, YEAR 2

DESTINATION:
Ben Tre Province, Vietnam

THE MISSION:
To build a courtyard for schoolchildren

WAS THIS YOUR FIRST COMMUNITY SERVICE TRIP?
This was my second trip. Four years ago, I went on my first community service trip to Cambodia. While it may sound clichéd, that trip changed my life. This time, I went to Vietnam to do more than just build a courtyard for the kids. I wanted to learn more about myself while doing something purposeful.

HOW WAS THE JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY?
I always thought that I was someone with a lot of determination. But that was put to the test when we had to shift 50 bags of cement weighing 50kg each from one place to another. At one point, I was so exhausted I wanted to just throw my shovel away and rest. But I psyched myself and pushed on. That’s when I realised that only a steely resolve can get me through any breaking point.


 
Shoving gravel to build a courtyard for Vietnamese students

YIP WENQI
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, YEAR 2

DESTINATION:
Zaokeng Village, China

THE MISSION:
To build a basketball court for the school, paint the classrooms and teach the students English

WHAT BROUGHT YOU CLOSER TO THE VILLAGERS?
Even though the villagers had difficulty conversing in English, they didn’t stop trying to communicate with our Malay friends. In fact they tried even harder, relying on body language and facial expressions. Those of us who could speak Chinese doubled as translators. We had a lot of lively interactions with the villagers!

WHAT WAS ONE THING FROM THE TRIP THAT TOUCHED YOUR HEART?
The children taught me what it means to give without expecting anything in return. Despite coming from poor families, they treated me to snacks they had bought with money that they’ve saved up for a year. When I asked them why, they simply said, “Because we want to give you the best we can.” I felt so grateful.