Why did you decide to volunteer with GLA in China?
Irene: I decided to volunteer abroad with GLA in China because I wanted to learn more about my culture and how the people live similarly or differently from me in America. Being an American-born Chinese, I have always been curious of how much my parents changed in order to adapt to the American lifestyle.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Irene: From the beginning of the day, everyday of the trip, you would experience the daily collisions on the subway that almost everyone in Beijing takes to and from work. Every activity on the trip had a specific meaning and we would talk about these activities in our leadership sessions, that were held occasionally. For example, when we went to BETHEL China, we had a leadership session about our experience and our first impressions of the blind children at the facility. Our group had mixed feelings about the activity and we would share it with each other. Being a volunteer was enjoyable and I never expected volunteering to be a fun experience, but on the trip, I was eager to find out the next activity and where we would be going.
What made this experience unique and special?
Irene: The peers that were on the trip with me were what made this volunteer abroad experience unique and special. Of course, we were shy and didn't have much to say to each other at the beginning, but after a day, we were talking away about the food, school, and where we came from. I felt that our group was special because everyone was extremely outgoing and we didn't exclude anyone from the group at any time during the trip. If someone was walking alone or was falling behind, another would casually walk over and accompany that person.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Irene: This experience has definitely impacted my future. After the trip, I think that it is a necessity to do community service and experience the lives of others because not everyone is as fortunate.