Learning my heritage through giving back

This past May I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand with GIVE volunteers, a non-profit organization dedicated “to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change worldwide”. This trip was an immersion in the remote hill-tribe communities of Northern Thailand for two weeks. As a team of young adults, we focused on sustainable agriculture, English education, and elephant conservation.

At the end of the trip, when our guide Chelsey Deacon asked us on our last night together, what was your “aha moment”? I wanted to prioritize sharing my gratitude for discovering and giving back to my heritage, although I realized being with these amazing and kindhearted people held space for me to have this experience. I learned how the loving Thai community allowed us to quickly grow to know and love each other’s souls and hearts, and now I understand why my grandmother's heart still lies in Thailand.