This has been the most life-changing experience that I've ever undertaken. By coming to Taiwan, I got the chance to visit Hong Kong, live on my own, and develop relationships that will last a life time. I'll never forget all the people that I've had the opportunity and pleasure to meet. This trip started with a lot of doubts. I thought, with my health, it would be difficult and that I had made a bad decision. I quickly realized how fortunate I am, and began to see this as an opportunity to better myself and get stronger. Throughout my journey, I've had help from countless individuals, and even found it in myself to continue, persevere, and flourish. I'd like to thank everyone for making this journey what it was - a remarkable experience.
I've had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong, and spend a week there to explore the city. I got to try a lot of different things that I've long dreamed to do; living the Hong Kong drama life. Also, I got the chance to meet more of Judy's family: James, Janet, (Phil, I met in Wpg), and Leila, and they're all great people, they made my time in Hong Kong even more remarkable. James made this trip unforgettable, and I'm glad we met. I'll never forget speaking Cantonese, and hearing his reactions. Hong Kong is such a beautiful place, and I got to experience in first hand. I can't wait until the next time I return.
Next I had the fortune of travelling to Taiwan. I'll admit, at first I hated it, and wanted to return to Canada. I saw a lot of cockroaches and creepy-crawlies, and in general disliked it; culture shock at it's finest. I quickly overcame all of my reservations from the first day, and began to appreciate Taiwan for what it is, a beautiful country. We got to see so much in the first week, and have Astrid to thank. She made me quickly change my mind about Taiwan.
After another week, I left for Zhanghe, but wouldn't start for a couple of weeks. During this time I got to take part in a summer camp with other AIESEC-ers and university students. During the three day camp, I was responsible for teaching the children about the Ocean and South America, through Finding Nemo and Up, respectively. I learned z lot from the research that I did, and a lot from my peers. It was such a great time, and I'll keep all of the little cards that they wrote for me forever. It was awesome, bringing in a little Disney to Taoyuan.
Returning to Zhanghe, I had the opportunity to teach incoming grade seven and eight students, as well as the school's Handball and Basketball team and a Kindergarten class. At first, I thought I was teaching eight classes per day, but found out that I would be teaching eight per week, a week before classes began. As you can imagine, it was a frenzy to condense so much in half, but I did it! The first class was a little bit awkward, and the projector and space didn't align with my vision. I edited my lessons a bit based on the first day and the teacher's recommendations, and the rest is history. I got to sing and dance with my students, share Canadian culture and items that are important to me, and most importantly inspire and be inspired.
I'll never forget this journey, and thank my mother, Judy Chan, Lucy Tseng, James Ho, Astrid and Lavie Hsu, and everyone who I got to meet; everyone had a part in making this trip possible and absolutely fantastic. My mother for letting me come all the way across the world, and showing me unconditional support throughout my journey; Judy Chan for being the best partner, and travelling partner, and going through with this journey; Lucy Tseng for interviewing me choosing me as the right candidate; James for everything he did for Judy and I in Hong Kong (not just for getting us milk tea); Astrid and Lavie for housing me TWICE and showing me the little places that we went to.
I can't believe I got to spend two and a half months in Asia. If you told me this when I started my undergrad and my AIESEC journey, I would have laughed at you. I would never have thought that I'd take such a leap like this. I'm glad I did. I've learned so much about my self, and have learned to be much more independent than ever before. Yes, there were low points too, but they've all made me stronger and a better person. I've met so many great people, and am glad to call each one my friend. I'll always remember my first Asia experience, and it'll be something that I reflect upon throughout all of my life's adventures. I can't begin to describe what a phenomenal trip it has been. I am both sad and happy to be returning home. Sad for obvious reasons, and happy to put all that I've learned here into my life back home, and share my stories with everyone who wants to listen.
Sincerely, with the utmost gratitude,
Jeff Chu (3.14)
P.S. I will be back.
Timeline:
Hong Kong: June 15-20
Taipei (Astrid and Lavie's): June 20-29
Taoyuan (Summer Camp): July 1-3
Taipei (Teaching at Zhanghe): July 20-Aug 14
Taipei (Astrid and Lavie's): Aug 22-28
Return to Canada: Aug 28
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