Yijie's final reflection(:

I think I would not have been able to do up this final reflection without my journal.

The pre-trip sessions are really important. Without that, I would not have known the true meaning of service learning and would not have as much ownership to the project that I had right now. I think the S-L game left us into thinking a lot.

On the very first day, Wan Lv Qing Primary already left me a very great impression. The Principal, teachers and students really warmly welcomed us and made us feel at home right away. The students were also extremely friendly and helped us moved our luggage to the place that we were staying.
The living conditions were also bad as compared to Singapore. However, I learnt that money is not put in to build a better toilet as it is actually their way of life and we should try to adapt to it. The weather there was also another challenge for us as it fluctuates a lot throughout the day.

The most unforgettable experience I guess would be the mountain climbing to collect firewood. I was with three very helpful girls from the primary four. We went quite high up to chop the firewood and tied them into a bundle. Of course, it was the girls who helped me and I realized that mine was really half compared to theirs. The slope was actually VERY steep. Climbing up was better because we were not carrying anything but the girls were practically pulling me up and I was thinking if I were to slip, we would all fall down together. The way down was so scary and obviously being pulled down by the girls again.

I guess all of us were quite sad to leave the first school as we had already formed a close bond with them through the various activities that we had together. It seems that the children do really remembered what you have done for them. And the question that I do not want to hear was those children asking when we will be back. Deep down we would very much like to go back but it is not up to us to decide as well. If we had the chance to return to this school, I am sure that the children will still remember us no matter what.

It was definitely an experience that we are able to visit four schools for this trip. However, for the road project, I just felt that we were not able to do what we could due to the weather. On the other note, I am glad that our funds were still able to help the village by opening up a road so that they could increase their income and not let the crops gone to waste.

For my group, the photo essay helped us a lot in understanding the preparations behind this whole trip. It was really fun thinking of ways to approach Zhao Bin and discussing the questions that we were to ask him.

Our team is actually one which loves singing and it has really spice up the whole journey. Last but not least, Ms Koh, Ms Fong, Mr Cheng and the rest of the YELL team, thank you so much for your care and support. I could not have made it without you guys. =)