My brother’s experience showed me that there are many ways to travel and learn about the culture, people, and landscapes of another country, because volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s also a way to get to know, learn, and understand. It’s an enriching opportunity to discover other worlds and discover yourself.
What I had seen in pictures was only part of it; experiencing it firsthand makes you realize how fortunate you are to have this experience, in which you give but, above all, receive. I have been able to immerse myself in a very special culture and warmth; and the camaraderie with others Volunteers make everything more special: far from home and family, they become your little family, with whom you feel accompanied, cared for and comforted.
There, they treated us like one of their own; you feel loved from the very beginning. You don’t need to do anything extravagant to contribute: simply being there, offering companionship, listening, playing, or sharing a moment with someone means so much more than we realize. Even if you imagine all you can contribute before you go, once you’re there, you realize just how much they contribute to you.
The children reminded me that we all have dreams for when we “grow up,” no matter where we live, what kind of family we have, or who surrounds us. While he was coloring a picture, one of the children wrote: “Just a boy with a big dream.” I asked him what that big dream was: “To finish school.” Dreams aren’t bigger or smaller than they seem; a teacher’s role is to give children the confidence they need to believe in their dreams, to believe they can come true.
Everyone was eager to learn and participate. With a child who seemed listless, it’s possible no one had taken the time to sit with him/her, explain something, or simply listen. Young and old alike were far from passive or disinterested: when painting, they were careful to stay within the lines, choose their colors wisely, and write their names in neat handwriting. They listened attentively, and then recounted in their own words what you had explained and answered your questions.
All children should have the opportunity to have someone dedicate time to them, to feel seen and heard. Once they become students, the responsibility is to maintain and foster their enthusiasm and curiosity about the world around them. You think you’re going to teach, and you end up discovering that you have much to learn.
Everyone there made it so hard to say goodbye, not to a place, but to the people. They taught me to value every gesture, every hug, to look beyond the surface and cherish the smile, the sensitivity with which they speak, or their unique way of illuminating life.
I never received a single rude gesture or a disgusted look; they always showed us their affection. Even on days when you were feeling a bit down and it seemed like it wasn’t a good day, when you weren’t feeling so active and engaged, or you didn’t immediately respond with a smile, they would still offer us theirs, their hugs, and knowing glances.
They didn’t care whether it had been a good day, whether they’d had enough to eat, or whether they’d slept well. Everything else faded into the background because you were there with them, and in that moment, your presence was what mattered. That value placed on the simple fact that someone is present has changed how I perceive the way we share life with others.
I’ve also learned to give time its true value. Nothing is that important or that urgent; very few things require our impatience. There, time moves at a leisurely pace; they are able to dedicate the right amount of time to each person. There’s always time for a greeting, for a conversation, for doing you a favor.
And I’ve learned that it’s not just the destination that matters: the journey is just as important. If it rains one day and we have to change our plans, it’s okay, we can’t control that. Instead of getting angry or frustrated, they accept it and adapt their day. I’ve taken with me that way of valuing people and the present moment more than rushing or making plans.
I’ve learned to look at each student individually, to give them their time, and to understand the importance of something as simple as feeling someone stop to listen, to ask how you are, to share a moment with you. Even though there’s so much to do, so many children in the classroom and so much to teach, I don’t want to forget to stop and look at the person in front of me.
I was incredibly impressed in the Philippines by the eagerness to learn, to participate, to ask questions, and to do things well. As a future teacher, I hope I can nurture that curiosity, make children feel capable, and help them overcome their fear of making mistakes and dreaming about things that might seem difficult. Each child has their own story, their own family, their own abilities, and their own dreams; our job is to get to know them and support them.
I hope many people will be encouraged to volunteer, going without too many expectations and with an open mind. No matter how much you think about what you’re going to do, how you’re going to help, or what you’ll contribute, you’ll probably receive much more than you imagined.
As a volunteer, take advantage of every moment to talk, ask questions, listen, play games, sit and share some time with someone, get to know them, and let them get to know you. When you return home, you won’t remember the activities or the places, but you will remember the people, the conversations, the hugs, the smiles, and all those little moments that made you feel at home, even among strangers in a faraway place.
