Teacher Reflections

When I arrived in Cambodia for the first time, over seven years ago, I had only a small conception of what I would find or where the experience would lead. The first memories are all sensual: the smell, the heat, the relief of the afternoon monsoons. Most others are overwhelming: the poverty, the traffic, the overpowering sense of being a foreigner, a minority. Those first days were difficult, but over time they translated into a stronger knowledge of myself and of the world. For me, one of the most rewarding outcomes of this trip has been seeing my students struggle through the same first impressions I did and leave being similarly impacted.

At first, our group talked much about the traffic and the tuk-tuk rides, the oppressive humidity and the filthy streets. But, those conversations faded away as the students became accustomed to travel in Cambodia. In their place came conversations about Cambodia’s performing arts, the “living arts,” and contemporary culture’s connections with the ancient Ankorean temples.

Testifying to how the students have been affected, our group conversation last evening shed light on the new perspectives gained. We may have some funds left over at the end of the trip, and students discussed possibilities for how to use that money. The students’ hopes ranged from sponsoring scholarships for students to supporting a countryside family and a new class of classical wedding musicians. Even more impressive was that some students expressed a desire to keep fundraising to raise a significant amount of money to support this country and its performing arts. To me, this represents a new sense of international responsibility and connection, and it reflects the power of an experience of this magnitude. These typical American teenagers have been transformed into engaged world citizens with a deep appreciation of their own wealth and a desire to share their abundance with others.