BUSARA'S DIGEST #3

TO: All my friends who are away in school

Esp. THE R.Y.E.OUTBOUND CLASS OF 00_01 (DIST.6990)

Sawadeeka Friends!

Yes, tis I again with more stories and some inspirational food for thought this time. I am hoping that wherever you are, you are safe, having a lot of fun and learning something new everyday.

Well, let me get straight to the point. This is about being discouraged. Many of you may not be in your home country right now and it’s difficult; I know and that’s probably why I’m writing this. I have read the reports of my  fellow outbounds and I have come to somewhat of a conclusion, that wherever you may go, you will always find some people with misconceptions (of your country especially.) I know for a fact that it is surely different here in Thailand. The people in this country are not unkind, in fact that is the last word that I would use to describe them. It’s just that many of them are oblivious to what affect words can have on a person and my fellow inbounds (Dist.3350) and I have come to realize that in this country people will ask you anything and think nothing of it.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that you will be looked at strangely at some time or another in your life. So whether they judge you by the color of your skin, by how tall you are, by how much you weigh or simply by what they have heard about your country: Don’t Be Discouraged!!!!!! 

I know a lot of times that the people who repeat what they’ve heard about America and other stuff like that are those who are supposed to be helping you adjust. And when they do so, it really doesn’t do much for your self_confidence. But, look at it this way : They are simply incognizant or as Rotary would say:UNAWARE!! And  in that case, What are we supposed to do?????? (Krissy put it beautifully in her last report and I fully agree.) We must "Create Awareness and Take Action". This is what going to another country is all about (whether it be on an exchange or just to further your education.) Trading ideas and letting others know of the customs and traditions of your home.

Try not to be offended if people make statements that are simply not polite in your country. Be open_minded and try to learn as much as you can in whatever situation you may find yourself in. A wise teacher once told me that if you haven’t learnt, you haven’t lived. And that’s the honest truth! So DON’T BE DISCOURAGED, after all, you’re too blessed to be stressed. Instead, take the words of Patrick Glinton: "Everyday you should have a testimony, not a testi_grony!"

PEACE AND LOVE

Barbara Za’