Post-trip Reflection: SApa ENLIGHTENED

The greatest takeaway was feeling the locals’ heartfelt passion to learn and the pride they had for their culture. Both traits are fairly rare finds in Singapore – where most students take their access to education for granted since the government necessitates it, and personally I am guilty of it. I live in a country where education is a right and not a privilege – sometimes I see it more as a chore than for self-enrichment. We are also incredibly fortunate to be shaped by our education to be multilingual. Despite being aware of the importance, I never truly felt the impact of being a first-language speaker of English. However, their hunger to learn made me realize how lucky I actually am to be able to easily learn and practice English on a daily basis

• The visit to Hanoi University (Day 1) allowed me to understand that they need to major in a particular language to be able to learn it as a second/third language. However in Singapore, we learn at least two languages and some even have the privilege to pick up another language in third language school, or even take it as an elective in university. In contrast, it is a lot easier for Singaporeans to pick up new language without having to commit to it as a major in University.

• On the first night, Prof Zac invited a local student to eat dinner with us. She dedicates her weekend nights to go around the city to speak to tourists to practice her English. Our new Vietnamese friend, Ha, (Day 6) also shows such spirit. She volunteers to guide tourists in English. I find their dedication to learning incredible and perhaps even unthinkable, especially when contrasted with most Singaporeans who cannot even dedicate their full attention to their language classes.

• This passion to learn is not only apparent in Hanoi city, but is also seen across all ages in Sapa Town. In Sapa (Day 2), we were approached by villagers who tried to sell us their handmade souvenirs. We were surprised that they could speak fairly good English and similarly, they picked it up solely by conversing with foreigners. They were fluent enough in English to not only sell their products, but also to provide tours to foreigners.

Learning a new language is hard, especially hard when you do not have the environment for it but their passion (and perhaps their determination for a better life) allowed them trudge through the arduous process. The reason why I feel so strongly is because they did not stop even when it is easier for them to do so. It was a wake-up call for me as at times I would give up if I feel that the odds are against me and this inspired me to work on my perseverance.

On another note, Singapore’s diverse multiracial and multi-cultural society produces a diluted culture which cannot be pinpointed to any singular identity, reaching the point where we are unable to embrace and appreciate the true meaning behind each custom of the distinct cultures. In contrast, the Vietnamese are so proud of their culture, and their dedication to preserve it is so beautiful.

• Interview with Dong and Shom (Villagers in Sapa Town) (Day 2):They revealed that even if they could live in Sapa Town, they would reject the idea as they valued their community over the possibility of a more comfortable life.

• During the interviews with the Sapa O’Chau guides (Day 4), we were curious about why they wanted to be a guide and they explained that it was mainly to give back to their community. The fact that their first reply was that it was for their community and not for a better life reflects their priorities and how much they care about their community.
• Interview with Long (Day 5): The most surprising thing to me was that Long, a villager in Hanoi, studied in Singapore and graduated from a university but he gave up the chase for material goods to live a humble lifestyle of a villager in hopes of preserving his culture. Yet, in Singapore, it is unthinkable to even chase a career deemed impractical (e.g. the arts). His decision gave me the courage to rethink what I really do want in life and why I want it, and it also showed me that there is so much more to life than just materialistic wants.

The reason why I feel so deeply is because I feel that in Singapore where almost everyone is so pragmatic, there is a lack of a sense of community; it is perhaps only most pronounced in co-curricular activities (e.g. camps). We often prioritize materialistic wants over such intangible needs and we overlook the importance of the community spirit.

There were 2 most rewarding experiences of the trip for me – getting to know the locals, and the interaction with professors and peers. As an introvert, I never expected myself to enjoy talking to strangers. However, in this trip I truly enjoyed learning about the lives of the locals and sharing our different experiences. Another unexpected experience I had was the leadership activity at the central square of Sapa Town as well as the café hopping session with the professors. The leadership activity was a great chance to practice small details (such as tone, pronunciation, handshake) that we always overlook. The most important takeaway was that “leadership is uncomfortable”. Although we were unable to spend a lot of times with all the professors, the café hopping session was a great start to getting to know the professors and listen to the stories they have to share with us.

I feel truly blessed to be able to go on this trip, to get to know my friends and professors better, and for the leadership activities. This trip has not only allowed me to get information required for our project, but also knowledge about myself, and lessons and insights I would carry for the rest of my life.