Flickr - Globetoppers
When I travel, all I do is take. I take in the sights. I take in the sound. I take in the smell, the feel, the culture and I certainly take in the food. But what do I give? Nothing but dollar bills. Now, how fair is that?
The only time I ever gave back was during my study abroad semester. I volunteered at the QiDi Migrant School in rural Shanghai teaching English to impoverished children.
These migrant children were not only hungry for food but they were hungry to learn. They shouted answers with bright eyes and they fought to come to the board. For them, enough was never enough. They always wanted more. At the end of each class they tugged at my hands and asked,
“黄老师，你会回来吗？”(Miss Wong, will you be back?)
I always said yes. They always gleamed with joy but I knew that the more I said yes, the closer it was to saying no. Eventually I had to leave. Just like everyone else in their lives. (Read more)
With the exception of my study abroad semester, all of my trips were never extended travels. Perhaps that’s why giving back was never top of mind. It was all about me and what I wanted because in about a week or so, I’d be back to my 9-7.
So I’d like to propose something new on A Pair of Panties & Boxers and I hope you will all support me. I will be featuring a fellow wanderluster who has given back to the global community on “Do Good Thursday.” I’ m looking to share stories from travelers who have volunteered abroad and inspire others to do the same.
If you have a personal story, volunteer resources, tips and advice you’d like to share, please email me at monica@apairofpantiesandboxers.com. I can’t wait to hear about the lives you’ve changed and the differences you’ve made.
