Ernest Cheung

Coming home to Richmond I felt extremely depressed. I miss all the good times together with my Fijians. I never thought that the experience would reach out to me this much. Every night I go to bed wishing I could wake up at the North Pole and go down for a meal of eggs beans and fight for pancakes again.

Live in the moment.

Those words mean more to me than they ever did before. In just two and a half I feel like I grew more as a person than I did throughout my entire high school career. The world is massive, and being able to realize this makes me excited to see the rest of the world. I feel the need to travel with each passing day. I want to experience different cultures and see as much of the world as I can before I die.

Thinking back to the nights with the beautiful sunsets and the starry starry skies, and looking out my window to see the light pollution fog up the sky, I feel extremely empty. It feels as though the world is waiting for me and here I am sitting in front of my computer doing nothing productive. Tomorrow is the first day of school since we left, I keep asking myself “Is it going to be different”? I feel that I can place more value on my education now, but will I be able to take action? Procrastination is something which I hope to eliminate completely, but I may simply be thinking too optimistically.

The Fiji experience is really hard to put into words. Many personal truths were reinforced which have already shown results in my everyday life. Many memories of dear friends have already engraved its signature onto my heart. I feel that the experience is priceless and beyond words. Anyone can talk of how beautiful the sky was, how radiant the sun was, but to actually see it is another story. One day I hope to return to the low Fijian sky, to feel the pounding drum of the sun against my forehead. I hope one day to return to Wavuwavu and see ViJay and Chopi again. But most of all I hope I am able to keep the connections which I’ve made over the past two and a half weeks with all my friends.

Until next time,

Ernest

It has been a long week but construction is already in its final stages! Today is the final full work day and we are applying the final coat of paint. Mr. Matheny  even said throughout his entire global experiences he never heard the words “final coat”. It makes me feel proud knowing that the people here will finally have a community center as well as a shelter from hurricanes.

It makes me sad knowing that the first half of the trip is almost over. I’ve made many friends over the past week in the village and in my own class as well. I found myself talking to many individuals who I never thought I would have. Being able to connect to so many individuals, has been an amazing experience. Originally I had been feeling a little home sick, but now that I look back at the journey so far, I cannot believe how fast time has passed. The experiences have been priceless. I’m almost positive that I will never experience something like this in my lifetime again. The village people have been so friendly, the kids are so fun to play with, and I’ve never felt closer with my friends. Regret is a word that does not exist in my dictionary.

I hope to return to this village one day and see how the building is being used. In fact, given the chance, I would strongly consider future global trips. When I turn nineteen, given that I’m financially stable, I would be happy to attend a grad trip. The global experience has really opened my eyes and I know that Fiji is but a piece of the entire world. I hope one day to see the rest of the world with my own eyes, and help those who are in need.

Yesterday I passed out on my bed from exhaustion. Me Jeff and our new friend Chopi(sp?) spent the entire day working in the hole, digging until we reached the 5 ft mark. In the end everyone jumped in to help. By the time we got back onto the bus, I was exhausted and fell asleep immediately. My head was spinning and I felt extremely delusional. Luckily Ms.Thomsing was there to help me. The next day we saw a goat get sacrificed. Most of the students started crying and refused to eat the goat after. I however found the goat delicious.  Following the sacrifice we hiked to the top of the hill/mountain and enjoyed the view. Fiji has been an amazing experience and I can’t wait for the days to come.

On the third day I had the opportunity to work with the dental crew. Originally I thought that it would be boring, but I had an amazing time. I never thought that the villagers would have such beaten up teeth. It felt extremely rewarding knowing that I was able to help them feel better. It was an extremely busy day, almost forty patients and we managed to get through all of them. I never felt happier being able to help others. I started out very nervous and unsure but eventually felt very comfortable. The dentists were amazing to work with. Joanne would be dancing in the prep room and every time I entered I would feel like I was in an episode of a comedy sitcom.

First day on the job, not even half way through, and I’m exhausted. But I never felt better in my life. Although the 42 hour wait was treacherous it was well worth it. Never in my life have I experienced something so moving, so eye opening. As I type, my classmates are working hard on the project. We have teams digging the hole, painting the roof, working with dentists, and cooking food. The scenery is spectacular! Green for as far as the eye can see and clear ocean water. Little islands frame the coast as I feel the wind blow though my hair. Fiji has only started for me and I already feel truly grateful for everything I’ve experienced and will experience in the days to come.

“Although I may have said University wasn’t all that glamorous, I am really in no position to say anything until I actually attend it. I feel however that the Canadian school system, and in particular the IB program, has developed me greatly. Not only as a learner, but as a thinker. By this I mean that I have been able to become more open-minded. I am able to see things in more than one angle, or so I believe. Going to Fiji will be the ultimate test of whether or not I can adapt to new situations. It will test how open my mind really is. And that challenge itself, is more than enough so get me excited.”

The last part of this paragraph is what I would like to place emphasis on. The entire topic of being open-minded is very important, especially when traveling. However, speaking about something and demonstrating is two very different things. One thing we discussed in class was culture shock. And the main way to counter this was to be open-minded. I know for a fact that I will experience culture shock, in fact it would be unrealistic is say that I will be able to adapt to everything. However, I believe that by being open minded, one can minimize the time one spends being shocked. This is extremely important because in unfamiliar grounds, one must be prepared for anything. Mr.Matheny often tells us stories about the most amazing scenarios and problems, and as I constantly hear these stories I start to think that perhaps their not really just coincidences. Each of these experiences teaches us a personal truth and an objective truth of the world. And as we progress through life these experiences pile up. I believe that the best way to learn and gain experience is to be as open-minded as possible when living and reflecting through these moments. It is through this process that we grow and allow us to live our life to the fullest. Fiji will be an amazing experience. It is a once in a life time moment, and it will play a big part in my development as a member of the planet Earth.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

To me this quote reminded me back to the first day of Global Ed.
As a matter of fact it was before the first day when I was typing my response questions in preparation for the interview.

This was my response to the question: Why do you want to take Global Perspectives?

I want to take global perspectives because I feel that it is an excellent opportunity to extend my view of the world.
It is also a good chance to see and understand a different perspective of humanity, as well as enhancing my beliefs in the importance of global citizenship.

This was my response and the minute I read that quote I remembered this.
The importance of Global Citizenship is perhaps one aspect of life I value the most.
Growing up in Canada, born in Hong Kong, and having traveled to numerous places
which include Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, and multiple areas of China, Canada, and the US.
However, despite all this, I still feel extremely naive within the context of the whole world.

Fiji will be an amazing experience which will contribute to my Global Citizenship.
However, even as I write this I know that Fiji is but one of the many places I plan to explore.

“You want to go with the flow. The sea refuses no river. The idea is to remain in a state of constant departure while always arriving.
Saves on introductions and good-byes. The ride does not require an explanation. Just occupants.”

– Waking Life

I feel that the first quote connects indirectly to this one. You don’t have to know where your going,
in fact you don’t even have to know why. You just have to be on board, and your guaranteed
some greater knowledge.

First day back and already its as lively as ever!
Today our teachers invited us into the class room the most unusual way.
All the girls who stepped into the classroom were required to take off their shoes.
and the men who walked in were seated, shoes on, and watched as the girls worked.
The men were then given authority over the women and watched them work.

Why is this simulation important?
First of all it explores the possibility of repression or marginalization for women
which we may or may not experience in our journey. And perhaps by being exposed to it
prior to the trip, one can reduce culture shock.
Another important point I found was that this simulation shifted my paradigm into
one completely new to me. I thought very deeply what it would be like not understanding a single word when arriving in a new world. This was extremely hard to grasp as I grew up in a community largely Chinese based. And therefore, as my background permits, I was able to communicate fluently with both cultures within Richmond. However, Fiji doesn’t correspond with this luxury. When I arrive, I have to be able to find my way around, possibly without any use of my voice at all!

I learned a lot today regarding this issue and I feel a little more confident towards the trip which comes in less than 25 Global classes!

Literacy, I believe, is something that most of us have taken for granted.
Being pushed into a society which imposes reading and writting onto us
at a young age, we never really take the time to consider what life would
be like if we were without such privileges. Looking at the table of literacy
rates, the most obvious trend I found was the sudden jump from Gaza Strip
and Chad. The literacy rates fell by literally 50%! This one occurrence is perhaps
the biggest problem. How is it that I can sit on my computer, sip my hot chocolate,
and somewhere in the world, a person is starving, malnourished, because they
lack a proper education. Because they are illiterate.

Last meeting, besides discussing about literacy rates, we also discussed the notion
of tough love. A member of our group, for his/her own reason, have been withdrawn.
This member was not only a bright intelligent individual, but also a contributing member
of our Global Perspectives group. When we discussed his/her withdrawal, it was immediately
linked to tough love. I can personally understand why this happened. And to some extent
I can even relate, as my father often feels the same way about tough love. It was however,
a shock to many, if not all, or classmates. It is important to emphasize tough love,
and I respect the father’s decision, but I can’t help but feel sad that it happened.

Our class feels smaller every time we lose a member. But we have to be prepared
to face the unexpected. When we arrive to Fiji, it is inevitable that something
doesn’t go as planned. We have to remember that our primary goal is to build
a environment where education is possible. Not to have fun with our friends.

- Ernest

It has been a while since my last blog entry
(Thanks for the reminder Mr.Matheny!)

I want to start with the “a-ha” moments discussed in class
and also about the few people that Mr.Matheny said didn’t
really change throughout the course.
Personally, not to sound arrogant, I feel that I won’t have too
many “a-ha” moments. I’m not implying that this will hinder my
learning and the amount of experiences I will gain.
I personally find myself to be very open-minded. I know for a fact that
there will be many situations or cultural differences which may make
me feel uncomfortable when I arrive in Fiji, or anywhere else in the world.
But at the same time I feel extremely prepared. Anything
that crosses our path, I feel ready to accept.

Although I was born in Hong Kong, I was raised in a western society.
However, within this western society I had parents who were not able
to adjust as well as I have. And because of this I found myself stuck
between two cultures, two societies. Perhaps “stuck” isn’t the best term,
but you get the picture. It’s actually quite interesting because living in
a city such as Richmond allows me to exercise both of my cultures.
Although one culture (western) is more prevalent than the other,
the fact that it is still present greatly affected my childhood and the
way I think and react.

It is because of this, I feel prepared to quickly accept another culture.
It is because of this that I feel little to no fear of whats to come.
Although my current view of the world is very limited, I can
confidently say that I am ready for more.

- Ernest

Tonight truly is a night to remember.

I think that tonight we all learned a lot about ourselves.

And although a lot of it may still not be evident at the moment

it will be as we progress towards other events and finally Fiji.

What brought the most attention to me tonight was how efficiently we were able to work as a team

None of us had prior experience dealing with an event as specific as this,

but we were able to manage and pull it off very smoothly.

Tonight was a test of teamwork, and we passed with flying colors.

I am proud to call each and every one of you my friends.

Every time we have an event such as this, our group becomes closer and closer.

It makes to sad to think about what it will be like AFTER our Fiji trip and we all go our separate ways!

However, until that time comes, we have a lot to look forward to!

One particular moment that stuck to me was the wastage of food.

And specifically the grads of last year. Although they had been through more than we have,

it hurt to see them waste food knowing that the purpose of this dinner was to promote ideals opposite of this.

It was however, very comforting to see our group sharing the last plate of food to make sure it doesn’t go to waste.

Tonight is a night that will be forever held in our hearts
So let’s remember to hold on to memories like this and learn to let the bad things go!

-Ernest