Jasmine Lam

What a morning. As we, Colts to Fiji 2011, dumped every bag full of recycles onto the parking lot grounds, I felt extremely proud and happy that our class was able to collect so many bottles, juice boxes, cans…etc. All the hard work of asking for bottle donations, grabbing drinks as friends finished their refreshments, and filling my backpack with empty recycles at the end of the day, had paid off. It was the city’s trash, and our treasure.

However, the enthusiasm had begun to fade as I filled the third plastic bag with 150 small plastic bottles. The sun came up and things were getting sweaty, sticky and smelly. Searching for particular types of recyclables and running through week-old collections, was quite exhausting. It would have been extremely difficult to have done it all on my own; I was really glad that we, Colts, had each other to get the job done.

One thing I learned today about teamwork is that communication is really important. Every bag had a specific number of bottles, juice boxes or cans, in which it could withhold. It was essential that our partners and ourselves knew the counting, and worked parallel to one another. The dependence and importance of every person at the bottle drive, today, made me very excited about the work that we would be doing in Fiji next year. Though we would not be separating aluminum from plastics, or glass from juice cartons, the sense of a goal, teamwork and accomplishment would remain.

Soon after, the floor was swept and every recyclable was in their rightful bag. It was time to take a break; a Slurpee had never tasted so good. The truck came (twice!) to load the bags. As the final load was sent off to the recycling depot, I anticipated for the tallied money we would receive, and I hoped to have made a record in the history of Global Perspectives Bottle Drives.

Though it is quite disappointing that I was not able to have my SAT Subject test done and over with, I am very pleased to have been able to join in this normally unpleasant process.

Time to write the first draft of my World Lit. One!

Until next time,

Jasmine

Matheny: “Okay, Global Perspectives 2011, let’s unravel the flag of our destination.”

Colts (30): “Yes! … Uh, what? Where’s that?” Moments later. “FIJI!” Incomprehensible shouts of excitement.

After the announcement of Fiji as our 2011 destination, the first images that popped in my mind were beaches, resorts and parties under the sun. However, as Mr. Matheny talked more about our project and the village of Wavuwavu that we would be visiting, I realized that there were many things about those set of islands in which I hadn’t known.  There were lifestyles we, as a class, could make better.

In elementary school, teachers would always ask students to write about their dreams, their goals, what they want to do when they grow up. Me, like many other elementary kids, would write down: “help others” or “travel” or “do service in a third world country”. But who knew, just a year from now, I would be able to achieve such a dream. Fiji, here I come! At this point, I cannot imagine myself building an entire community centre for a whole village; however, I am sure it will be an experience of a lifetime. Just being among the Fijians, people who live in an almost completely different lifestyle than I, will be remarkable and mind-opening.

These few weeks have definitely been a merry-go-round of emotions. From being extremely worried, to being ecstatic, to sympathizing for others, and finally, feeling the nervousness of work overload. Things have also been pretty fast-paced. Since the first crucial e-mail from Mr. Matheny, we, Global Perspectives 2011, have already been announced of our destination to Fiji, persuading people for donations, passing out forms for Meat Sales and looking for locations to collect bottles for the Bottle Drive. Though a little worried that the perceived amount would not be achieved, all these activities have been making this project more and more exciting.  

As a Colt to Fiji, I have been reminded that money is a powerful and valuable possession. The aim to collect donations for Fiji has given me a more positive attitude towards work. Often, on Saturday nights, I would dread having to go to work the next morning. In my mind, it had always taken up my homework time and thus, my hours of sleep. Now, conversely, I have a goal: to save money for my trip to Fiji next year. My job has become a privilege. It is opportunity for income to realize my aspiration, no longer another task waiting to end.

To my new fellow Colts to Fiji, I wish you all the best! Good luck on all your Scratch Cards, Meat Sales and Bottle Drive. Despite the numerous “no”s we’ve been told, hard work and enthusiasm can go a long way. I do believe we can reach and go beyond our donation goal. Have a happy week and enjoy the sun!

Until next time,

Jasmine