My Self Reflection (Putri)

A self reflection should be honest and true from the heart, reflecting one's self, one's mind and inner feelings. So I'm taking some time now to ponder upon myself, how I've changed and grow throughout this semester.

Frankly, some of my friends (including myself) were initially inclined to think that this social engagement programme was a waste of our time. But then, after I participate in our community service project at Sekolah Anak Yatim dan Miskin and Rumah Anak Kesayanganku, I realise that it has touched my heart a bit (if not a lot). To appear good is easy, but to really be one requires time and will.

Even though being an only child is nice, I never really know how to interact with children. But after doing this project, I learn how to communicate with them better, how to engage their attention, teach them basic grammar and mathematics, listen to their stories, as well as share their laughter and sadness.

Social engagement also gives me the chance to reminisce about my childhood memory. My life so far has been - what you could call - monotonously easy, without any real challenges that are able to knock me down (for which I am grateful of), but I also notice that it makes me unaware of others' hardships. I know that all this while, I've always been lacking in both sympathy and empathy towards other people's situation. But through this project, I learn how to think about other people and put myself in their shoes. After learning the fact that those children come from poor background - some are orphans (I am so thankful for my parents), some are poverty-stricken, while others are abused either mentally or physically - I become more sympathetic towards other people. I wish to contribute back to society and help those in need. Even though I may not be able to do much, but one good deed is better than none.  

I begin to understand that every choice that I make will affect others in my life - be it someone that I know or not. The things that I say or do to one person will go a long way, transcending time, place and society.

The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt. 

-- Frederick Buechner

                                                                                            By:
                                                                                                               Putri Humairah

                                                                                                                             26 May 2016