Summary and suggestions

I would like to take this time to conclude with a quote:

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"The world's big things can only be done by paying attention to their humble beginnings."

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Again, I am Denice Ann D. Alimorong, a simple girl with big dreams, currently navigating life one step at a time as a working student. To provide a brief background, I teach online for Vietnamese and Japanese kids and adults. My journey into teaching took an unexpected turn when my current boss found me. Little did I know that the conversations we shared, like my desire to visit Vietnam and her to encourage me to, would turn into reality. Despite the learnings from both school and work, this experience has humbled me and reaffirmed that being a teacher requires commitment to learning.

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In expressing these thoughts, I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. This path feels like a divine affirmation of what God wants for me. I extend my deepest gratitude to God for His faithfulness, my supportive family, unexpected people who believed in and assisted me, my school for entrusting me to represent our university, the people behind this program, and everyone I encountered along the way who imparted invaluable lessons.

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The SEA-Teacher Program provided us more than just knowledge in our chosen field; it opened avenues for learning from others and mutual growth in an unfamiliar place. It encouraged independence, allowing us to see life from a different perspective.

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Through observations, demonstrations, and evaluations gained in this short rip, this experience serves as an ongoing opportunity for self-improvement. It goes beyond academics, contributing significantly to my personal journey. This transformative experience has unraveled why taking risks is crucial; it fosters growth.

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However, with gains come challenges. The hardest obstacle I encountered was the language barrier. Communicating during my stay in Vietnam was challenging but witnessing everyone's efforts highlighted progress. Communication is pivotal—it builds relationships, articulates thoughts, resolves conflicts, and fosters success in one's career and creativity.

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Having experienced all of these firsthand is overwhelming, but I am thankful to be here with you today, writing my very own blog and hoping this reaches many. This trip has imparted so much wisdom and enlightenment to me, both for myself and for education. While people may say that I taught in a different country, it is the other way around—they taught me.

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My suggestion is to continue programs like this but to extend them for a longer duration. More than one month in Vietnam could have been much better for us pre-service teachers, allowing us to fully and deeply enhance our knowledge and skills. Additionally, if schedules were well-prepared before our arrival, we could have maximized our time and explored the richness of Vietnam more thoroughly. I feel that I wasn't able to see the full depth of Vietnam's richness. I hope these suggestions would be noted as this journey plays a crucial role in experiential learning. Nevertheless, this trip will forever be one for the books.

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As I bid farewell to Dong Thap University, Future School, and Vietnam, it's not a permanent goodbye but a heartfelt "see you later."