Liam writes:
Adds a new meaning to what it is to be thankful
After presenting the students of Sông Chau Primary School with their gifts of stationery, instead of focusing on the materialistic items within the box, this specific boy was focused more on the actual box, putting it on his head, and smiling and laughing hysterically.
In our lives, we can be caught up with wanting the newest and greatest things and forget to be thankful for what we have, I think this photo serves as a symbol to be appreciative that you have a loving home and focus on that rather than the materialistic items within it. Upon this, the photo is so memorable to me because it reinforces what the term “less is more” means to be, which I found to be implemented all throughout the Vietnamese culture.
When we entered the school, I was overwhelmed by the welcoming, beaming smiles of the kids, who were so content with life. When they received their gifts containing stationery, although this particular boy was focused more on the box and it was difficult to communicate with them, he and his classmate’s gratitude was expressed so deeply through the big smiles on their faces. To think that most of these kids don’t have access to things we take for granted like air conditioning for an example and yet are still so happy sends a prudent message for society.
Another part of this photo that is special to me is the fact that it reminds me of where this particular school was established. It is situated at the end of the main runway where once stood the hub of Australian’s forces within Vietnam, Nui Dat. Considering the taskforce base was formed on the basis of destruction and war, one would think that building a school there is ironic, but it is not because this school is symbolic of change and growth. It is so symbolic because it is full of young people who have the opportunity to be educated and they have their lives ahead of them to achieve and do great things within society.
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