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My experience in Vietnam was extremely rewarding in so many respects. When I first thought about participating in the project, it was because I thought it would be great to participate in a mission that helps so many people in areas where so many are living in extreme poverty. As the departure date approached however, I started to worry a great deal about whether or not I would actually be of any help. There were a couple of reasons for this; first, obviously, was that I had virtually no experience in the eyecare field. This was a big worry of mine for quite a while, but Dr. Nina Gill (my aunt) assured me on several occasions that I would be just fine, as there would be plenty of things to keep me busy during the clinic days. The second reason was a little more complicated, and I'm sure it sounds somewhat ridiculous, but it really got to me after spending a few days in Ho Chi Minh City with the team. I started to feel as if people were naturally going to associate my work ethic in comparison to my aunt's. Therefore, I started to put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at a level that people would expect out of Dr. Gill, the veteran with 6 previous TWECS missions under her belt. I hate to say it, but I honestly felt as if I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder. Perhaps I was being way too self-concious, but being the youngest of the group, I didn't want people to think "oh, here's the slacker who took time off school expecting a vacation...." I wanted to escape from my aunt's shadow, and show the team that first and foremost, I came here to work. When I look back, it strikes me that I shouldn't have worried about these things as much as I did, because I was working with the most amazing people possible. While I was worried about being judged, I was surrounded by a group of some of the friendliest, and least judgemental people I had ever met.
While we spent an extra few days in Ho Chi Minh City because of the mess that occurred with the Customs department, this afforded the team the opportunity to get to know each other quite well. Thus, when we began our first clinic day in Quy Nhon, the team had already gelled really well. I ended up in Auto-refraction with David Sakaki, which was absolutely great for me, because David must be the friendliest guy on the face of the earth. It was great working with David! It took me a few tries to get the hang of using the auto-refractor, but at the end of the first day I felt as if I was used to it. I kept asking David throughout the day, and even during dinner that night, "David, how am I doing?"
"You're doing great!"
"Really? Is there anything I could be doing better?"
"Nope, seriously, I think you've got the hang of it!"
"Are you sure? I don't want to hold you back if I'm not doing alright..."
"No, seriously, you're doing great!"
I swear if it was anyone else they probably would've lost their patience with the amount of times I kept asking if I was doing a decent job! But not David! He was always in a great mood and he was a big reason why I got really comfortable in the AR department really quickly.
After the clinic days everyone would come back to the Hotel, wash up, and most of the team would eat dinner together. This part of the day was always great for me, especially early on! Not because I was glad to relax after a long day of work - I for one loved being at the clinic! - but because there was a lot that I would learn from these dinnertime discussions. Being so much younger than everyone else, and still working my way through school, it was great for me to hear other team members talk about what their university years were like, and what they did immediately after they graduated. Hearing all the different paths people took, and all the really interesting stories they had; this was invaluable to me personally. This was another aspect of this mission that I found so rewarding; getting to know my amazing team members, and trying to learn something from the stories of their experiences. I met so many inspiring people on this mission, and I came out of it feeling like I have a clearer idea of what I want to achieve in my future. It is so invaluable, especially at my age, to have that kind of experience.
I am so grateful that I could participate in this mission, because I learned so much in such a little amount of time. I've come out feeling like I actually might have helped make a difference in the lives of some people. I've come out with a greater appreciation for the little things that we're blessed with in this country. And I've come out feeling like I've met some amazing people who I'll know for the rest of my life. I've gained so much more from this experience than I ever could have hoped for. For me, one thing is certain; this definitely will not be the last time I participate in a mission with TWECS.
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