As I think back the encounters I had today with the volunteer guides, I am impressed by the spirit of life long learning, active contribution and passion they displayed.
We had 2 English speaking Japanese ladies at the Dazaifu Tanmangu Shrine as our guides and a gentleman with a lady at the Kumamoto Castle as our English speaking guides. All four have common traits: they were of retiree age and we have some difficulties following their English.
Yet, when they saw some of our puzzled expressions in following their explanations, they did not give up and persisted - sometimes showing pictures, mostly trying to correct self in attempt to communicate better.
From what I understand, for seniors like them to do this is not easy in Japanese culture given that they are like Chinese - afraid to "lose face", especially as one progress through the age. It requires much determination and courage to overcome self and face others to speak in English which is not their native or official language at all. Such spirit of determination and courage, especially as one gets older is required in a life long learner.
Beside what impressed me about their display of life long learning spirit is their passion in giving back to the society through volunteerism. They volunteer to be English guides during their available weekends, turning up punctually, looking eagerly and respectfully to share their knowledge and passion with visitors like us via a foreign language medium that they find it hard to use.
Their strength is amazing too. Some of us were physically tired by late noon yet our elderly guide still could smilingly paused to wait for us to recover. Meanwhile, she tried to entertain us with some palace juicy histories. Where does she find such energy? Passion.
Imagine how different Singapore could be like if everyone is to be like this: passionate and persevering life long learner who seeks to contribute to the society actively? Will you make the difference?
Tan KK
12:09 AM |
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Comments (1)
Most insightful - refreshing perspective from merely an account of the tour.