I started the first career development workshop series with the RMIT students. The series' topics include interests, strength, and values and their relevance to an individual's career decision. I got 6 participants for the first day, 15 for the second, and expect about 15 for the last one which is tomorrow afternoon.
The students were very polite, respectful, active, and motivated. They were a little bit scared by my facilitating style, which uses a lot of theatre techniques that I learned from years of participation in the Viet Cali Theatre Group. Thanks to Victoria for her great advice, 'Theatre works everywhere, Phoenix.' Yet I could feel their presence in the room, their eagerness to learn more about themselves, and their desire to challenge everything I shared with them. It was great to see how their eyes sparkled with interest and respect when I did not take any of their challenges personally. The students confirmed my passion of teaching and knowledge transferring. They are so young and full of energy. I just love spending time with my students.
National Holidays are coming. In the US, the Viet Kieu community call this day 'The National Ashamed Day,' and in Vietnam everyone celebrates the 'National Freedom Day.' Four days weekend looks good, but it again reminds me of how torn a country could be as a result of a civil war. I bet the younger generation no longer remembers what the day represents; they just celebrate and have fun. The elder generation, both oversea and in Vietnam, I wonder how they feel.
Vietnam seems to celebrate all the US and other countries' big days. Advertisement everywhere reminds me of the Mother's Day coming up. I am glad that happens. Otherwise, mom will be upset if I don't shoot her an email on that day. Consumerism is big in Saigon city. Currency feels like monopoly money, so I must do the calculation in my head to convert Vietnam Dong to US dollar before making any spending decision.
It's almost 2 months in Vietnam. Ian turned two on Sunday. Seeing life through his eyes help me stay grounded and happy everyday. 'Mommy, it's raining. Mommy, wawa. Mommy, let's swim.' And, he speaks to his nanny in English then turns to mommy and speak Vietnamese. How amazing!
I miss California so much.
April 28, 2009
Saigon, Vietnam
No comments:
Post a Comment