it was a new experience for me and a real eye-opener



roy chin

This is my first time to MINDS school although it is just located next to my house. When i was younger, i have always thought of MINDS students were not friendly and comprehensive. However, through this trip, it has brought me a different view of them. I found out that they were cheerful, simple and they would take things so literally giving them simple treats such as a HI-FIVE is such a pleasant one.

It has also made me thought of whether we, who belong to different worlds as compared to them are living in a world that is so competitive and cruel that it has completely shaped us into another person. We(humans as a whole excluding them) become depress, taking things too seriously and not cherishing what we have now. Also, i feel that we have become more selfish and human communication and interacting has been mixed with distrust and has been distant.

Although we sometimes do not know what exactly they are trying to tell us due to the lack of communication skills, they obviously know what we are telling them. This happens so frequently that we, ourselves, sometimes become irritated and wished that they would speak with much clarity. However, I would try to be patient with them and even if i do not understand them i would give them a smile in order to represent my appreciation for the effort put in to speak.

Through this experience, although we are much more academically qualified than them, this was actually a learning experience for me. They have showed me in many ways that I should change in various ways. For example, I should cherish my own life and should not use other as a comparison to oneself. This is because each person has his/her own strengths and weaknesses, Instead, we should help each other and improve on each other's weaknesses and together, we would live with a much more meaningfully.

Kai Yin

Before Service Learning, I never had an experience with these kind of kids before. So when I first saw the kids, I was a little apprehensive and I didn't know what I was suppose to do and how to communicate with them. However, the first few that I talked to were really enthusiastic and hyper, and I was surprised because my impression of them was different. When we started to play games, I actually enjoyed myself with the kids. Although the games were simple, it made them very happy. After awhile, I felt less afraid of them and could play and interact and get to know the kids more. Overall, I felt that SL was a little disorganised but we managed to improvise, yay :) Good job everybody! Especially Amanda for planning, even though you weren't there! :D

I was initially worried about having to play and take care of the kids in MINDs, especially when they said they wanted one saint to one MINDs student. I was worried that I didn't know how to interact with them and let them enjoy themselves. However, after meeting the kids, I realised that they were quite easy to interact with and that they are able to have fun and smile at the simple things. Each of them are special in their unique ways and just one day with them showed me that. I think that they all had fun and with this CIP, I think in many ways, they taught us more than we taught them
-Gwendolin

It was sure an eye opener. Honestly, i wasnt very keen to going to do Service Learning (SL) at MINDS as i wasnt sure if im capable enough to handle and manage the kids there. So before i reached our destination i have already created an invisible barrier between myself and the kids. I started out abit shy and unwilling to interact and get to know them. However, after sometime i realised that they are actually very nice and innocent kids who are ostracized by many. Therefore, i changed my impression of them halfway thru SL and made an effort to know their needs and take care of them. It wasnt an easy job! To me, this SL was a great success! As im sure that my class and i have met some of their needs that day. Most importantly, i brought back with me lessons that i will never forget. From now on, i will treasure what ever a have and not grumble on what i dont have as the kids taught me to see the world in a more positive attitude. I really hope that people will come to realise that they are not that different afterall and stop giving them unfriendly stares.

-Samantha

I must say that it was one experience that I have never been through before. Can't deny that I was so afraid when I first saw the kids. they were just so different from us. And I have never come into contact with any of them before. so when I first saw them, I was a little afraid to even shake their hands. But when you get to know them, you'll realise that they are just like anyone of us. Just that are a little special who requires special care and needs. I admire the staff working at MINDs. They have to be so patient and caring. Moreover, the teachers are able to understand each and everyone of them so well. i'm sure its not an easy job getting to know these kids. What amazed me the most was the way they were so satisfied with simple actions we do or simple stuffs we have for them. from helping them wash their water bottles to playing a simple game of simon says would definitely put a smile on their faces. I'm really thankful that i had this opportunity be able to have a glimpse of the lives of these children. =D

MEIQI

Initially, I was rather reluctant to take part in the Service Learning trip to MINDs as I had a rather lax attitude towards CIP. To me, it was just another CIP trip that only served to earn me CIP hours. But after meeting with the kids, my attitude had changed. Seeing kids who had difficulties engaging in everyday activities was something new to me, and they made me want to give my all in helping them to have a fun time. As the day went by, I slowly became more excited about being able to bring joy to their lives through simple gestures, such as playing games like 'Simon Says' and decorating biscuits. Overall, it was a rather enjoyable experience, and I'm looking forward towards our next Service Learning Project.
- Nigel