My time in Samoa has been both an educational and a personal journey. I've seen and experienced so many new things, and I have also been learning new things about myself. For example, I've learned that I work very well with others and tend to be a team player even during difficult times. I have also learned that I am a very serious, structured person, which works to my advantage for school because I like to be proactive with my assignments. However, being in Samoa has also taught me that it's also good to be flexible and to expect the unexpected!
One thing that has stood out to me during my time on this tropical island is the cultural differences between Americans and Samoans. For one, most Samoans are very religious and devoted to the Christian faith, which carries over into their daily lifestyles. It is common for people here to pray together before meals and to use phrases like "have a blessed day" and "may God be with you" in casual conversation. Growing up as a Buddhist daughter of two parents from Thailand, I do not have much knowledge of Christianity. However, I've been very thankful to have had the opportunity to partake in religious events in Samoa such as attending mass and receiving communion for the very first time. This year, I was even able to celebrate my very first Easter.
