The essay required me to complete is \”Describe a meaningful leadership experience, either in an academic, community service, or professional setting. What challenges did you encounter? What did you learn? \”
Having been instructing Mandarin to minorities in Taiwan, I have also worked in embassy to teach migrant workers Taiwanese etiquette, Mandarin, and culture. After having a close contact with these people, I realize the insufficient knowledge our curriculum has provide to our student. Since no relevant training or knowledge regarding Southeastern Asian countries is taught in class, many times in real life we notice events happening to these southeastern workers/minorities: sexual harassment, pay inequality, mental/physical abuse, and racial conflicts. Therefore, after becoming a high school teacher few years ago, I have devoted myself to instructing cross cultural communication and global views. Yet, the difficulties I encountered had hindered me from offering a complete course. For one thing, as I have never received a formal training as well as living in southeastern countries, I have have trouble integrating their culture into my course. Despite having read many books, I still lack hands-on experience and an environment to immerse myself in a scenario which really teaches me the mindset and beliefs the southeastern Asian holds. For another, students sometimes have doubts about my background knowledge, I hope I can better prepare myself for the course so as to provide a multifaceted landscape of Southeastern Asian countries. As a result, I would like to apply for a Peace Fellowship to live in Thailand for three months, learning conflict solving and southeastern Asian culture. In addition, I would also like to work with peers from all over the world so that I can be inspired and bring the new concepts and culture to my colleagues and peers.
