Top 10 Taiwan Lessons

It's one thing to be a tourist in a foreign country where disconnect from the people is fairly easy to do, so long as you have some basic language survival skills (How much does this cost?) and a good map! But it's a completely different story to be taken care of day and night by the people of that culture for 4 consecutive days. I loved the Taiwanese--their spirit, positive attitude, and willingness to engage in as much learning as possible. Their drive for knowledge inspired me on so many levels, and in my short time in Taiwan, I learned so many life lessons. Here's my top 10:

1. Patience is a virtue
Most of what we did was in groups, and if one of the 15 people wanted to stop at a store, everyone waited patiently without complaints of irritation (so it seemed). I kept thinking that in America at least SOMEONE would be complaining or wondering why they had to wait, and why they couldn't just go off by themselves. But they had such a collectivist community, that it was expected to wait and make the best of the group. And that's what ended up happening--we got to know each other better and we enjoyed the moment we were in.
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2. Reflect often--appreciate your view*
On the way to the top of the mountain, every time we turned around, the view got just a little bit more spectacular, with more of the city line in sight. It was such a metaphoric way to end our trip and realize how important reflection is... otherwise, you could go on and on forever only seeing an uphill struggle without recognizing what's been accomplished.

3. Share what you have--especially food!
For one, it's healthier! Every meal was shared which went along with the collectivist mindset, but also made the experience more relaxing and let us enjoy and appreciate our meal, rather than rush through it.

4. Ask questions and listen fully
What a wonderful feeling when you can tell you're being listened to fully, and you're not just the side bar to some other distraction like a cell phone or the Internet. I learned so much by asking questions, and by being asked questions, too. When I asked questions of life and personal experience with respect that each individual would have a valuable answer, I learned so much about their humanity and culture, while still recognizing that it was only their personal experience. I think sometimes we get so caught up on thinking we already know the way things are, that we don't need to stop and listen to each other's personal stories. But the most meaningful and impactful things I've ever learned in life were through the stories of people who were willing to share them. I am so thankful that these people were willing beyond belief to share what they could with me.

5. Respect thy elders
I was constantly amazed at how instantly a young Taiwanese person would stand up if an elderly person stepped onto public transportation and there were no seats left. The reaction was as reflexive as a funny bone. I just thought that most Americans could learn a lot about the value of family, and especially elders from the Taiwanese culture.

6. Positive attitude is key--smile more often
Simply said, sometimes a positive attitude is enough to make amazing things happen... even when you're eating food you don't like or waiting for someone as they shop. Positivity is key and can change an experience you usually wouldn't enjoy into one of such simplicity and fun.

7. Global awareness makes for better conversation
People were so awake to what was happening in the world. It was a great opportunity to hear opinions about every issue under the sun, and refreshing that people stood for important ideas and actions towards social change.

8. Set a good example, America--every one's watching
America's like the popular kid in school who everyone knows and is affected by in some way or another--sometimes large, sometimes small. But America most definitely doesn't know everyone, OR the effect it has on everyone. We must be more aware of this. American culture is infiltrated into mostly every country in the world... in some ways good and in others bad. We have to be aware of the influence we're having, and try to ensure that it's the influence we want to be having.
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9. When you split the load, the weight is lighter*
How beautifully these people knew how to make a lighter load. Because the culture is so collectivist, there was tons of effective and productive teamwork at play, and SO MUCH got accomplished, seemingly effortlessly. (I'm sure it wasn't actually effortless. They were also very hard workers!) But even in terms of leading us for tourism... each day of the week was in the hands of a few different people, and it was really evident how much shared responsibility was put into their efforts. A lesson I definitely want to take home, as many of you might also feel like an overworked, over-achiever, in it for the long haul on your own...This is not the only way of living! We could trust each other and hold each other accountable to accomplishing a team effort!

10. Say Yes! You never know what you're passing up if you don't give it a shot
We almost didn't climb the mountain on our last morning in Taiwan because we hadn't slept and we were kind of tired. And if we hadn't taken our opportunity while we were there, we would have never known the incredible view we would have missed. Same thing about applying for this opportunity in the first place...If I had decided that it wasn't worth it to miss a week of class, then I would have never learned all of these amazing lessons--and sadly, I wouldn't have even known what I was missing.

This trip was full of "yes moments". I hope that all of you, in your busy and incredible lives, find a little more time to say "yes" to the experiences that make life more full of meaning and excitement. Right now I have papers, exams, and all kinds of work to make up for after missing a week of school... but those things are trivial, everyday matters that will never stop asking for my attention. This experience, however, was one that changed me, made me see things through a different lens, and helped me regain an energy for exploration and knowledge. The rewards already outweigh the cost of missing out on the daily routine, and in fact, motivates me to keep moving forward.

What can YOU do to spice up your daily grind? There are so many opportunities calling... Sometimes, we just need to realize that it's okay, it's possible, and it's the best thing we could ever do--to go out and make the opportunities ours.

Let the word spread to action!

Peace,
Rachael