My six months with GHRE was without a doubt, one of the most meaningful periods of my life. The places I saw, the things I learned, the food I experienced, the engaging work, and most of all the people will all forever be etched in my mind.

In search for internship and volunteers opportunities, I stumbled upon the Grassroots Human Rights Education and Development website and was instantly sold! As I read through the GHRE programs and areas of engagement, I decided then and there that I needed to somehow be a part of this important work.

I immediately contacted the organization expressing my desire to make a contribution to GHRE’s mandate and to become part of this collaborative force working towards social justice. At the same time I began my research on the area in which they work and the cost of flights to get there! I soon realized that this opportunity would not only offer me a new sense of purpose, but also the chance to live in one of the most beautiful regions of the world that most people can only dream of. The Andaman Sea coastline, in Southern Thailand is what screen savers are made of. You know the ones with the unimaginably pristine waters and lusciously green tropical hills that float across your computer screen when your job has become so incredibly dull that you start to doze off? Well, it’s really like that.

Once accepted, I bought my plane ticket and have never looked back!! I have had a lot of volunteer experience, however my academic background, along with my work and volunteer experience have never been put to use in a more satisfyingly productive way then they were at GHRE. If you have something to contribute, they will find a way to make the most of your knowledge, and skills. GHRE offered me the opportunity to truly gain valuable experience in the human rights advocacy and development field and make the type of friends and colleagues who will truly inspire me for a lifetime.

Whether it was teaching at the learning centers and being amazed by the incredible students, or spending time with the courageous people working around me, I have never been so moved by the strength of the human spirit or been in the presence of such resilience and compassion.

As I have become acutely aware of the issues adversely affecting the rights of Burmese people, and have become so captivated by their strength, wisdom and kind hearts, all I can think of upon my return to Canada is how I can stay involved to support this organization and the people who became like a family to me, and contemplate ways to rearrange my life so that I can one day return.