“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
I found this quote in October 2017 when I was creating my application video for #AgEd2Malaysia. This phrase struck a cord with me because each time I reveal to my family that I’m going away for a trip, they always ask “why.” This 27-day journey in Malaysia was the longest period of time I’ve been away from Central Pennsylvania. Fully immersed in a culture drastically different than my own, this trip has helped me answer “why do you go away?”
- Travel to Learn. I was eager to participate in #AgEd2Malaysia to learn about the Malaysian Education system, the Islam religion, and how agriculture impacted the development of Malaysia post-independence. I had done some preliminary preparation with our #AgEd2Malaysia team, but no preparation could compare to the in-country learning opportunities. The most meaningful learning experience for me happened when we were visiting a Sikh temple on Harmony street in Johor Bahru. A youth leader from the temple dropped what he was doing and welcomed us inside. He never asked what religion we were—he treated us an equal. After this humbling experience, I spent a lot of time thinking about how much I don’t know about world religions (I had never heard of Sikhism) and what would I have done if a group of Muslims/Hindus/Sikhs showed up at my church and asked for a tour. Before this experience, I probably would have said no out of fear of these unknown religions. I gained many valuable insights into Malaysian culture by experiencing it firsthand.
- Travel to Escape. My life in the United States is driven by schedules, deadline, and constantly working to stay ahead of the next curveball that may be thrown. This trip reminded me about the importance of truly understanding people, developing genuine friendships, and taking a break from a predictable routine. The point in the trip where I realized there is more to life than working was on our island-hopping adventure in Sabah. Snorkeling in clear-blue water, I was mesmerized and could have continued looking at tropical fish and coral reefs for hours. Sometimes traveling is a chance to enjoy time away from our daily routine and enjoy time in a new country.
- Travel to Discover. Discovery was a very important facet of this trip. I discovered the value that Malaysian culture places on hospitality. From the day we were greeted at the airport, to the numerous meals prepared, and the elaborate welcome to secondary schools, we were always treated as guests of honor. I also discovered the value placed on family after staying with a Malaysian family in FELDA. In this home, 3 generations lived under the same roof and worked together to cook meals, care for children, and complete daily chores. Finally, I discovered my ability to overcome language barriers and communicate with my host family at FELDA. With an initial fear about the language barrier, I finally discovered common interests we both shared, which allowed the final days of my home-stay to go smoothly.
- Travel to Meet New Friends. We were very fortunate to have spent 27 days with 10 students and a variety of lecturers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. From the second this group met us at the airport, I knew this group of individuals would leave an unforgettable impact on me. They greeted us with open arms, graciously showed us around 4 states in Malaysia with class, hospitality, and a positive outlook for future collaboration. I will never forget this group and hope I can somehow repay the hospitality they have shown us.
- Travel to Experience a World Different Than Our Own. Traveling 9,000 miles across the globe opened my eyes to how different cultures solve the same problems that we all experience. Just because another culture does something different does not mean it is wrong. This was a very important sentiment that was repeated by several members of our group throughout the trip. I also experienced religions other than my own, which was perhaps one of the most impactful opportunities in my life that I plan to share with members of my church upon returning.
Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving. When I arrive home in rural Central Pennsylvania, I will never take any tradition, cultural norm, or religion for granted and seek to understand the people behind these valued pieces of daily life. The challenges of adjusting back to a daily routine/schedules/deadlines will be intriguing to me and I look forward to my new perception about the United States after being away for 30 days.
Ms. Darla Romberger (@DJR_131) [Cumberland Valley High School (@FlyCVEagles)] is a secondary Agricultural Science Teacher (@CV_AgSciences) & FFA Advisor (@CV_FFA1954) in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania!
