by Chawapol Fahumnuayphol, 22, Ireland
“You will remain in Ireland longer for what? Volunteering for homeless people is such a waste of time. You should think more for your future.” 

That was what my Dad told me on the phone last week when I told him that I wanted to extend my time volunteering to help homeless people in Ireland. 

Coming from a middle class Chinese family in Thailand, my parents tend to push me towards the way they believe is best for me and my future: studying hard to get into the best universities, getting a good job in a big company, and having a long career there.
Volunteering is a concept they never appreciate. They call it, “Letting others exploit you for free.”

Despite what they think, volunteering is what I have done the most in the last five years.  Actually, when I started volunteering, I was in a very severe state, having suffered an emotional breakdown in my transition to the university.  I was very lonely and vulnerable.  I had to wear a fake-smile mask to the university every day to pretend that I was fine.  I made no friends in my university and I could not trust anyone.

My life started to change gradually after I started volunteering with the university magazine whose mission was to protect the rights of the students.  I started to make friends with students from diverse backgrounds.  My friendship with them started to develop as we shared the same beliefs and worked together towards the same goal.  

My time at the magazine and my colleagues’ friendship helped me gain my self-respect back and I became happier with my university life.  I was chosen to become the editor of the magazine in my second year with them.  The responsibility of being the editor boosted my self-confidence and even developed my leadership skills.  I become more and more active, energetic, and optimistic without consciously realizing it.

Amazing opportunities came to me to further expand my horizons.  I was chosen to represent my country at many international youth conferences, won a scholarship to study in Japan for a year, and got an internship with the World Bank.  On reflection, I believe that it was the experience I gained from volunteering, combined with a strong giving spirit that have transformed me to become a brand new person.

I believe that even though volunteering is primarily to help others, you always get back much more in return. 

Now I am happy with my life.  I get my whole life back from the deep dark hole of depression.  And, I also have a bright future waiting for me. 

Could I ask for more from volunteering? I do not think so.

—

Chawapol: “I am a 22 year-old guy from Thailand, but having pure Chinese blood. Now I work as a full-time volunteer to help homeless people here in Ireland. I am fluent in Thai, English, and Japanese language. My nickname is “Gun” which seems very strange to be a name in English, but it means “together” in Thai language. Writing, taking photos, and dancing are my hobby. I also love travelling, and learning different cultures.”

Popularity: 44% [?]