I joined TASSEL six years ago, thinking it would be a simple way to help others.

 
What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would shape my life. 

It wasn’t just about teaching English. It became a journey of connection and learning that has influenced my worldview. 

One of the most profound moments I had was during my first summer service trip. There, I was introduced to two sisters, just 16 and 14, who had been left to fend for themselves after losing their parents and grandmother. The older sister had even moved to a different city to seek job opportunities to support the family of two. Seeing the stark contrast between their lives and my own life as another 16-year-old girl was eye-opening. Despite their hardships,  they greeted us with smiles, sharing the impacts of TASSEL’s support. Their courage in the face of adversity deeply moved me, and I knew then that I wanted to commit to supporting students like them in any way I could. 

I also had the opportunity to meet the Khmer English teachers, who left a lasting impression on me. These educators were not only devoted to teaching English but to uplifting their communities. Their compassion is evident in every lesson that they teach, as well as in their constant search for families in need whose voices are unheard. I’ve had the honor of teaching two of these incredible teachers these past 3 years, and every session feels like a lesson for me. I've learned the extent of compassion a person can have for a stranger in need, the hard work one can put into something they are dedicated to, and the importance of gratitude throughout it all. The selfless actions and compassion of these teachers are beyond what words can capture; their commitment to those in need is truly inspiring.

The volunteers I’ve worked with at the Tokyo East Chapter are another part of this amazing TASSEL community. As chapter president, I’m constantly in awe of the effort and insight these volunteers provide to improve the quality of our chapter. They continuously strive to find new ways of engaging our local communities, whether through awareness campaigns or fundraising events. They always go above and beyond what any leader could ever wish for, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering commitment and compassion. 

A skill you may see as "insignificant" or "common" can have a profound impact on someone in this world if you put it into action. Whether it be through simply learning about Cambodia and/or TASSEL, spreading awareness about the situation in rural Cambodia, or investing just 2 hours a week to teach a class of some of the most eager students, TASSEL is one such place where you can take that small action.