VSA2505-1 Peace Village – Songkhla

By HASYATI ADANI  in VSA2505-1 Peace Village – Songkhla 12-24/05/25

This project has been truly meaningful for me. At this stage of my life, having this kind of experience has opened my eyes—it showed me that you have to step out of your comfort zone to discover your true limits, your strengths, and what truly works for you. I’ve realized that growth doesn’t happen when you stay in the safe, familiar space—it happens when you dare to explore the unknown.

I believe this experience will take me to another level in life. It has already started to shift the way I see the world, and I know it will continue to shape me into someone stronger, braver, and more open-minded. Thanks VSA!

What have you done in the project/activities? Do you think your partial time in the project/activities make some change/improvement/development? Have you created new ideas or activities during the project?

Through this project, I feel like I’ve truly gotten to know myself on a deeper level. I’ve always seen myself as a shy person—someone who has only a few close friends and finds it really hard to open up to new people. Making new friends used to feel like such a big challenge for me.

But this experience changed something in me. I found that I can connect with others. I can be social. I surprised myself by how easily I could get along with new people, and how natural it felt once I gave myself the chance. One of the most unforgettable parts was standing in front of a class and teaching—without fear, without hesitation. I never thought I could do that, but I did.

This project helped me grow—not just in skills, but in confidence and self-understanding. I can see how far I’ve come, and for the first time, I truly recognize my worth and what I’m capable of. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.

What are the new Languages you have learned? Can you give some words that you always use in the project? 

I learned some words like “Sawasdee ka” because every time I went to school, everyone would greet me with that word and the accompanying hand gesture. I always responded the same way, and it became such a memorable experience for me. I also often said “Khob khun ka” to thank everyone who helped me a lot during this project.

Another phrase I remember well is the question my host family—both the mother and father—would ask me whenever it was time to eat: “Aroi mai?” which means “Is it good?” They asked this to make sure I liked the food they had prepared. And of course, I always said yes, it was very good—and I would finish the food right away!