TianYi Reflection

I serve you in order that I may learn from you; you accept my service in order that you may teach me. (Timothy Stanton, 1992) This sentence may look simple to some people, while to others it may not. This sentence may just be one string of words with no meaning to some people, while to others it means much more. To me, it has been the motivator of the project I have adopted for this year.


RESL stands for research education service learning. It means to learn, through the process of service, or in other words doing good to the people and the society. The society has nurtured us, and put us where we are right now. We will never be at our level now without the support of our society. This research topic allows us to give back to our society and at the same time learning many things from the experience. The knowledge gained would never have been available if we chose to remain in our own realms and not reach out, such as the ability to communicate effectively and planning something efficiently.

All our well planned lessons are carried out, and the amazing race has taken place. Photos have been taken, and tears and laughter have all passed. The event is over. RESL has come to an end. Or have it?

Did RESL really come to an end? In literal context, it really did. However, in mental context, service learning never ceases. Yes, the project has ended, and spectacularly so with our oral presentation. However, the memories remain in my heart and mind, and the things I learnt from it brought my thoughts to a higher level since. These thoughts harvested will further enhance our minds, and provide me with more and more ideas of improving myself. Thus, learning never stops for me, and RESL will be one experience I will never forget.

I have learnt much from this program, and the things I have learnt will aid me in my further endeavors in the later part of my life. I will never be able to harvest the knowledge I learnt within the four walls of the classroom, and I am glad that I managed to step further into the society, and reach a place where learning takes place at a higher level, and in a different way.

Class teaches one to be a more knowledgeable person, but service learning make one a better man, with better qualities and mindset. With this, I end my reflection, and look forward to further challenges in life, through which I learn, and I grow.

Reflections by TianYi

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