Lessons Beyond the Classroom

Yin Mingjun is TheWriteChance's finance director and a volunteer on TWC's 2025 Cambodia Overseas Service Learning Trip. This trip provided him the opportunity to realize his passion for working with kids and youths, and the joy of helping others achieve their goals. Spending 2 weeks in Cambodia allowed him to not only grow as a person but also reshape how he views others and his role in contributing to the community.

My service-learning experience in Cambodia was deeply transformative, reshaping my understanding of education, privilege, and community resilience. Teaching English to children in rural villages went beyond just language lessons—it became a powerful way to connect, inspire, and witness firsthand the impact of education on young minds. Despite the lack of resources, these children displayed unwavering enthusiasm and a hunger for learning. Seeing them engage so attentively, even in makeshift classrooms without whiteboards or proper study materials, made me reflect on the privilege of accessible education that I have always taken for granted.

A key takeaway was the importance of adaptability in teaching. Many of the children had limited exposure to English, so we had to adjust our lesson plans on the spot. When role-playing exercises proved too advanced, we switched to storytelling; when vocabulary lessons became monotonous, we incorporated interactive techniques like clapping rhythms to teach pronunciation. Small adaptations like these made learning more engaging and effective. It reinforced my belief that good teaching is not about rigid instruction, but about meeting students where they are and making learning enjoyable.

Playing "Duck-Duck-Goose" with a group of children.

Beyond education, this trip also deepened my understanding of social inequality and resilience. Visiting organizations like Daughters of Cambodia and World Vision gave me insight into the harsh realities of poverty, human trafficking, and gender inequality. Learning about the struggles of former sex workers and the efforts to restore their dignity through sustainable employment was a stark reminder that social issues are deeply complex, with no simple solutions. However, it was also heartening to see how empowerment through education, vocational training, and community support could pave the way for lasting change.

Perhaps the most profound lesson I learned was the power of confidence and encouragement. One of my most memorable moments was witnessing a group of initially shy teenagers transform into confident English speakers within just a few hours of interactive lessons and role-playing exercises. The fact that they were no longer afraid to communicate in a new language, something they had never done before, made me realize that the true impact of education is not just in knowledge gained, but in the belief that they are capable of learning and growing.

Carrying out our writing module for youths at a school in Kampong Thom.

Service learning is often thought of as "giving back," but I walked away feeling that I had gained just as much—if not more. It taught me the value of patience, the significance of cultural humility, and the importance of creating sustainable change rather than just short-term assistance. This experience has strengthened my commitment to education and service, and I hope to continue finding ways to make a difference, no matter how small, in the lives of those who need it most.

"The true impact of education is not just in knowledge gained, but in the belief that one is capable of learning and growing."

Working with students at Kampong Chnnang on our reading module.