This international experience began with a journey of more than 20 hours in the air and gradually unfolded into a series of meaningful encounters and reflections. Arriving in Sydney, I stepped into a country that was entirely new to me. I met people from different backgrounds, witnessed unfamiliar landscapes, and experienced ways of living that challenged and broadened my perspective.
Some of the most memorable moments came from everyday life rather than planned activities. My landlady kindly taught me how to make pancakes, and in an almost unbelievable coincidence, one of my housemates turned out to be from the same country, the same city, and even the same district as me. In a foreign land, this unexpected familiarity brought a strong sense of comfort and reminded me how interconnected the world can be.
During my volunteering experience, even small routines led to meaningful connections. During lunch breaks, I often visited a nearby café, Bean Me Up Cafe, where I became acquainted with the owner, a Korean gentleman who could write Chinese and kindly wrote my name in Chinese characters. At the café, I frequently saw lizards running nearby, offering me a close encounter with Australia’s unique ecosystem. These moments helped me better understand the importance of rehoming stray cats, as cats living in the wild can have a significant impact on native wildlife. This connection between animal welfare and environmental protection became much more tangible through lived experience.
Through volunteering, I met people with remarkably diverse backgrounds. Some had studied biology or animal care, while others were retired individuals who returned every week to help. There were even high school students who showed deep care and responsibility toward the cats. Despite differences in age, education, and life stage, everyone shared a genuine commitment to animal welfare. Working alongside them taught me that meaningful impact is often created through collective effort, consistency, and care, rather than individual recognition.
Outside of volunteering, I explored Sydney’s natural beauty and cultural life. I visited the coastline, attended two musicals, The Book of Mormon and Cats, and encountered a wide range of wildlife. I saw colourful native birds and cockatoos, and even observed groups of kangaroos up close in public parks. The harmony between people, animals, and nature left a lasting impression on me and shaped how I view sustainable and respectful coexistence.
What impressed me most, however, was the diversity and inclusiveness of this country. Australia is shaped by immigrants from all over the world who have made it their home while bringing with them authentic cuisines, languages, and cultural traditions. In everyday interactions, I felt that differences were not merely accepted, but genuinely respected. People were open-minded, kind, and willing to connect across cultures. It is this shared openness that allows such a diverse society to remain harmonious, and it showed me how inclusiveness, when practised through daily actions, becomes the foundation of a strong and compassionate community.
This experience reshaped my understanding of leadership and global engagement. I learned that leadership does not always appear in grand gestures, but often emerges through responsibility, empathy, and service to others. By stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging with new cultures, people, and environments, I gained a deeper appreciation of how small actions can contribute to meaningful change. I am deeply grateful to the Laidlaw Programme for providing me with this opportunity to explore a new country, broaden my worldview, and contribute to a cause that I truly care about.