Thank You

“If you have done the best you can do and if you have gotten all you could extract from something -- you have given all you had to give, then the time has come when you can do no more than say thank you and move on” Maya Angelou



August is here. The much-waited month for Fall fellows. I sit in my attic room, surrounded by my suitcases, waiting for the big packing to begin. I have done the first round of laundry already. I know, there is still the packing to do.

Earlier today, someone asked me if I would recommend Atlas Corps fellowship program to anyone. I paused. I was not sure how to answer the question. After the twelve-months of ups and downs, all I can say is that it is not a fellowship program for the faint-hearted. But of course, anyone willing to unlearn how to be faint-hearted is welcome to sign-up. It is an interesting process that will allow you create your own experience, within the rules of the fellowship of course.

So what is the purpose of volunteering for 12 months again? Another person asked me. Haha! This time without hesitation I said, “to build my skills in non-profit management”. It sounds like a cliché. But that really sums up how much I have learned just by serving with my skills and volunteering my time. And that is an area I appreciate my host-organization (One World Youth Project) for! The work experience was fabulous! I know, many of the other fellows never really understood why I was always busy at work-- for me, I sure did more than volunteering. I was serving in a full-time job capacity. And I learned a lot in the process of doing so much. It was tough but also worthwhile.

I thank everyone who has been very supportive all through the fellowship program. I cannot spell my success without u (you). I will always thank God for this awesome opportunity to grow. I know all I have learned, including the challenges, will come handy in days to come. There were moments I complained and whined. But looking back now, I have more to be thankful for than complain about.

I wish all the fall fellows graduating this August a successful life ahead. To those extending by a few months, rock on ! To the Spring fellows, I will say maximize the time because it flies quickly! And to future fellows, create your own experience…problems are what you will see when you take your eyes off the goal. In a nutshell, spell out the goals you want to achieve on the program and pursue them fervently! Also, don't "compare" your experience... To everyone, try to see the good in everything, it will make life less depressing :)


How do I define a successful day (Atlas Corps fellowship program)? As Alex Noble once said "If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, If I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, If I am at peace with myself, It has been a successful day (Atlas corps fellowship program)".


Thank You.