I am a student who learned that impact can expand far beyond the boundaries of music. Alongside the sessions with my peers, I spent other days of the week simply playing and engaging with toddlers at Tam Duc Orphanage. Without a fixed curriculum, I followed their lead, tailoring our activities to what they enjoyed most. This natural approach allowed my journey there to evolve into a multifaceted exploration of creativity and connection.
Observing Unique Potentials
While we colored together or chatted in basic English, I witnessed something profound about human nature. Because these sessions were informal and driven by their interests, their true personalities shone through. I noticed a distinct divergence in how the children engaged:
- The Artist: Out of every three children, one would often be intensely absorbed in drawing, meticulously choosing colors and ensuring every stroke was perfect.
- The Linguist: At the same time, another child would be captivated not by the crayons, but by the rhythm of my words, repeating English phrases with startling precision and enthusiasm.
These observations reaffirmed a fundamental truth: interests and abilities are diverse, and every individual is unique. By offering a variety of ways to play—from music and art to language—I wasn’t just “teaching”; I was providing a space where they could discover their own hidden strengths.
A Hunger for Stories
The introduction of books was perhaps the most heartwarming part of our time together. I brought a selection just to see if they’d be interested, and the response was overwhelming. Their curiosity was boundless; for the entire 90-minute session, they didn’t just look at pictures—they questioned and explored. They huddled around the pages, asking me incessantly about the stories and the world within the books.
For me, these moments revealed that creativity is not confined to one medium. Whether through colors, language, or stories, each child found a way to express themselves and connect with others. What began as simple play became a journey of discovery—showing me that impact grows when we nurture individuality, and that even the smallest acts of engagement can awaken hidden strengths.
