Before the sun had risen, we arrived at Gurney Bay, the sky dim, glimmering with deep blue shadows. There was a quiet excitement in the air as Dalat students gathered to meet the residents from the Penang Cheshire Home. Each of us was paired with a resident, and together we prepared to begin our walk. As the sun slowly appeared over the horizon, the golden light reflected across the calm water, soon manifesting its peaceful atmosphere.
One student, Takuma Sawazu (12), described the moment well: “I got to see the sunrise in a peaceful park during the PCH walk, which was really refreshing.”
The view was so calm and serene that the resident we were pushing in the wheelchair eventually fell asleep. We were glad that he was able to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment as we continued walking along the park.
As we walked, pushing the wheelchair step by step, I began to realize how heavy it actually was. The walk which seemed effortless at first slowly became more tiring, and that experience helped me understand how challenging daily life can be for people who rely on wheelchairs. It reminded me not to take the abilities and privileges I have for granted, but instead to be thankful for what I have.
Impact Club plays an important role in the Dalat community because it creates opportunities for students to serve and give back to people around them. Through different outreach activities, students are able to step outside of their normal routines and meet the needs of others in meaningful ways. Whether it is picking up trash on the beach, teaching English and science to refugees, or simply spending time with the elderly, these acts of service allow students to demonstrate compassion and share God’s love.
Mia Yuan (11) reflected on this idea when she said, “Joining and planning Impact outreaches gave me an opportunity to serve underprivileged people. Through that, I learned to be grateful for what God has given me and to use what I have to bless others in return.”
Through Impact Club, Dalat students also learn the values of FLOSS: being Flexible, a Learner, Observant, Sacrificial, and a Servant. These qualities encourage us to grow not only as students, but also as people who care about the needs of others. Service experiences like the PCH walk are more than just service activities, they become lessons that remind us to appreciate our blessings and use them to serve others.
As a senior, I hope that Dalat will be able to continue its tradition of bringing Impact to the world. Impact is more than a club, it’s a valuable mindset that encourages students to notice the needs around them and respond with compassion. My prayer is that future Dalat students will continue to step forward with servant hearts, using their time and talents to bless others and make a difference wherever they go.
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