While still an undergrad at SFAI, I developed my own course which would allow me to travel and work with children in Vietnam. I already had connections with the nonprofit, the Degenhardt Foundation, (now Aid for Kids), and partnered with them to teach a summer art workshop at Hoi An Orphanage and Recreation Center. Needless to say, the experience was rewarding and life-changing. The kids were tolerant of my newness as an art teacher- we often had to alter plans and go with the flow. Older siblings began joining in and our last project ended up becoming a collaborative dragon that we joyfully paraded around the area. Working with them taught me a valuable lesson- that people have an innate desire to work together and create something beautiful, regardless of their life circumstances.
