The Road Ahead is Long, I Choose to Learn as I Go | Feng Chia University Department of Risk Management and Insurance Chi-Fang Chang

Opportunities don't come to me on their own, so I plan to seek them out myself. I am not the best, so I choose to learn humbly and work diligently. No matter how small the task, I am willing to do it; even if others don't want to do it, I am willing to take it on. Perhaps it is because of this that I learn step by step, picking up those seemingly insignificant yet crucial details along the way.

During my university years, I learned how to use the resources around me. Through the Ministry of Education's "Dream Building" program and the "Youth Development Agency" program, I went to other countries for internships. Throughout this process, my potential gradually emerged. Not only did I experience the vastness of the world, but I also slowly focused on my future aspirations.

Dubai - United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28

Global climate issues involve the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars, which can feel overwhelming. Currently, we are also researching mechanisms to curb global temperature rise, such as the Paris Agreement, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and national policy management. More and more people, including students like myself, are focusing on this issue.

Interdisciplinary Cooperation Showcases Team Advantages

At the end of 2023, the United Nations held the annual global climate change conference in Dubai, known as COP28, with the theme revolving around "Future Energy Development." I had the opportunity to go on-site with my partners. Before the trip, we did our homework, discussed with professors, attended the Taipei Climate Expo organized by think tanks, and participated in the COP pre-conference consensus meeting by Vision Engineering. We also met partners from all over Taiwan who were also heading to Dubai. Our student team came from different departments: Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Department of Risk Management and Insurance, and Master's Program in Green Energy Technology. Each of us gained different insights at the COP venue based on our professional fields and shared them with each other. We maximized the benefits in just one week. This was a complete interdisciplinary team collaboration, perfectly demonstrating the power of synergy.

At the COP venue, we interviewed the CEO of "Love Girls" and the local manager in Uganda, discussing how local women in Africa improve their living and hygiene conditions.

Seeing the World from a Different Perspective

Many people wonder why the World Climate Summit is held in Dubai. Is the United Arab Emirates, an oil-producing country, really suitable for hosting a climate change conference? Most people's associations with Dubai include oil production and landmark buildings that seem to accelerate global warming, such as the world's largest indoor ski resort, the tallest building in the world - Burj Khalifa, the largest aquarium in the world, and the sustainable city. However, Dubai has quietly transformed into a commercial hub. Before heading to Dubai, I had the same doubts, but during the preparation process, I found that holding COP28 in Dubai actually made sense.

COP28's theme revolved around "fossil fuels," with intense discussions on the future use of fossil fuels. Within the UAE, Dubai is one of the seven emirates and serves as the center for economic and financial development. Its maritime cargo throughput ranks among the top ten in the world, and it is known for oil production. Discussing the future direction of fossil fuels in such a place seems perfectly reasonable.

The UAE Food Bank turns ugly fruits and vegetables into meal boxes for disadvantaged groups, striving for "zero waste."

International Friendships Define Self-Worth

Dubai is a diverse place, with over 90% of its residents being non-locals. At the COP venue, I met elites from all over the world, and it was my first time encountering so many people from different nationalities. Throughout the process, I constantly thought about my value in being there. The most important aspect was the face-to-face conversations with friends from different cultures, feeling the genuine joy and resonance, and exchanging views on various issues. We spoke in non-native English, carefully describing our feelings and gains at the venue, sharing insights based on our professional fields. This was my biggest takeaway from Dubai.

We shared our experiences on refugee issues with employees of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees.

Cambodia - CTEP, Cambodia

The "CTEP" is a "rural education" organization located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. They set up classrooms in various rural areas, allowing all children to continue receiving additional learning opportunities after school in under-resourced public schools. In addition to offering English courses, they also provide computer courses.

Before our departure, we received donations of brand-new stationery from friends, schools, and churches! We brought these supplies to Cambodia and personally handed them to the children.

In this project, we prepared three types of courses: English, guitar, and arts and crafts. We served five different rural classrooms: TASNE, SPS, TY, ROKA, and PT.

Reject Rumors, Seeing is Believing

Most people have preconceived stereotypes about Cambodia due to media influence, but this information comes from third parties, and we have not seen or verified it ourselves. During the winter break of 2024, our team went to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to volunteer at the "CTEP." As soon as we got off the plane, we saw endless grasslands, a golden sunset, and heard enthusiastic conversations in the car, officially kicking off our trip to Cambodia. After two weeks of personal experience, I deeply realized that this is a friendly and simple place, reminiscent of Taiwan in the 1950s.

Before departure, we collected many brand-new stationery and musical instruments, successfully bringing them to Cambodia and personally handing them to the children.

Different Languages, Different Souls

I found that when we use another language, our thinking and behavior change. I began to savor the meaning and warmth of words, quietly feeling the most primitive warmth between people. The trip to Cambodia made me realize that language is not just a tool for communication; it deeply influences my thinking and emotions. English is not my native language, nor is it the native language of the children at CTEP, but we still achieved our course goals in class. During each class, not only were the students in the classroom listening, but also the students of the next class were outside listening. The children here are lovely, serious, and enthusiastic, bringing endless vitality to our teaching!

We guided the children to think about how to use rubber bands to strengthen the structure of catapults, working together with friends to complete the catapults.

Making the Most of Opportunities

CTEP has been operating for over ten years, training many teachers and benefiting tens of thousands of children. They conduct random checks on rural classrooms and provide regular training, ensuring solid and efficient planning from start to finish. All rural classroom teachers are local, avoiding the issue of high teacher turnover. In Taiwan, many rural classrooms face high teacher turnover rates, with teachers leaving after their contracts end. In contrast, CTEP's teacher training and selection methods thoroughly solve the problem of teacher loss. CTEP has identified the needs of teachers and established many long-term educational initiatives in Cambodia.

We adjusted the teaching content based on the children's conditions, combining games and competitions to make learning fun and lively.

World Economy/World Economic Management Strategy - English Courses

The world is constantly changing, and having the ability to adapt is crucial. Required courses in the department are important, but I believe developing interdisciplinary learning skills is also essential during university. The "World Economic Forum" and the extended "World Economic Management Strategy" (taught in English) courses I took helped me develop the habit of continuously absorbing new knowledge. This is why I gained so much from each overseas internship.

For the World Economic Forum final report, we approached ESG from urban planning, emphasizing the importance of "social" and "governance," the S and G parts.

Volleyball Team - Yin-Yang Quick Screening Team

During my university years, I joined the department's volleyball team, practicing hard with friends from the same department. We experienced the Freshman Cup, Interdepartmental Cup, and pandemic suspensions together. The ups and downs created unique and special memories. We may not be the best, but we kept practicing. Despite losing many matches initially, we gained unprecedented achievements in teamwork and positive communication through volleyball. Winning or losing is not important; what matters is the spirit and attitude. With the right attitude, as long as you don't give up, everything around you will help you. It is through this step-by-step journey that we deeply understand the hardships and struggles, and witness everyone's transformation. The sense of accomplishment will always be remembered in my heart.

Thanks to the seniors who supported me along the way, planting the seeds of optimism and perseverance in volleyball in my heart.

Since elementary school, I have had a dream of going abroad. Teachers and friends around me shared their experiences of traveling, studying, and interning abroad. Besides courage, you also need ability.

In the past, I always waited for opportunities to come to me, but I gradually realized that it wasn't that opportunities didn't want me; it was that my abilities weren't enough to make me stand out.

In Taiwan, I didn't have many opportunities to chat with foreigners, so language became my first obstacle before going abroad. Initially, I was timid, fearful, and resistant to English. I thought I couldn't have fluent English skills like others, but I never gave up! I started looking for resources around me, and teachers enthusiastically provided various assistance. I began to seek out those abilities, practicing and speaking continuously, seizing opportunities to intern abroad, and gradually overcoming my fear of talking to foreigners. This was a significant breakthrough. However, I also reminded myself internally: "You must keep learning to survive in a changing world." I am grateful to all the benefactors who helped me along the way. Whether it was achievements or setbacks, they all became nutrients for my future growth.