Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Leigh McMaster has been volunteering with MMR for the past year.
Otherwise known as ‘Teacher Lin’, she is an expert on Korean Pop and the New Zealand Tax System. Leigh studied sociology, film and development at university and came here to gain more real life experience. She has been working as a tutor with our ACU online students as well as teaching English at MTP.
I sat down with Leigh and asked her about her experience so far
Why did you decide to come to MMR?
I was looking to do some volunteering for a Catholic organization and I wanted to put into practice the development theory I studied at uni. After working in ‘the real world’ it was important for to work for an organization that I could fully support in its mission. I heard about MMR from old school friend and it sounded unique – especially with the current changes happening in Myanmar at the moment.
Has your experience been what you expected?
This experience has exceeded my expectations in every way. Ranong is not the backwater hole that lonely planet leads you to believe! I was mentally prepared for anything because I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what resources there would be or what community living would be like, so I tried to not have any expectations.
What have been the highlights so far?
The biggest highlight has been getting to know the online students. They are so inspiring and eager to learn, and don’t have any of the cynicism that seems to accompany other university students in New Zealand. I really enjoyed the online Opening Ceremony. It was good to see how the online students can be role models for the younger students and give them something to aspire to. The speeches were very inspiring and I could see how they truly value their education.
Also, listening to my year one students recite Dr Suess poetry was a hilarious highlight as well!
What has been the biggest challenge of living here in Ranong?
Probably just not being able to drive. I wish I had learnt to drive my brother’s scooter when I had the chance!
What do you think you will miss the most when you go home?
“It’s too sad to think about.”
Leigh is committed to MMR until March 2013