How Teaching in Sumba Transformed My Perspective on Life

Jealousy often creeps in when I see others living seemingly better lives than mine. "Well, I guess the grass is always greener on the other side," I would tell myself, never realizing that my own grass was greener than many others’. Looking back, I now see how immature that mindset was. I’ll never forget the moment that changed it all—the words of a little boy that will stay with me forever. In that instant, he taught me something I had long suppressed with envy: gratitude for life.

It was December 2019. As a high school student overwhelmed by classes, I wanted a break to recharge. At the time, I saw school as an obstacle to my enjoyment. So, I invited one of my best friends, Audi, to try something different—volunteering as an English teacher in Sumba for five days. To be honest, my main motivation was to have a new experience while also treating it as a vacation. Soon after making our plans, we arrived in East Sumba, where we were warmly welcomed by our guides, Umbu' Nndang and Umbu Ard, along with three other volunteers. The moment I arrived, I was captivated by the breathtaking scenery, thinking it couldn't get much better than that. But I was wrong.

Volunteers, students, and teachers gathered in front of the school in Papu Village.

When we arrived at the school in Papu Village—standing alone in the middle of a vast field with no other buildings in sight—we saw the students eagerly waiting for us on the wooden stairs of the stilt house. My fear of teaching and holding their attention vanished the moment they ran over and hugged me tightly. Without hesitation, they pulled me into the classroom, excited for the class to begin.

Me (right) and Audi (in the white t-shirt) teaching the students.

Classroom situation.

Seeing their eagerness to learn and their determination to absorb as much knowledge as possible made me reflect on my own experiences. I thought back to all the times I had seen my life as less fortunate and dismissed the value of what I was learning in school. Then, on the last day, Arnan, one of the kindergarten students, approached me after class and said:

"Thank you, Kak. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from you. I will never forget what you taught me. I'm hoping you'll be able to return and teach me and my friends again."

Arnan.

My heart sank the moment I heard those words. It was a feeling I had never experienced before—joy mixed with a deep sense of shame. I realized how self-centered I had been, chasing trivial things out of envy while taking so much for granted. What more could I possibly ask for? I attend a well-equipped school, while they walk miles to study in a building with a collapsing roof and minimal resources. I had been too focused on what others had, without appreciating what was already mine—while many were striving just to have the same opportunities.

From those five life-changing days, I learned three lessons that I will never forget. First and foremost, I recognize my privilege. It humbles me to realize how easily I take my education for granted when so many children long for the same opportunities. Secondly, with all its ups and downs, I’ve learned to appreciate my life—whether it’s waking up each day, sharing meals with family, attending school, having a roof over my head, or even something as simple as breathing fresh air. Rather than dwelling on what’s missing, I’ve come to focus on what I already have—things that many others may never experience. Since embracing gratitude in my daily life, I’ve become a more positive person. Lastly, acknowledging my privilege, along with practicing gratitude, has strengthened my drive to help others. I’ve realized that even sharing a small piece of what I know can make a meaningful difference, and using what we have to uplift others is a simple yet powerful way to create joy for everyone.

Since that trip, those kids have lived in my heart. So when I received heartbreaking news in April 2021, it hit me hard—I learned that their school had collapsed after a storm swept through East Sumba, forcing the children to put their dreams and passion for learning on hold. Fortunately, many kindhearted people stepped in, donating millions of rupiahs to support them. To Arnan, Amel, Arsel, Fitri, and all the other children—I hope you are safe and know that you have shaped me into a better person. You are incredible, and you deserve to achieve your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

The students in Papu Village.

I never imagined that my year-end trip with a group of strangers would become one of the most important lessons of my life. Nor did I expect that a spur-of-the-moment decision would lead me to meet such incredible individuals. Since then, I’ve embraced the responsibility of using my privilege to help others, participating in various on- and off-campus initiatives to empower disadvantaged communities. I plan to continue this work, especially in expanding access to education for those who need it most. Most importantly, I can now proudly say that I am truly grateful for my life and everything I have—all thanks to those amazing children.

To anyone caught up in comparing their life to others, take a step back and focus on the good you can bring to the world with what you already have. I learned this lesson later than I should have, but better late than never.