Xhed Punzalan

NAME: Xhed Punzalan
DESTINATION: University Scholars Leadership Sympoisum, Bangkok 2018
COURSE: Bachelor of Medical Science (Advanced)

“A single twig breaks but the bundle of twigs is strong”
(Kishore Mahbubani)

Bangkok. A land of smiles, lavish beauty and a hospitable culture that is unlike any other. Unfortunately, like many things, the harsh truth sometimes does not come in face value. Poverty, inequality, hunger and pollution. These are just some of the issues that is riddled within not only Bangkok, not even only Thailand, but all around the world. What’s worse is that much of these problems are riddled within our own country too.

The 2018 University Scholars Leadership Symposium is most definitely a life-changing experience for me and is nothing short of inspiring and empowering. When Janice Leong said, “We have the ability to change the trajectory of mankind for the better”.
Such few words had such a heavy weighing significance on me. As a young leader, I do believe we have the ability to change the world and unfortunately what we lack most to take action is courage. This statement is not solely a commentary of other individuals, but a reflection of how I am, or was, as a leader.

Human trafficking especially hit me hard, much like the story from Geraldine Cox and little baby noodles. Unfortunately, this does not even closely spotlight the dire issues so many people have experienced and continue to experience every single day - the fact that
there are so many people out there who were stripped of their voices, their will to stand up and replaced hope with helplessness. Walking among the streets seeing so many homeless people, even children who are forced to take refuge under the little shade that bus stops provided. I’m not exactly sure what the meaning of life is, but I sure know we were called to be part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Echoing the words of Kishore Mahbubani, I am reminded of the saying: “A single twig breaks but the bundle of twigs is strong”. Being along side other like-minded individuals who are all in the interest of making the world a better place is an opportunity I most definitely do not want to take for granted.

USLS 2018 only lasted for a week, but the lessons learnt from that week resonate for a lifetime. No matter who we are, where we come from, who or what we believe in, as long as we work together and take courage, we can change the world. Even the littlest actions, smiling instead of frowning can do so much. I am so grateful to have been chosen by the Academy to represent Western Sydney University in this life-changing event. Not only were the other delegates and fellow university mates incredible world changing individuals, but the staff who were with us were incredibly selfless and supportive throughout the experience.