TASSEL (Teaching and Sharing Skills to Enrich Lives) is not just an organization focused on education but also a lifeline for many communities in Cambodia. While its primary mission is to provide English education to underprivileged children, the Khmer teachers in TASSEL do much more. They visit sick villagers, check on their well-being, and even take them to the hospital when needed.

 

During my trip to the village of Roka in 2018, I was confronted with the disturbing realities of inadequate healthcare. Many residents in this village had contracted HIV due to a doctor reusing needles, and those suffering from AIDS faced severe stigma. Our team visited a woman living with AIDS who was experiencing severe edema throughout her body. She was unable to move, eat, or speak. The Khmer teachers engaged with the woman’s sister, who spoke on her behalf. Overcome with emotion, the sister broke down in tears as she described her sibling's condition. As I listened, my attention was drawn to the patient’s severely swollen foot—a stark reminder of the poor medical care she and many other villagers were receiving.

 

I was deeply impacted by the harsh reality that someone could be deprived of the basic medical care they rightfully deserved. The barriers extended far beyond financial constraints; many medical facilities lacked doctors with sufficient knowledge and experience. While I had heard numerous stories about the inadequacies of medical care in Cambodia, seeing this woman’s suffering was undeniable proof before my eyes. For the first time, I felt a clear calling: to dedicate my life to helping the people of Cambodia.

 

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but I abandoned that dream in high school due to various challenges. Instead, I applied for unrelated majors when preparing for college. Looking back, I realize I had likely given up on that dream because I lacked a deep conviction. This experience, however, reignited my passion for becoming a doctor. Witnessing the reality of the medical field in Cambodia, as well as the Khmer teachers’ dedication to serving the poor, stirred something profound within me.

 

Six years after that transformative trip, I am now a fourth-year medical student in Japan, preparing to enter my fifth year in just a few months. Reflecting on this journey, it feels surreal to see how that experience has shaped the trajectory of my life. The purpose I discovered back in 2018 remains crystal clear: to return to those without access to proper medical care and provide not just treatment, but also genuine love and compassion.

 

I hope that more people will join our TASSEL family and dedicate themselves to helping those in need—not just as a fleeting endeavor, but as a lifelong commitment. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.