Completing my Thesis in Thailand

As most of you know, I do not know my mother, but I was raised mostly by my grandmother when I was young. My mother moved with my grandmother to America from Thailand when she was 14. Being raised by my grandmother, I understood and spoke Thai. But when I was separated from her, I lost all memory of my heritage and culture. It wasn't until years later that I met her again and reconnected with that identity a bit, before unfortunately, she passed away from Cancer.

What I discovered in the field of Community Psychology was how important it is to understand your own cultural roots, your own identity. So many people suffer from identity fragmentation, especially in New Zealand Maori and other minority populations. Feeling segregated as an American immigrant, I began to understand that I want to help other immigrants, and particularly those of my lost heritage.

After recently finishing my Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology with Distinction, I received a scholarship to pay for my Masters Thesis in Applied Community Psychology next year. I would like to go to Thailand to not only reconnect with my people, but relearn the language and cultural values they hold in order to help immigrants in New Zealand. I have decided to study at a Thai Language School in order to relearn Thai, and while studying, write my Masters Thesis speaking with Thai nationals about their core values and perceptions of Mental Health. When I'm done with my Thesis, if all goes well, I would like to continue to work with this population in order to enhance our cultural understandings of different ethnic groups and to improve the lives of Thai immigrants.

Although I have the scholarship, this only covers my Thesis paper costs (about $8,000). From there, I still need to cover living costs, rent, travel insurance, plane flights, the Language School tuition, and other travel costs. I will be saving money up until the time I leave to the best of my ability, but the help from others, although not expected, would be greatly appreciated.

In Thai, there is something referred to as the ‘Bunkun’ value. This is the idea that we treat others kindly not because we want or expect something back, but just that it will be. If we all follow the bunkun value, then we will all take care of each other without having to expect or want.

I'm not a big fan of asking for help, but a close friend suggested this might be worth a shot. I love you all and I hate to ask, but you never know unless you try right? Any little bit helps, and I like to think that I would do the same for all of you if I could!