Vietnam Enactus 2016 – Think of all the things we hear in a day. Birds chirping, cars going by, people talking. We hear so many things, but how often do we actually listen? During my two weeks spent in Tra Vinh, Vietnam, I learned the value of listening for the sake of listening.

 We worked with students from Tra Vinh University to review the university’s micro-credit lending program. I realized that I only half-listen at home. Always listening for my cue to speak. But in Vietnam, in order to understand my new friends through the language barrier I couldn’t half-listen, I needed to actively listen.

 Conversations become more engaging and you learn so much more when you’re not listening for your cue to talk. Through this international trip I had the opportunity to experience so many amazing things. The people I met in Vietnam were so kind, they went above and beyond to make this trip memorable. They were interested when we spoke and actually listened.

 Not only did I leave Vietnam with more knowledge, I left with a different outlook. Now that I’m home I’m going to make an effort to be kinder and listen more attentively. The memories and the friends I made in Vietnam will never be forgotten.

Shaylyn MacAulay

Student, Business Administration

NSCC Waterfront Campus