– is a sentiment shared by many who has served in the alternative service in Taiwan. The experience is unique and once-in-a-lifetime. Though I’m sure there will be days when I’ll look back in nostalgia and miss moments from this wonderful journey, today I shout with joy and glad to have completed this one-year journey.

As a mandatory service, my alternative placement could be considered wonderful in many aspects. Being placed in a school high up in the mountains, 2-hour drive from the nearest convenience store, afforded me freedoms and ease not found in a city school. But as a government conscription program, there were rules to be followed and uniforms to be worn. I’m glad to have successfully completed this task and been honourably discharged.

Here’s to a new chapter of my life!