Congratulations to Pepo, our Volunteer Coordinator, on Graduating from University of Payao last month!

University Graduation Day is one of the most important days for a girl who grew up in a Hmong hill tribe society- this date means that you have been successful for the first major step in your life.  That girl is me, Pepo, Art Relief International's Volunteer and Program Coordinator.  I am so happy and appreciative to all those along the way because it is such a great moment in my life.  Moreover, my parents are so proud of me and admire my accomplishment.  Even though they don't necessarily say anything to me, I see everything in their eyes and smile.  

In Thailand, one year after you graduate with a Bachelor, Master or Doctor's degree, one person in the royal family will come to hand you the diploma during the graduation ceremony. This is so exciting for all of the graduates, so we have to practice two or three days before the graduation ceremony day. This is a great memory that I will never forget, once time in my life to be so close to the Princess, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn ( http://www.sirindhorn.net/HRH-biography.en.php).

I am sure that this is one of the many reasons that Thai students' continue their studies until graduation with a Bachelor's degree as the Princess and Royal Family are a great inspiration and model for all of us and we love them dearly.

Written by Pepo, Art Relief International Coordinator