Derron J. R. Wallace
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant
Thailand
Grant Dates: 2008-2009

Derron J. R. Wallace teaching his students

A few weeks ago, I stood in breathless amazement at a vast expanse of rice fields swaying in the wind.  It was not my first time witnessing these fields in Thailand.  However, the moment - and my deep consideration of it - was altogether refreshing.  Prior to that sunny Saturday morning, I had failed to welcome the captivating sight before me and take in the simple, subtle sensations that can stir passion and curiosity for life.  All at once, I was reminded of how easy it is to take matters, places and people for granted to the point when we fail to wai (Thai greeting) or ask why.  Thanks to that moment, I discovered a valuable cue for making cross-cultural connections.  Questioning and respecting traditions enriches global mutual understanding and engenders empathy for different ways of life. 
 
Throughout my stay in Thailand, I was reminded time and time again of the importance of saluting and examining Thai culture.  Knowing when and how to wai, when greeting the director and senior teachers at my school in the mornings; asking (politely) why the head has been and still is important in Thai society; and remembering to take off my shoes when entering a temple in Phitsanulok as a student of Thai culture.  As I began to increasingly wai and ask why, I also took my Thai students with me on this journey.  I challenged them frequently to raise questions about the dimensions of American life and culture that puzzled them, and encouraged them to embrace aspects of American society that excited them.  During this rich cross-cultural exchange (which functions as the heart of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program), I learned and taught others to welcome the power of whys and wais.

The ability to pay respect to foreign traditions (wai) and inquire about the roots of cultural differences (ask why) are necessary prerequisites for global competence.  In fact, I would wager that the sustainability of the world and reduction of conflicts rest on our commitment to humbly honor and critically engage with differences.  If we are to interact effectively in an increasingly interdependent and interconnected world, we need more rich intercultural experiences that promote respect and provoke curiosity.

I relish greatly the revelation I experienced weeks ago.  The rice fields' bountiful greenery gave me a pervasive awareness of cultural reverence and social concern, which ushered my thinking down previously unfamiliar corridors.  I remain hopeful that I will forever be mindful of the power of whys and wais.  Awareness of both will not only strengthen U.S.-Thailand relations, but perhaps the entire world as well.

This story originally appeared in the August 2009 edition of the Fulbright U.S. Student Grantee Newsletter.

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