Welcome back to another edition of Where Are They Now? The blog series where we catch up with TLG alumni and talk to them about how TLG has been a source of crucial skills and inspiration for their current pursuits! This week we’re featuring Jacky Chiang, an international student who first volunteered for TLG because he was looking to practice English and explore a new home. Five years later Jacky was recognised for completing 10 Rural Programs and decided to use the skills he gained at TLG to start his own coaching business. 

Jacky’s TLG journey began in 2014, not long after he first arrived at the University of Western Australia as an international student from Hong Kong. He told us he was “looking for opportunities to broaden [his] horizons, make local friends and practice [his] English.” So when he saw a TLG banner on campus and found out that the Rural Program (RP) involves a week-long expenses paid volunteering trip, he jumped at the opportunity. “I was excited [because] it would allow me to travel around WA while contributing  to a meaningful cause during semester holidays,” he said. Soon afterwards he was off on his first summer RP to Boulder Primary School. 

Over the next five years, Jacky went on nine more RPs whilst completing his Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication Studies, followed by a Masters of Strategic Communication. When asked what motivated him to keep coming back year after year, he told us there were three reasons: impact, travelling and bonding. “When students say, ‘I want you to be back and be my tutor again!’ and teachers saying ‘we can’t wait to have TLG returning to our schools!’ Those are undoubtedly moments where you recognise the great work and impact TLG makes towards the rural communities of WA,” he said. “I was motivated to keep coming back so that I could be a part of this rewarding mission to make education ‘go viral’ for everyone.” Jacky also said he loved that the program gave him the opportunity to travel all over WA and learn about the local cultures of different rural communities. 

In regards to his third reason, Jacky said that the opportunity to form close bonds with other volunteers was the final pull factor that made him want to participate in the RP over and over again. During the RP groups of volunteers spend a week living in close quarters. They tutor students during the day and in the evening complete lesson plans, engage with the local community and spend time getting to know each other. Jacky described this as a “rare, unique experience. At first it feels uncomfortable spending so much time with new people, cooking together, playing card games, sleeping on the floor, but in the end we always end up feeling like a family. I have formed many lifelong friendships on the Rural Program and met so many amazing human beings during the journey!”

We asked Jacky if there were any special moments during his many RPs that stood out to him. He responded that each of them was meaningful to him but his fifth RP to Nulsen Primary School stood out to him because he challenged himself to step up the role of Coordinator. “Coordinating had always been something I was scared about, Jacky told us. “... I was not confident with my English language ability, let alone leading a group of students in English.” In the end, however, with the help of his “super amazing” co-coordinator, Grace Roberts, everything went well. “Grace and I managed to overcome numerous challenges and deliver a successful program” Jacky said. “I can still recall a quote I put on my Instagram after the RP: ‘Fear is temporary. Regret is forever. In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take.’ To this day I am still very grateful that I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take on the challenge to coordinate a RP.”

During his final RP to Spencer Park Primary School in 2019, Jacky “uncovered [his] passion of being a coach.” As one of the more experienced members of the program he took on the role of supporting and assisting first-time tutors. “I got a lot of support, encouragement and positive feedback from the other tutors,” he said, so “I decided to keep up the momentum and completed an accredited life coaching course. I have now started a coaching business and feel like I am truly unleashing my potential!” 

At the end of 2019, Jacky was awarded a certificate of recognition for completing 10 Rural Programs. When asked how it felt to be recognised for his contribution, he said he was “extremely honoured...I am very glad I am able to lead as an example with my achievement and I am confident that my presence will not only help raise the awareness of what TLG stands for, but also empower others to get involved and take on new challenges. I am always committed to inspiring positive change and TLG has helped me live out this core value.”

Finally, we asked Jacky what the future holds for him. “Endless possibilities,” was his response. “Whether we know it or not, each and every one of us plays a critical role in this world. Through my involvement with TLG I developed practical interpersonal skills and a strong understanding of the importance of giving back to the community even if you feel you are not ready or qualified to do so. Never settle for less and play small, because the world needs people like us and I can’t wait to give back to the global community with what I’ve gained from TLG.”

To register your interest to participate in the next Rural Program, fill out an EOI form here.