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This weekend, the volleyball teams traveled to Dongshan Senior High School in Taichung for a volleyball camp and learning experience. Dongshan Senior High is one of the best teams in the High School Volleyball League in Taiwan, and their coach is the national team’s former libero and current coach. This opportunity to play with them is truly precious, and I couldn’t thank the coaches and the athletic director enough for arranging such an eye-opening and fun trip for us. My favorite part of the trip was social night. The players at my table are so nice and funny to talk with. It was surprising to hear that almost all of the players there have been playing volleyball for more than 10 years, and even more shocking to know that most of them are already dull of the sport and don’t want to play professionally anymore in college. Visiting Dongshan Senior High School brought back so many local school memories for me. From the rice buckets that are exclusive only in local schools, to the designated classrooms and classmates, to the very authoritative style of teaching and coaching, these are part of my childhood and most importantly a part of me that I used to resist but now embrace so much. I’m so glad that we, with vastly different lifestyles and backgrounds, are able to get to know each other via this unique volleyball exchange program. Most importantly, this opportunity made me see areas where I can improve myself. I never thought that the relative freedom I have over my life currently, which is something I’m satisfied with, is actually where I need to manage better and improve myself upon. The girls we met can only use their phones for 30 minutes a day as part of their routine schedule. They live together and do everything together. Anything done that does not adhere to the coach’s rule can result in severe punishments. Compared to myself who makes most decisions of my own will, I realized that I’ve never critically evaluated and appreciated this freedom I’ve been given and taken for granted. Besides the more eye-widening part of the trip from chatting and getting to know the players from the other team, our team also bonded in unprecedented ways. The laughter that filled our night at the night market from taking pirate ships and our walks back to the hotels from talking about each other as a fruit is something I would forever cherish in my heart. I’ve enjoyed every second of this trip, and I’m so so glad I decided to join volleyball!!!!!