Eljoy Tanos – Introduction

Hello! สวัสดี ครับ (sawadee krab)

My name is Eljoy Tanos and I am a rising fourth year at the University of Richmond majoring in Global Studies: Asia and Chinese Studies. Last fall, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Beijing and during the last two weeks of the program, students were able to travel around different cities. From seeing the pandas in Chengdu to climbing the Potala palace in Tibet, these experiences are easily one the best parts of my study abroad trip. On one hand, I was able to freely, yet mindfully, immerse in the culture while being guided to cultural and tourist sites. On the other, using my free time to explore the cities myself also allowed me to feel more like a local. It is not an exaggeration to say that this experience feeds my hunger to go out and see the world.

That is why when the opportunity to apply for this Encompass trip arose, I took the chance to apply right away. I wanted to take all the information and discussions I have accumulated in my classrooms and apply it to the real world. The two topics that interest me the most are human rights and Buddhism. Once you step foot into another society, you  will start seeing them as people, as a part of the global world, and not just merely a part of a history textbook or scholarly article. As I learn more about human rights issues and Buddhism as a part of Thailand and Cambodia’s culture, I would like to keep this mindset during the trip. By emphasizing their humanity and distinct culture, we acknowledge their agency and embrace different and new perspectives. In my opinion, this is a more productive way of thinking than the savior/victim mindset.

After my first day in Bangkok, I am already reminded of the importance of being open-minded, having an adventurous spirit, and being able to go with the flow. At lunch, Dr. Datta led us to come to a restaurant he had tried a few years back. However, upon arriving, the restaurant was no longer there. We ended up walking some more and split up to eat lunch at other places. We had also planned to go to the Royal palace after getting our transportation card. However, the weather did not permit as rain poured heavily throughout the evening. Instead, we explored a nearby mall and took a boat down the Chao Phraya river where we seek for the next possible destination.