I am currently volunteering in Cambodia for the summer. A few weeks ago I visited a school in an impoverished region in western Cambodia, where I am helping to implement an afterschool environmental club. The aim of this project is to provide a fun atmosphere while empowering the children as they contribute to projects within their community.

Upon arriving at one school, this little girl, the daughter of a teacher, approached us cautiously. All of the children at the school appeared very shy, and in return for my mangled Khmer provided me with blank stares. However, this apparent timidity is a sign of their respect for their elders, and in spite of their silence and sincere expressions, I felt very welcome.

Cambodia’s recent violent history still lingers in the stares of the impoverished children and the presence of landmines just outside the school’s borders. However, in spite of this ghost of a past, I realized from witnessing the children at this school that it is absolutely crucial not to primarily identify Cambodian’s with this history; a Cambodian smile has so much more to say about these wonderful people than does their tragic history. As I witnessed the school activities, this little girl climbed onto the school’s swings, and as she was busy swinging away I was able to capture a candid moment of her childhood bliss. For that brief moment, she let her joy overcome her stoicism and hardship, and she shared with me a smile.

Through the unquestioned welcome of people at this school and the warmth of this child, it became apparent that they have more to offer in character and humanity than one could ever imagine... and it has left me in absolute awe.