MY REFLECTIONS ON THE NAGASAKI TRIP 

Annie Lorraine B. Joyas
Miriam College High School,
Quezon City, Philippines

"very experience in life, everything which we have come in contact in life, is a chisel cutting away at our life statue, molding, modifying, shaping it. We are all part of all we have met. Everything we have seen, heard, felt or thought has had its hand in molding us, shaping us."
-Marden, Orison Swett

My trip to Nagasaki taught me a lot of what I need to know about how miserable lives become because of war. 

The whole trip was a learning experience for me, and I' sure for everyone as well. The realization of how badly the need for peace is in our world is heart-warming. I also came to know, because of the trip, that there is so much more beautiful things and experiences ahead of me and my generation. The visit to the museums and homes of atomic bomb survivors made me realize that the future lies in the hands of the youths like me. The trip requests me to do something to change the current state of peace in our society, in our world, so that our home will really be a better place to live in. Upon arriving back home, I know I must start to do something to initiate the considered necessary change that our own country needs. Through the shared experiences and plans in establishing a culture of peace, I gained confidence that the desired change can be achieved if you begin with pure intentions. Since my goal, our goal, is to institute peace, I am sure that I can help in the desired change for our country, for our world. 

The Nagasaki visit indeed molded me and shaped me to be the person that I am today. I believe that my leanings made me a stronger, more courageous and more faithful individual. Through all the things that I've experienced, I know that the significant contribution, the needed difference must come from me.

<BACK TO Asian Youth Peace Seminar top>