Cougars in Thailand

You may know that cougars are typically found in the Americas. But did you know that there are two cougars in Thailand? They are Jessica and Leah, two BYU Cougars, undergraduate students studying Communication Disorders. 

I received a grant from the BYU McKay School of Education to provide an experiential learning opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about conducting research, teaching, and being immersed in a new culture. Of the many students who applied and qualified for this experience, Jessica and Leah rose to the top. They arrived in May and have been amazing with their ability to understand and embrace the culture, try exotic food, flexibly accept changes in our schedule, and enjoy every minute of their time here. Our motto for this experience is “A new day, a new adventure!” 

 

Their primary responsibilities thus far have been to teach the neurodiverse students and the children from the homeless shelter. They have also taught students from the Foundation for Children, a "foster care" organization for children without families. Jessica and Leah have created several lesson plans focusing on teaching English through children’s literature, and their lessons are so fun! Watching them teach, engage with the students despite the language barriers, and share their love with the students brings joy to my heart! We are creating a repository of lesson plans that will be available to the teachers here at the Institute long after we are gone. We are using the books our donors provided to teach the lessons and these books will remain at the Institute for use in the classrooms. Some books will go with the students to the shelter.   

Jessica teaching English to young students

Leah teaching English to young students

I feel so grateful to our many generous book drive donors. We raised $3400 in cash and received over 100 lbs. of new and gently used children’s books. Thanks to my friends of the Quail Hollow neighborhood for donating so many great titles and to my fiancé, Chris, and Tracy & Kris Ballard who hauled suitcases filled with heavy books from the US to Thailand! The kids have loved their English lessons and these new books! Learning English is one way out of poverty for Thai students. 

Children, Faculty, & Staff Receiving Book Donations

As Communication Disorders students, Jessica and Leah are well equipped to conduct communication evaluations for 8 neurodivergent students, write professional reports, and provide culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate recommendations. They have been working on implementing these recommendations and modeling strategies for the teachers and helpers in the classroom. 

On their first day in Thailand, instead of napping to get rid of their jet lag, they came to the Institute to help with our teacher training on inclusion! Now, that's dedication! 

Teacher training on their first day in Thailand

They also have gone on field trips and swimming with the students, and have provided the kiddos with hours and hours of back rides! Every day is hot and exhausting, but so fulfilling! I am so proud of these two BYU Cougars and I am so grateful for how they love the students, engage enthusiastically with the faculty and staff, and represent the university in positive ways! 

Feeding the fish