Boom, Thammasat University
 

Hello, everyone. I’m currently a 3rd-year student in the Faculty of Social Work at Thammasat University. Since I was young, I’ve always had dreams and goals in life, and I believe many of you share the same. When we talk about dreams, it sometimes feels overwhelming, and I wonder, "Can it really be possible?" However, one thing that keeps me going is believing in my dreams and constantly seeking opportunities.

America is one of my dreams. I’ve always wanted to visit, work, and experience life there, in a country that is often seen as exciting and full of opportunities. This dream started when I was a child, watching the movie Titanic, where the ship was sailing to America. The protagonist's luck in getting a ticket made me see America as a beautiful, dream destination. I had a goal to go there before I turned 20. However, as time passed, I learned it wasn't so easy for an ordinary person to go to the U.S. It’s not just about money; it also involves legal preparation, background checks, and embassy interviews. All of this seemed complicated for a kid like me. But by researching and looking for opportunities, I came across the Work and Travel program during high school, which could help me achieve my dream faster. I started reading books and gathering information. Finally, earlier this year, the opportunity came sooner than I expected.

When I first decided I was ready to join the Work and Travel program this coming summer, my biggest worry was, "Will my parents let me go?" But I explained everything to them with reason and persistence. Although they didn’t initially support it, after seeing my determination and how well-prepared I was with credible information, they finally agreed.

Then came the hard part: choosing an agency for the Work and Travel program. It was overwhelming because there were so many options. I ended up following a friend's recommendation without doing much research. I signed up with a company in downtown Bangkok. Initially, they were very attentive, offering snacks and drinks while giving advice. But after I paid the 5,000-baht registration fee and another 10,000 baht for the program deposit, everything changed. They became unresponsive, and when I asked questions, the only reply I got was, "Wait, we’ll let you know." Things got worse when I had to choose a job, as the options were limited, despite what was advertised. Eventually, the job I interviewed for got canceled, and I didn’t know what to do. I hesitated to tell my parents, fearing they’d say, "We told you so." But I realized that no one could help me more than my parents, so I sought their advice. They let me decide, and I chose to leave the agency, even though they didn’t refund any of my money as promised.

This experience taught me that I need to make my own choices and decisions. I started researching more thoroughly and reading reviews. Eventually, I found MPLC, an agency that had been around for over 20 years, specializing in international education, cultural exchange programs like Face the World, and Work and Travel programs. MPLC had a great reputation, with no negative reviews, so I didn’t hesitate to visit their office. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with pictures and evidence of their long-standing work. I signed up on the spot. I was impressed by MPLC’s honesty. They explained everything clearly without holding anything back. Communication was transparent, and they kept me informed throughout the process.

The MPLC team also helped me prepare for English assessments and interviews, providing guidance every step of the way. Eventually, I passed my second job interview, selecting a position that I was satisfied with. MPLC even gave me the option to book my flight myself, offering recommendations for flight agencies. I ended up buying a ticket with a layover in South Korea before heading to Montana, USA.

When I arrived in Montana, I was thrilled to see snow for the first time, though the heavy snowfall soon became a challenge, causing our car to stop on icy roads. We spent over four hours in the car until the highway patrol cleared the road. We then stayed at a hotel in Billings before heading to Hardin, where my job was located.

I worked at a small three-star hotel with about 30 rooms. My job was to clean 13 rooms daily, which was exhausting. However, I kept going, motivated by the goal of saving money for travel. The hotel manager, Zac, who was from Pakistan, was kind and taught me the necessary skills. Despite the challenges, I persevered. I even started cooking Thai food, and Zac loved the aroma, which made him even fonder of me.

In addition to my hotel job, I found a second job at a McDonald’s, where I enjoyed making burgers. Over time, I became more efficient, and my coworkers were supportive, making the experience more enjoyable.

Although there were many ups and downs, especially homesickness and the challenges of living in a foreign country, this journey made me more resilient and gave me a new perspective on life