A Summer With Breathe Life

Michelle is a rising Sophomore at Wheaton College, studying international relations as well as Chinese language and culture. She is also a graduate of Dalat International School right here in Penang! 

Michelle’s high capacity for learning, hard work, and deep compassion have made her an invaluable addition to the administrative and organizational needs of Breathe Life’s First 1000 Days Initiative. From building data-storage protocols to designing new website tools, Michelle is leaving Breathe Life with research experience and practical administrative skills — though the most significant aspect of her work is relational. 

I've been able to build friendships with not only the facilitators, who are the Rohingya, but also the moms and their little kids! It's been really fun!

Michelle volunteered with five of our in-home First 1000 Days classes located all over Penang Island, and developed a better understanding of “what God’s heart is for the least of these.” One major theme she discerned throughout the summer was the resilience and warmth of the Rohingya people.

“Despite their lives purposely being made hard by the government and its restrictions, they still show so much love. Especially the translator team — they have such a tremendous amount of love for others in their community, and the hospitality they extend to us is very heartwarming.”

Throughout her internship, Michelle grew in her understanding of early childhood development, including how trauma affects parenting behavior, and how cultural context plays a significant role in what might otherwise be assumed as “natural” caregiving.

One of the most powerful takeaways for Michelle was witnessing how, over time, the mothers in the program began to open up — transforming from quiet participants to joyful, engaged parents. She said it was “amazing… stepping back and watching them [the moms] take ownership.”

For any prospective Breathe Life intern, Michelle advises to be as “curious and engaged” about learning Rohingya culture as possible. These skills helped her learn to ask questions when her Western mindset or preferences were challenged by the realities she encountered in the day-to-day lives of stateless people. Taking a learning posture in her classes rather than a teacher role was essential.

One of the easiest ways she was able to connect cross-culturally was by pointing to any nearby object and asking Yankee hoh? “What is this?” Learning simple Rohingya vocabulary was a great way to enter into conversation and relationship across a language barrier. “Even if I mess up, we just laugh together,” Michelle shared, “It’s fun — and it shows them that I care. Even trying helps build trust and friendships.”

We are so thankful for Michelle’s heart, hard work, and insight. Her time with Breathe Life is a testament to the beauty of cross-cultural learning, mutual respect, and the small, consistent steps it takes to bring healing and dignity to families affected by displacement. Beyond that, her hard work behind the keyboard is a good reminder for everyone that, oftentimes, “justice is in the paperwork.

Summer 2025