讀後心得

Ms. Chen Hui-yu became a volunteer after being diagnosed with cancer, dedicating her limited life to infinite contributions and touching every fellow patient. There are over 1.1 million public welfare volunteers in Taiwan, with Tainan City having the highest proportion of volunteers, 90% of whom are female. Her friend Tu Chia-jung initiated a book project, and the author and team interviewed a hundred volunteers, selecting some moving stories. For example, Chen Yi-jia bravely overcame hearing impairment to become a university student and volunteer, promoting the idea of pet adoption; and there is the centenarian volunteer Lin Yong, who actively participates in environmental activities after retirement, his enthusiasm inspiring family and friends to join the ranks of volunteers. These volunteers influence those around them with their kind hearts, and they deserve more support and applause from everyone.

Ms. Chen Hui-Yu, a hospital volunteer, decided to dedicate herself to volunteer service after being diagnosed with cancer, translating her limited life into endless contributions. Her empathy, patience, and love deeply touched every patient.

The identity of a volunteer is widely present in the public welfare field, and public welfare activities can transcend the boundaries of religion and politics, becoming a common connection point for people. Although people may have different religious beliefs and political stances, the spirit of public welfare can bring them closer together. We often see Master Sheng Yen conversing with a bishop; despite their differing faiths, their concern for human society is consistent. The love and dedication they discuss fall within the realm of public welfare. Whenever a disaster occurs, volunteers like firefighters and hospital volunteers selflessly extend a helping hand, caring for disaster victims regardless of their political party affiliations, which is precisely what makes public welfare so precious.

The atmosphere of volunteerism in Taiwan is very vibrant, with the number of volunteers exceeding 1.1 million, meaning that on average, one out of every twenty people is a volunteer. Among the six metropolitan areas, Tainan City's volunteer activities are particularly active, with over 100,000 volunteers, which translates to about one in every twenty people participating in volunteer service, the highest population ratio among the six cities. If the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan is its people, then the most beautiful scenery in Tainan is undoubtedly these volunteers.

To promote the spirit of volunteerism, a friend invited the author to co-author a book, assembling a team including writers, photographers, and planners. The team spent a year visiting Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung, interviewing over 100 volunteers and ultimately selecting 40 individuals. The author wrote approximately 100,000 words, and a renowned photographer captured every wonderful moment of the volunteers, with plans to compile it into a book.

During the interviews, several volunteers left a deep impression on the author. For instance, Ms. Chen Hui-Yu was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and decided to live with no regrets by transforming her limited life into infinite dedication. She has had a 17-year career as a hospital volunteer and often comforts terminally ill patients with the "Four Ways of Life," which include: expressing gratitude, love, apologies, and farewells, conveying thankfulness, love, remorse, and goodbyes. Her empathy and love provide warmth to every patient.

Another volunteer, Chen Yi-Jia, faced bullying due to her hearing impairment and once felt despair regarding life. However, she bravely overcame more than twenty years of adversity. After undergoing surgery for a cochlear implant, she could finally hear sounds. Now a university student, she actively participates in volunteer work, helping to take photos and videos at various public welfare events, while advocating the concept of "adopt instead of buy," as she believes every life deserves respect and kindness.

Centenarian Lin Yong is an environmental volunteer from Tainan City's Jiangjun District. He farmed since childhood and continued to clear weeds in the village after retirement. Despite his advanced age, he maintains good health and inspires family and friends to join the ranks of volunteers. Villagers see his unwavering efforts and follow his example by joining the volunteer team.

In communicating with the volunteers, the author was deeply moved by their "kindness." Although they may not be famous or wealthy, they still carry kind hearts and silently contribute to society. As an American writer once said, "Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see." The kindness of volunteers deserves more encouragement from us. Whenever you encounter a volunteer, please do not hesitate to applaud them, as every word of thanks is a priceless treasure to them.