.Reflection.

Through my interactions with Madam Ya Xiang, I learnt many things about cardboard collectors that left me flabbergasted. 
Of the many things I learnt, I was most surprised to learn that many cardboard collectors, including Madam Ya Xiang, are self-determined individuals who have a positive outlook in life. Based on my secondary research, I found that many cardboard collectors are in the field because they were left with no choice but to earn a living by collecting cardboards due to ageism in the workforce and mismatch of skills (Asnaani et al., 2021). In an attempt to empathize with cardboard collectors, I placed myself in their shoes and questioned possible feelings that I would have if I were to be forced to take on a job due to external factors that are not within my control. 

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Dejection and Helplessness were 2 emotions that I envisaged myself to have. As such, I assumed that cardboard collectors must have felt dejected and helpless. Such an assumption led me to be in awe when I learnt about cardboard collectors’ determination and positive outlook in life.

 

During our interactions, Madam Ya Xiang shared about her unpleasant experiences as a cardboard collector. Taking on a job that society poorly acknowledges, Madam Ya Xiang mentioned that she is frequently looked down upon by members of the public who would give her dirty looks of disapproval. Madam Ya Xiang also shared that she often encountered instances where members of the public would purposefully distance away from her after knowing her job.

 

Despite the negative experiences she encounters, Madam Ya Xiang shared that she would always remind herself to think positively and to remain focused on earning sufficient money to financially support her sickly brother. The positivity and determination that Madam Ya Xiang has allows her to have strong willpower to push through negative experiences and hold her employment in the cardboard collection industry.  I was sincerely amazed by Madam Ya Xiang's positivity and determination, as I do not think that I would be able to possess such qualities had I been in the same situation. 

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As I reflect on my interactions with Madam Ya Xiang, I pondered upon a question.

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"Would I be as surprised had I engaged Madam Ya Xiang without a prejudiced mindset?"

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That was when I realized the importance of having an unbiased mind, free of preceding opinions and personal assumptions, when interacting with cardboard collectors. 

 

Engaging cardboard collectors with a prejudiced mind will limit our ability to identify cardboard collectors’ strengths and hidden assets as doing so would only encourage us to assume their experiences instead of listening to their voice. Having prejudice will adversely affect our exploration of cardboard collectors' experiences, as we would be less likely to ask them questions if we have already formed assumptions. This can be seen from my experience. Had Madam Ya Xiang not shared her experiences with me, I would never have learnt of her positivity and determination and would continue to believe in my imprecise assumption. As such, the outreach experience taught me the importance of keeping my personal biases and assumptions aside when interacting with cardboard collectors and to learn to listen to their voices.

 

Well, it is just like what Ankish Chaturved once said, "Every single person on the planet has a story. Don’t judge people before you know them. The truth might surprise you."!