When my son left for a three-month trip, he was a completely different person than the one who returned. Before his journey, he was spoiled, ungrateful, and seemingly oblivious to the value of hard work. He had grown up in a comfortable home where everything was provided for him, and he rarely had to struggle for anything. Despite my efforts to teach him responsibility, he took things for granted, expecting luxuries without appreciating the effort behind them.
I had always worried about his entitlement, but no lesson seemed to resonate with him. When the opportunity arose for him to spend three months in a rural community through an exchange program, I insisted he go. At first, he resisted, not wanting to leave his comfortable lifestyle. However, after much persuasion, he reluctantly agreed.
The change in his demeanor was evident from the moment he returned. Instead of the usual complaints about minor inconveniences, he expressed gratitude for things he had once overlooked. He greeted me with a warm hug and, for the first time in years, genuinely thanked me for everything I had done for him. It was a shocking yet heartwarming moment.
As we sat down to talk about his experience, he shared stories of his time away. He had been placed with a family in a small village where daily life was a stark contrast to what he was used to. There were no modern conveniences, no fast food, and certainly no access to endless entertainment at the push of a button. Instead, he had to wake up early to help with farming, walk miles to get clean water, and contribute to household chores.
At first, he had struggled immensely. The physical labor was exhausting, and the lack of immediate gratification was frustrating. He longed for the comfort of home, but as time passed, something changed within him. He started to understand the value of hard work and perseverance. He developed a deep respect for the people he lived with, admiring their resilience and sense of community.
He spoke about the children in the village, who found joy in the simplest things—a game played with handmade toys, laughter shared over a meal, and the bond of friendship that didn’t rely on material possessions. Seeing their happiness despite having so little made him reflect on his own life and the things he had taken for granted.
One of the most profound moments for him was when he realized how much his host family sacrificed just to make him feel comfortable. They shared their limited food supply with him, offered him the best they had, and never once complained about their hardships. It was a humbling experience that changed his perspective entirely.
Upon returning home, he made a conscious effort to be more responsible. He started helping around the house without being asked, showed appreciation for the meals prepared for him, and even took on a part-time job to earn his own money. He no longer expected luxuries but instead valued the effort behind them.
This transformation was more than I could have hoped for. He had learned lessons that no lecture or punishment could ever teach. He now understood gratitude, hard work, and the importance of giving back.
Looking at my son today, I see a young man who is no longer entitled but appreciative, no longer spoiled but responsible. That three-month journey changed him in ways I never imagined, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
