"So, what do people actually DO at TAF?" ... The Dreaded Question...

After 9 years of weeklong summer excursions, whenever the Question is asked, the best I can do is mumble a measly, "I dunno." Weak.

But my seemingly indifferent, passionless answer is an easier alternative to putting into words the laughter shared, the lessons learned, and the lifelong friendships forged in one week together. Just like someone who has never been to Taiwan cannot describe the mixed scent of stinky tofu, bahtzang, and bubble tea in a bustling Night Market scene, someone who has never experienced TAF cannot understand how playing silly games with strangers in the beginning of the week can lead to tearful, personal discussions with close friends four nights later.

Attending TAF was the single most important development of my childhood. In all the confusion of my adolescence, it was comforting, and by comforting I mean immensely relieving and very surprising, to stumble across a group of down-to-earth (and hilarious) people who identified with the problems I faced everyday in life; Who not only helped me accept my identity as a Taiwanese American, but made me proud of the personal qualities that make me an individual.

The friends I've made through TAF, although as kids we only met for one week out of every fifty-two, are some of my most valued supporters and life-advisors. The amazing people of TAF have given me the self-confidence to reach for my goals and to take risks as a leader without compromising my morals. Becoming a more charismatic, loving, and ethical person has never been more important to me, as I now realize the impact I can make as a Taiwanese American.

It sounds cliche, I know, and just about every TAFer will say the same, but coming to TAF can really change a life in ways that cannot be described in words, and cannot be felt by those who have never been.

Melody Peng, 19, College program, 9 years at TAF