In the beginning of May 2019, soon-to-be graduate of DRBU Bachelor’s program, Alex Wang, began his role as project coordinator of the construction of the DRBU Courtyard, a project aimed at transforming and beautifying the space behind the University Building (B123). I sat down to interview Alex on May 8th, just as he finished calculating the planter sizes and dimensions off of a blueprint. 

During the interview, Alex shared with me that he wanted to work on expanding the space that students can use on campus beyond the inside of the University Building to make DRBU a comfortable space for students, a space that makes them “feel at home.” 

He continued, “During my time here completing my service scholarship hours, I picked up a variety of skills in construction. I have learned not only how to do the tasks themselves, but also how to manage a team to work together. This project is my way of giving something back to DRBU before I graduate that is a little more long lasting. It will be a gift on behalf of everyone that is going to graduate. Even at the elementary, middle, and high schools on campus, the students are constantly working on projects that make their schools a little better. I was given so much at DRBU, so I thought it would be fitting to give back outside of service scholarship. That’s also why I started Chinese Speaking Club, to give back to the larger community.” 

“This project is a testament to the idea that one can apply conviction and purpose to anything and get something out of it. This type of mentality is necessary for educating the whole person. What matters is not just the head and the heart, but also the body in a practical manner.” 

After the interview, I learned that Alex stayed at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas as a volunteer until late August. He and fellow volunteers worked tirelessly every morning from 7:30 – 11:30 AM, occasionally taking breaks to avoid the summer heat, but continuing onwards from 3:30 – 7:30 PM. 

Currently, DRBU students and volunteers are still working on the construction of the DRBU Courtyard.