Nov. 25, 2009
VILLANOVA, Pa. - While most college student-athletes spend their summers recuperating from the demands of class, practice and competition, Villanova women's basketball senior Tia Grant decided to pursue another passion: helping those who have suffered from domestic and sexual abuse in Thailand.
"It's something that I always wanted to do, but I just didn't have time with my schedule. This summer I had the summer off, so I said `I'm doing it.'"
After researching various organizations that place volunteers in countries all over the world, Grant chose a group called Friends for Asia, which works in conjunction with another organization called Volunteering Solutions.
Within five days of deciding to make the trip, Grant was on a plane headed to Bangkok where she would spend the next three weeks participating in counseling sessions, teaching English and hygiene, as well as taking care of babies and young women varying in ages from two to early adulthood.
"I did a little bit of everything. I took care of the kids. I would plan different learning activities; arts and crafts, teaching English. I did a lot with teaching hygiene. They didn't wash their hands and they didn't have toothbrushes, so I went out and got toothbrushes and just small stuff like that. It's something you take for granted in Western cultures."
In addition to offering counseling sessions and the opportunity to learn English, the organization also provided life skills such as farming and cooking lessons to prepare the women to re-enter society as valuable workers. Grant states, "they had rice patties and were taught skills on farming. Volunteers would teach them different lessons so they could get a job later on."
In a country where women often find themselves at the mercy of such trades in order to provide for their families, Grant was able to listen to the harrowing stories of domestic and sexual abuse in the counseling sessions she was able to sit in on.
"It's much more prevalent than we think it is. It affects people in so many different ways. Their stories are unbelievable," said Grant.
While learning about the consequences of the abuse these women face, Grant also gained a new appreciation of the culture through its living conditions. Living in a volunteers home with other twenty-something's from around the world, Grant learned to quickly adapt to the change in scenery.
"There were no western bathrooms. Showers were just kind of a hose on the wall. It was extremely humid and hot. The air conditioning wasn't always working and it was kind of miserable. You can't drink the water at all. We were brushing our teeth with bottled water. The beds were two inch mattresses around the room, but they were good living conditions for where we were. It was just surprising because I had never been in living conditions like that before."
At the end of her 21-day experience, Grant returned to her Lido Beach, N.Y. home with a new perception on life and the luxuries around her.
"I have such a different perspective on everything. I remember calling my mom and just saying `I can't wait to come home and take a real shower!' When I got to the house I was just standing there and thinking `this is amazing'."
"I just can't believe the small things I used to complain about. It was such an eye opening experience. I try not to take anything for granted; appreciating all the small things I have. It's just had such an impact on me."
As a Human Services major with minors in Psychology and Sociology, the experience convinced Grant that a career working with women who have suffered from domestic abuse is the right path for her. Pursuing a Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Counseling is most likely the next step.
In the meantime, Grant will be focusing on her final season with the Wildcats as a starting guard under coach Harry Perretta, where she will also serve as a team captain for the 2009-2010 season. Over the course of her career, Grant has played in 95 games while making 70 starts and averages 4.9 ppg. Last year, Grant led the team by averaging a .404 shooting percentage from 3-point range.
After basketball and her impending graduation this spring, don't count out another volunteer trip in the future just yet, "I would definitely go and go for longer. It was really hard leaving. I really miss everyone that was there. All the mothers and children. They were so happy and grateful that someone was there spending time with them. I still write letters and keep in contact, but I really wish I stayed longer."
