Our school provides a safeguard for cultural integration and the freedom for one to discover who they are. Identity is what makes one unique and can make one feel like a part of something bigger; religion is a part of one’s identity, and Buddhism is just one of the many cultures the school is made up of. Identifying as a Buddhist means something different to each person; but what does it mean at Village?

“As a Buddhist, I try to improve myself through opportunities presented to me,” sophomore Leanne Liaw said. “I also attempt to be mindful of the actions I commit towards others. If I experience certain situations that impact me negatively, I recall they are impermanent and will not bother me once time has passed.”

Liaw is a proud Buddhist who exercises her beliefs at school through interactions with her schoolmates as well as through cultural aspects such as wearing charms and adding them to herself, her bag, and wallet. Her lunches are from recipes created by Buddhist monks, and she takes days off for religious days.

For others at Village, being a Buddhist means being around people who are taught the same morals learnt in religious teachings.

“It means letting go of all things that attach us to our worst selves such as stress, anger, and resentment to reach a level of humbleness and inner freedom that can improve ourselves,” junior Khayra Amir said.“Village teaches ethics and morals, which is something Buddhism stresses heavily on. It’s a nice environment that is reminiscent of being at home, I try to be as kind as possible to everyone and meditate to myself when stressed. Village is such a diverse school with so many people of different religions and cultures. Being a Buddhist means being surrounded by neighbors and friends.”