PFAC Palawan Interviews
Teacher Sammy Taylor.
PFAC Palawan: So... Sammy, I
stumbled upon one of the many pictures of the HTC-PFAC Drum and Lyre
Corps while visiting the PFAC Palawan Facebook page, and for some reason I felt kind-a sentimental seeing you, Jan Top Christensen and Sister Bernandette.
Sammy: That group was my baby. I love
every minute of my interactions and bonding with the refugee youths as we
practiced every afternoon after classes.
PFAC Palawan: I feel you, but
please tell me. What inspired you to train those students?
Sammy: The idea was actually
conceptualized by our dearest HTC-PFAC Executive Director, Sister
Bernadette. She called me one day to her office to tell me that she
was thinking of buying those musical instruments and starting a drum and lyre group and that she wanted me to train the students. I immediately fell in love with the idea and assured Sister Bernadette that I would do it in a heartbeat.
PFAC Palawan: You said yes, just like that?
And knowing that it would entail an enormous amount of work?
Sammy: Well, substantial amount of work was definitely a requirement, but I didn't mind that at all because when you love what you
do, it's not work but a hobby. I am a professional singer and I love
every form of entertainment, especially music. But the point is, the refugees, especially the
youths, needed to do something productive to fill their precious times in the camp while
awaiting resettlement. Teaching them how to play the xylophone and the
drum was a great way to help them take away their boredom and distance
themselves from smoking, alcohol, and stuff like that.
PFAC Palawan: Wow! Impressive and truly amazing. How
often did you practice?
Sammy: We rehearsed five days a week
every afternoon after their English classes. Everyday brought energy to
everybody. To me... to them... to the students and the school, and to the whole camp in general.
PFAC Palawan: I can imagine. Was
participation in the band extended to everyone or just to HTC-PFAC students?
Sammy: Everyone, but I'd say, ninety-nine
percent of the participants were HTC-PFAC students.
PFAC Palawan: Awesome. Was there any age
limit ... requirement? I mean...
Sammy: Quite honestly, I can no longer
recall, but the participants were between the ages of eight and fifteen.
PFAC Palawan: Where did the band play?
I mean on what occasions?
Sammy: They played in parades, school
graduations, PFAC sporting events, Bon Voyage parties, Christmas parties, Tet
and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
.
PFAC Palawan: Fascinating! Do you have
any message to your former HTC-PFAC Drum and Lyre Corps members who might see
this interview on line?
Sammy: Yes! My service
to the Vietnamese refugees, United Nations, and PFAC Palawan was one of the best and probably
the most significant highlights of my life not just as a teacher but as a
person in general. I appeal to you my dear Vietnamese refugees to not ever forget your
foundation which played a big part of who you are today. Your membership and participation
in the band was not accidental. God brought us all together for a
purpose... to entertain, to educate, and to inspire others. And we all
succeeded, didn't we? Thank you for supporting our beautiful music
together. If in the future we have the opportunity to reconnect or reunite, I will
definitely be here with open arms and warm heart. You can find me on
Facebook under Sam Taylor. God bless you all.
PFAC Palawan: Thank you, Mr. Taylor, I mean,
Sammy, for this splendid interview. I feel that I have grown emotionally
and intellectually from this.
Sammy: So have I, PFAC Palawan.
Let's keep the fire of PFAC Palawan burning.
Minh Chuong, Alexander Cao, Linh, Thuan, and Minh Dang
OOO
