16-year-old Melbourne resident Jorji Fox was part of a recent Eyes Wide Open trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. She was greatly impacted by her experience which has inspired her pursue studies in international development. Read part of her story below:
At Green Gecko Centre for Street Children, there were so many young children who, even so early on in their lives, knew what it was like to have nothing while they were orphans living on the street. Yet, when I interacted with them, I saw how courageous they were even with the burdens they once, and still do, carry. As we were nearing the van to leave, I heard a tiny voice call out my name, a little girl who had become quite attached to me during our time there. She was running full pelt towards me to give me a final hug goodbye. It was immensely heartwarming and I look forward to visiting again as soon as I get the chance, just to see her gorgeous smile, I only wish we could have stayed longer.
It felt great helping these gorgeous kids to better their understanding of the English language and giving them the opportunity to listen to their favourite stories through a new voice. It seemed to soothe them and give them hope.
It is these children that have inspired me to move forward, to drive myself closer to my goals, so that I can one day work in a role that allows me to help poor communities like this everyday. 
31-year-old Michael Hick also participated in an Eyes Wide Open tour to Cambodia and Vietnam. Being a carpentry and joinery teacher, he was amazed with the ancient temples and captivating architecture found in these countries. But it was the volunteer work he undertook with Rotary that has had enduring impact on him.
All of the temples I visited were breath taking, from there sheer size, the design and the craftsmanship, to the wonderful masonry carving on every wall and every square inch of the temples.
But there has also been the other part of the trip - the humanitarian side - which has honestly caught me a little bit off guard. We have visited quite a few orphanages, an unwed mother’s home and street kids' homes. The orphanages are what have gotten to me the most, being able to interact with the kids, read books, sing songs and of course play time. Their bright faces and disarming smiles really got to me. Even at the earliest of ages, these kids understand that education is their way out and their way forward. The children have a way that connects with you straight away and for me it is a little weird; they just come up to you, hold your hand and just start to ask you lots of questions. It gets harder every time we have to leave. It's been a very humbling experience and I must be honest with you that it has bought this man to tears during one of our debriefs. I hope to be able to use my skills as a builder to one day contribute to one of the villages we visited.