We asked our students to reflect on their experiences in our work study program. Here are the insights they shared with us.

Abigail Anderson, BA ‘23, MA ‘25

Which of your work study jobs do you enjoy most and why?

I really enjoy a lot of my work, but particularly working for the IT department at DRBU, landscaping, building cleaning, and the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas’ kitchen. The IT work is fairly interesting, and the team is excellent to work with. I do a lot of service-oriented work, helping various people with their tech issues and problem solving different issues that arise. I also get to help with the AV (sound and video) of events, which is a lot of satisfaction. Landscaping is wonderful for being outdoors, working with my whole body, and being connected to the larger CTTB community. The same is true for the kitchen—it’s satisfying to know you have helped and have done a good job getting such a necessary job done. It also allows you to work more closely with the nuns (for women only), and that I really value.

What’s something unexpected you’ve learned or a skill you’ve picked up through your work study hours?

I think the big things I have learned are patience, persistence, and communication. The work can be hard and the schedule demanding. It helps me to build consistency into my personality, along with patience for my body and mind and a sense of consideration for others. I have had to learn how to communicate more clearly and kindly with others, work through my own stressors, and enjoy what I’m doing (service) above my personal feelings. 

Anything else you’d like to share about your work study experience that we haven’t asked about?

Work study is definitely a good opportunity to get to know yourself. It will bring up issues the classroom doesn’t; it is not only a testing ground for your character development, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on and develop good relationships. There is a quality at CTTB and DRBU where everyone works together and the co-support creates a stronger sense of community, of offering something beyond ourselves and being content in that process. It reflects a genuinely shared social responsibility, that all of us depend on each other for the City to operate. I often look forward to my work and grow to appreciate, enjoy, and even miss it when it’s gone. The beauty is that there are always more ways to help.

Rita Yee, MA ‘25

Which of your work study jobs do you enjoy most and why?

I’m passionate about my work study positions and take them quite seriously, as they offer me an opportunity to give back to the community in a small way. I currently teach science at Instilling Goodness and Developing Virtue School (IGDVS), support students from kindergarten through sixth grade, and step in to help wherever I’m needed around the school. My background is in elementary education, so naturally I find the most joy in working with children.

What’s something unexpected you’ve learned or a skill you’ve picked up through your work study hours?

A recent realization I’ve had is that studying the texts at DRBU has allowed me to understand both my personal practice and my work study through a hermeneutic lens. Whether it’s in my relationship with self or with others, DRBU has given me a beautiful space for learning and reflection—on texts that directly inform my work study experiences. The beauty of this process is how learning and practice come full circle. Work study can be understood as practice; applying the insights from these texts to my responsibilities has been a deeply grounding part of my learning process at DRBU. This space has allowed me to approach my studies and work study responsibilities with a bit more capacity than before. 

Anything else you’d like to share about your work study experience that we haven’t asked about?

If we open our minds and hearts while carrying out our work study positions, it becomes a beautiful practice of generosity. A subtle but important shift from “me” to “we” transforms work study from a routine task into an expression of gratitude and service—to both ourselves and others. Don’t underestimate your contribution—learning and service go hand in hand with our studies at DRBU!

Bhikkhu Suriya, MA ‘26

Which of your work study jobs do you enjoy most and why?

I enjoy cleaning and working in the Sudhana Center multipurpose room the most. It’s a peaceful space where students and staff come to chant, meditate, or quietly work on their assignments. Knowing that my efforts help maintain a clean and supportive environment for their spiritual practice and studies brings me a deep sense of happiness and purpose.

What’s something unexpected you’ve learned or a skill you’ve picked up through your work study hours?

I’ve learned a lot through my work study experience. As an assistant to the Campus Project Supervisor, I’ve developed better communication and teamwork skills. I also discovered how much I enjoy helping others who need assistance. What surprised me the most is how genuinely kind, sincere, and hardworking everyone is. It’s been a joy working alongside them and being part of such a caring community.

Anything else you’d like to share about your work study experience that we haven’t asked about?

This experience has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It’s not just about completing tasks, it’s about being of service to the community. I’ve learned to take pride in even the smallest contributions, and I’m truly grateful for the friendships and experiences I’ve gained through work study.

Natividad Familia Pereyra, BA ‘27

Which of your work study jobs do you enjoy most and why?

I enjoy each and every one of the work study jobs I have been assigned. However, I must say that the work study I enjoy the most so far is driving students from the women’s dormitory at CTTB to Sudhana Center for dinner and running errands during the week. There are many reasons why I enjoy this work, but the most important reason is because this activity gives me a chance to get to know my peers better while helping them with something as essential as transportation. We can have interesting conversations and get to connect in a very organic way.

What’s something unexpected you’ve learned or a skill you’ve picked up through your work study hours?

As I undertook my journey in work study, I never thought I could become such a handywoman. Last summer I stayed on campus, and one of the requirements was to work a minimum number of hours each week. During this time, I did remodeling at Sudhana Center, painting, fixing floors, and even moving furniture, among other jobs not traditional for women. It was an incredible experience, and I was able to pull it off gracefully.

Anything else you’d like to share about your work study experience that we haven’t asked about? 

Lastly, I would like to mention the blessing that work study is to me, since it provides me with the opportunity to complete academic studies at DRBU without having to worry about the high cost of tuition plus other expenses. I am profoundly thankful for the chance of being able to cover my way through college while holding a spiritual practice in DRBU and at CTTB.

Sehen Gamhewa, BA ‘25

Which of your work study jobs do you enjoy most and why?

Photography for the Outreach department. In general this has been a reawakening of the deep artistic sensibility within me. Taking pictures is a way for me to pass into an uninterrupted stream of pure visual consciousness. No thoughts. I simply look at the world. In fact, one may say I see it again. The opportunity to put that skill to practical use only further refined that sensibility. Classrooms, events, candid moments, a gentle showering of the light, having a camera always at hand, one can see the world anew. Truly grateful that I am forced to do what I love.

What’s something unexpected you’ve learned or a skill you’ve picked up through your work study hours? 

I think the most important skill I picked up is working with people (including myself). Working isn’t as important or difficult as balancing your work. And the sense for that is something I’ve picked up through work study. The removal of the transactional (monetary) element allows me to focus on simply working and doing what I can best. Best doesn’t always mean good either. Sometimes, it simply means getting the job done.