Step 7: New Environment, Same Purpose #1

After my first hospital performance, I wasn't sure what would come next. I was so focused on completing that one piano performance at the Police Hospital that I hadn't thought about where or what I would be doing after that. That's when I set my sights on Sriraj Hospital, one of the largest and most well-known hospitals in Thailand, to continue spreading love and joy through music. I honestly expected the process of gaining permission to be long and complicated.

But to my surprise, it wasn't.

All I did was dial their number, explain to them that I was a student interested in volunteering by playing the piano. They gave me the green flag, and that was it. They were kind, open, and responsive. Within a few minutes, they sent me a simple form to fill out, similar to what I had to fill out at the Police Hospital.

This serves as a reminder for me that sometimes, we hold ourselves back more than the world ever does. Earlier, I had spent so much time worrying about how to ask, and yet, all it took was a simple phone call.

Once I had the performance date locked in, soon, reality began to sink in once again.

Even though I'd already done this once before, that familiar nervousness never seems to fade away. Again, I found myself second-guessing things I thought I had already figured out. Were the songs from the last performance too upbeat? Too melow? What if this new audience doesn't resonate with the songs?

Sriraj Hospital was an entirely different place from the Police Hospital: larger, more clinical, and more bustling. I felt like I needed to adapt, so I spent the next couple of days learning two new songs to replace some of the ones I didn't like much. One of the pieces I decided to learn held a special weight for me: "Ballade pour Adeline". It was one of my grandpa's favorite songs. I always remember hearing it on the speaker growing up, playing softly in the background of family gatherings. It's such a nostalgic sound to me now, something that instantly takes me back to my early childhood memories.

Including it in my setlist felt like a small tribute to him. I wanted to carry something he loves into that hospital space. In a way, it felt like bringing a piece of home with me. It's like saying, "This song brought comfort to someone I love. Maybe it can bring comfort to you, too!"

This is one of my favorite photos of my grandpa and me at my birthday party. Looking at this photo reminds me of how he has always cared for me.

My Grandpa and I at my 9th birthday party ❤️

At first listen, it might seem l ike a simple song. The notes are soft, the rhythm flows easily, and it doesn't demand attention the way some other piano pieces do. But the more I played it, the more I realized how beautiful it really is. Beneath the surface, there's a quiet elegance, a kind of emotional depth that reveals itself slowly.

Learning it came surprisingly quickly: it only took me about 4 solid days of practicing to really hone it. Once I sat down with the piece, it just clicked, maybe because of how familiar it already felt, or maybe because I was playing it for someone I truly cared about.

Preparing for this performance felt different. Less pressure, more purpose. This wasn't just about filling time or checking a box. It was about sharing something real, something that truly matters to me, and hoping that, in some way or another, it might matter to someone else, too.

My hope in sharing this isn't just to tell you about what I did. It's to remind you that everyone has something to offer. Whether it's through music, art, writing, kindness, or simply your time. The things you love can matter deeply to someone else, too. You don't need to be flawless to make a difference; you just need to be willing.

In my next blog post, I'll continue to share my journey of playing the piano at Sriraj Hospital. What happened next surprised me, challenged me, and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.

I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Stay tuned.

-Team