The interviewee had an interesting attitude and career that appeal to my personal thinking. She worked based on the idea of altruistic philosophy, which I found admirable. This writing piece was an A work.

1. Pimpisa Jular 494 534628
A Woman’s Sacrifice
Some people, fair or not, are born physically and mentally
deprived. Mrs. Tassanee Rattana, the Head Supervisor of
the Blind Children Foundation for the past 21 years, has
been looking after generations of disabled children. She
has dedicated her life to the well being of all the children
under her care, and thus, has come across both the
beautiful and the painful aspects of life during her life-
long career. Today, she shares with us her experiences throughout her career and the
responsibilities of the foundation toward society.
Why did you choose this career?
At first, it wasn’t my full intention to choose this job. After I graduated high school I
decided I wanted to experience working with disabled children. So, I took an
intensive course in child nursing when I started working here because I wanted to be
able to understand them, teach them more, and maybe, make some contributions to
this place.
If you had any other alternatives would you still choose this career?
I might have answered no if I was in the first few years of my career, but since I’ve
been working here for 21 years now I don’t see myself going anywhere else. I have to
say, that this career is not much about pursuing self-happiness or seeking self-
indulgence, working here is more about making sacrifices. When you look around this
place you don’t see a lot of pleasurable sights, but still, I work here because I love
what I do, what I can give to other people that are less fortunate. This work makes me
feel happy in my heart.
What do you have to do as the Head Supervisor of the foundation?
Actually, I take care of everything around here. I help with the children’s
rehabilitation; I train them mentally and physically to be able to help themselves with
little things such as feeding themselves and walking.
So, how was the foundation established?
The Foundation was established 30 years ago by Mr. Prayat Poonongoh, who suffered
blindness from birth. He fought hard for blind people throughout his life because he
believed that disabled people deserved more recognition in society, as well as the
right to a proper education. As you can see, without education most disabled people
have become beggars and, more recently, lottery sellers. He was successful in getting
some disabled children enrolled into proper schools. Even after his death this effort
has been quite successful.
How does the foundation operate? Does it rely heavily on donations?
Well, yes, but donations are not the only revenue we rely on. We often set up new
projects that can help these children and present these projects to interested
organizations that are willing to make contributions in order to raise funds to aid the

2. Foundation’s work. Donations are received from various sectors but on an infrequent
basis.
Does the donated money go directly to children’s healthcare for both the
mentally and physically impaired?
Our children’s health is extremely important, because fundamentally these children
are blind and with this comes other complications. Sporadically, seizures and
contractions become present, which means specialized medical teams and medicines
are required. When it comes to emergency cases, private hospitals are involved, thus,
resulting in large spending. Sometimes there is just not enough funds for everything.
Our revenue can become an obstacle in accessing the best resources available for
these children but we try to make the best use out of what we have.
When you say that the children have other disabilities apart from being blind,
what are they?
Mostly, the children suffer from blindness, mental disability, and physical
deprivation. With most mentally disabled children, the ability to communicate is very
difficult. Without awareness, they habitually hurt themselves by slapping themselves
or hitting their head on any hard object they can find. All of them do not know how to
take care of themselves; so, we take care of them three times a day and help them with
their normal routines such as feeding, showering, and their body excretions.
How do you think the foundation contributes to the society?
I really think that the foundation helps our society a lot, especially with the issue of
disabled children. We want to contribute more, but unfortunately lack the capital and
personnel. I think if these issues are addressed appropriately, more disabled children
would be receiving the help they so desperately need.
What are your best and worse experiences in this career?
I think the best part is that it makes me feel good about myself. I can actually value
myself and what I do in a positive way. Obviously, it is because these children are so
pure-hearted, there is no pretence from them. Everybody that works here sees this
place more like a home and not a place for less fortunate children. The worst part is
that sometimes the miseries of seeing these children suffer, and being rejected by their
families affects my morale. I used to think of quitting, but who would look after them
the way I do. The children are my encouragement.
Lastly, I understand that the Blind Children Foundation is separated from other
secular sectors; however, what is your personal opinion toward Thailand’s
political situation at the moment?
I would say that I am quite neutral. I am not taking any sides. I just hope that
whichever party is in government will lead our country in a better direction, and try to
do something about the smallest group of people within our society that need help.