I just returned from an incredible journey to Malaysia, and I’m still taking it all in. Over the past week, I had the honor of hosting two commencement ceremonies — one in Penang and another in Subang — celebrating the achievements of students whose determination and spirit remind me why international education matters so deeply.
While there, I also led three workshops on social capital, exploring how connection, trust, and reciprocity shape not only our academic experiences but our lives as human beings. The conversations that emerged were thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply grounded in the shared desire to build a more connected world.
Between these moments of teaching and celebration, I had the chance to explore — visiting Thai Buddhist temples, tasting local food, and soaking in the beauty and warmth of Malaysian culture. Every encounter, every smile, and every story reminded me how vibrant and generous the human spirit can be when we step into spaces of curiosity and respect.
Now that I’m home, I feel both grateful and changed. Travel has a way of widening perspective — of showing us that while our worlds may look different, our hopes and humanity are strikingly similar.
This trip wasn’t just another professional milestone; it was a reminder of why I do this work. Because education, at its heart, is about connection — and connection has the power to transform us all.
— Dr. Rick L. Mask
Author of “Social Capital 2.0” | Senior Associate Dean | Researcher, Speaker & Builder of Human Connection
The Official Author Page of Dr. Rick L. Mask (The Social Capitalist) and the Home of Social Capital 2.0 