I wish I could blame it on my "super busy schedule," but I think it has more to do with the fear of not giving the trip justice in my reflection.
So, I'll keep in simple and organize it in a way that my currently sleep-deprived Wellesley brain can handle...bullet-point!
- Los Retos son Oportunidades: Challenges are Opportunities
- This trip was far from easy; it challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally, and I returned to the U.S. with a greater awareness of my limits, strengths, and weaknesses. My leadership and teaching philosophies were challenged and improved, and although I'm no where near fluent in Spanish, my confidence level is higher than when I began.
- People will be people; you can set high expectations for yourself, but don't automatically assume that others are in the same place. Question your responses to difficult situations and improve upon them. Walk away if necessary and ALWAYS remember your number one goal (in my case, the kids).
- Enseñanza: Teaching
- If I could only say one thing about teaching, it's this: Children WANT to LEARN. I knew when I walked into a classroom that I would probably get stuck with the little boy in the front row who I had just witnessed screaming and chasing the girls at recess. However, when we brought out the crayons and colored paper, he was always the first one to ask and answer questions. And the group of girls who talk and talk and talk and then remain silent when you ask them their opinion? Even if you assure them that there's no right or wrong answer, they'll still sit there and stare at you. Try hand motions. Kids will use body language and movement to express their feelings until they gradually warm to your presence.
- Finally, kids have it figured out. If you're standing around at recess, they will hand you the end of the rope so that they can jump with their friends. They will yell at the line-jumper in order to maintain a fair game, and they will correct you if you use the wrong verb conjugation. So...LISTEN. Knowledge is a mutual exchange and brilliant ideas often come from unexpected sources.
- Líderazgo : Leadership
- Quite simply, people will piss you off. Crying and swearing into you pillow provide temporary relief, but are not solutions. Maintain your beliefs and integrity and do what's best for the team.
- Learn by example: observe the girl who has the patience of a saint and model her techniques. (Even if you don't fully succeed, it might limit your F-bombs.)
In conclusion...
Did I enjoy my trip?
Yes (and no, but I really don't wish to reiterate past frustrations). I'm grateful for the mistakes made and lessons learned, and for the amazing children that taught me more than I've learned in 19 years of formal education. I loved visiting two beautiful countries with welcoming locals and rich traditions. Most of all, I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to grow as a person.
What should I do now?
Currently, I'm preparing to present my experience with two other volunteers (both members of the Nicaraguan team, one of whom was on the leadership team [note: I was a leader on the Costa Rican team]) at Wellesley's Tanner Conference, an event that showcases student reflections on summer programs and internships.
I plan on using tools learned during this trip in my future teaching positions (all volunteer; I don't plan on pursuing a career in education), as well as in my studies and extra-curricular activities.
Thank you for following my blog! This was a wonderful outlet for my thoughts and feelings, and I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to share with friends and family.
Abrazos y besos,
Katie Suchyta
