By:  Shannon Rapp, SPC Early Elementary Education student
Published in the December 2014 edition of Great Shape! Inc.

“Teaching has always been a dream of mine. It’s in my blood because both of my parents are teachers. I grew up volunteering in elementary classrooms and loving every minute of it. When it came time for college, I had no doubt in that I would be an Elementary Education major. While in the Education Program at St. Petersburg College, I have been able to see my passion for teaching grow each and every day. I recently had the opportunity to go to teach in Jamaica through SPC and Great Shape Inc. I went into this experience with absolutely no idea what to expect. Little did I know how much this trip would impact not only my career, but the way I live my life. The children in Jamaica showed me how much they loved living their lives, even with having so little. Every day I was blown away by how respectful and caring these children treated the volunteers and all they wanted to do for us. I would stop and think about how I’m living my life back home and how fortunate I am. I was amazed at how these students would come to school, wearing no shoes, and be running around on hard rocks and sticks, but still managed to keep a huge smile on their faces. My last day was an emotional day to say the least. I didn’t want to let go of their warm and loving hugs but I told the kids, “This is not a goodbye, this is a see you later!” I know that in my future classroom, I will strive to have that “one love” mindset, just as the students in Jamaica were able to teach me.”

Lear more about the St. Petersburg College, College of Education Study Abroad trip to Jamaica.