If dislike is the opposite of like, is disaster the opposite of aster?

The decision to be a part of the Jamaica Education study abroad program was chock full of emotional high and lows. At first I was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to travel to Jamaica and teach for a week. I spent weeks planning my lessons, coming up with activities, and bragging to anyone who would listen about the crazy deal I had received to be able to do it.

However, as the departure date crept closer my feelings began to change. As my semester load increased coupled with strains at work and home I started to have doubts about whether I should go. My emotions dipped even more so as I sat staring at my packed suitcases.

Before I knew it I was pulling into Sandals Jamaica and meeting the team I would spend the next several days with. That’s when It really hit me. In less than 24 hours I would be shuttling deep inside the mainland expected to teach over 40 students I had never met, in a school I had never been to, with people I had just met. Honestly I was scared out of my mind. The bus drive was tense as we made our way past the sugar cane fields and my heart nearly leapt out of chest when we arrived at the school and stepped in.

The school structure is so much different than in the States. Many classrooms are only separated by chalkboards, the noise level is off the charts, and the heat is unbelievable. Some might even consider it a disaster.

But then you meet the students.

They are amazing. Incredibly sweet and smart, they grow on you quickly. They have such a thirst for knowledge and although they can get a little crazy they are very loving. All of my doubts and fears melted away after seeing their charming smiles and twinkling eyes. With each passing day it became easier to deal with the difficulties just to be able to see the students light up as they understood a concept or just receive positive praise.

For anyone considering teaching abroad, I would highly recommend it. The positives greatly out weigh the negatives, and within a day or two I guarantee you’ll definitely be feeling the aster.