When I think of my experience in Jamaica, one of my favorite quotes by Dr. Seuss comes to mind…”Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” As I write this, I’m missing Jamaica – the children in the schools, the teachers and staff at Kendal Primary, the amazing preservice teachers I traveled with, and the beauty of Negril.
I’m usually pretty good with words, but I find it so hard to capture the essence of what made this trip so spectacular. Even before going, we had incredible behind the scenes support from everyone involved with International Programs starting with Rodrigo Davis and then continuing with Anna Faiola, Cary Perez Waulk, Barbara Ann Wells, and Ramona Kirsch. I felt like they were “cheerleaders” for our expedition and made the planning process very manageable. Thank you, International Programs!
When we arrived, I felt like I was returning home to the friends I met through Great Shape in 2009. Returning in 2012 with seven OUTSTANDING preservice teachers was incredible…I knew they would do well on this trip. However, I couldn’t have imagined how they would surpass my expectations and become “rock stars” in the Jamaican classrooms. We were placed in four primary schools for grades 1-6, and we all had a diverse variety of experiences. Some taught in small groups, others in whole group, and many a combination thereof. The work conditions were far from ideal…for example, at my school, there was no running water and the temperature was stifling. However, I would go back in a heartbeat to teach there again. Why? The HUNGER of the students who wanted to learn – it was in their eyes – they loved us, and we loved them. It didn’t matter there were 50 students in some of our classes…they wanted to learn! And, we wanted to teach! The Jamaican teachers also became “students” as they participated in the daily lessons. Walking into that classroom was like slipping into a favorite pair of old blue jeans – it just fit.
In closing, what I will never forget is the camaraderie of this special group of students I had the pleasure of traveling with. We truly shared a magical experience. I have an enormous amount of respect for their talents and professionalism. I know they will continue to impact children’s lives, and the teaching profession is fortunate to have them join their ranks.