The most exhilarating, emotional and evolving experience of my life.
It is only natural for us to go into experiences in our lives with certain expectations and preconceived notions, but teaching in Jamaica was like no other experience that I have ever endured in my life and nothing that I had expected.
The humanitarian literacy project SuperKids through Great Shape, Inc. has forever impacted my life in only ways that one could experience. I have an extended family of SuperKids volunteers who were so welcoming and helpful. We have all created bonds that will last a lifetime, and I only wish I could have taken them with me and brought them into the school I will teach at in the future. The children will not only change your ways of teaching, but the way that you look at your life and the gratefulness you hold for the little things around you that you take for granted. You will land back in America with a different thankfulness in your heart for all you have been blessed with.
The best advice that I could give someone going into this trip is the concept of putting others before yourself. This trip is not about you. It is about the hundreds of lives that you will impact on your week long journey. Help those who need help, thank those who help you, and model for the children what it is to be a good person.
You will go into this trip with expectations, but I encourage you to not hold strong to them. Everything will exceed your expectations and I assure you that you will want to return and continue to look for ways to give back to your community as a result of your experiences in Jamaica. There is nothing more rewarding than a genuine smile and hug, which you will receive plenty of on your journey.