You think you know what to expect, but you don’t. You have been studying Education, you’ve worked in low-income schools, you’ve been on mission trips in America, you’ve been to all the “Study Abroad” meetings; it’s still not what you expect. You prepare by talking with the leaders that went last year, you make creative lesson plans, you bring plenty of educational materials, and you feel ready. But, the reality is that you are not!
As big and ready your heart is to give these children your all, your heart cannot fathom the idea of how much emotion will pour out when when you arrive at their school and exit the bus. The children’s smiles are beautiful, their hugs are genuine, and their hearts are open. They are ready for you to love them; oh, and to teach them too!
We are here with the SPC Study Abroad Jamaica Education Program, working with Great Shape! Inc. Our mission is to teach literacy. We are here to help the students learn to read and educate them using different strategies than they are used to. However, the reality is that we are here to love them! Can love be the strategy? It takes a person with a lot of love to do this job. Anyone can plan a lesson, anyone can pay the fees associated with participating, but only someone with a love for educating students and a giant heart for children can really to this job.
The good news is, that the children are ready to let you love them. They are eager to hear your teaching, eager to share their culture with you, and excited to share their most heartfelt hugs. As you are introduced to the students, their smiles beam at you. They are so ready to follow your lead. When teaching your lesson, they listen, and participate, and proudly show you their completed work. Your approval means so much to them! When the bell rings for lunch the kids grab your hand and lead you outside. Most would rather play football (soccer) with you, than eat lunch. The kids are so humble and eager to help carry any supplies. They spoil you with how excited they are to learn, and how well behaved they are. (This is not how typical classrooms are in America.) Your heart is open and you think about putting them in your pocket to take back to America. It was everything you expected and so much more! Your heart saddens as you get on the bus to head back to the hotel. You survived! But, it’s only Monday.
If you are thinking about joining a Study Abroad program, I say start your application and jump in! Not all programs include working with students, but the experience will still be great! You will definitely learn about a different culture and the people that live in that community. If you are lucky enough to be chosen to participate in one of these programs, count your blessings and prepare your heart.