After spending my first two days at San Pablo school, I had
the pleasure of traveling to Red Bank today where I spent most of my time last
year. For those who don’t know, I had
the privilege of attending this experience last year as a student teacher. The memories and lessons I gained just a year
ago will impact my teaching for the rest of my career. Traveling this year as student leader, it is
hard to believe that I am gaining even more knowledge from this life-changing
experience. The second I entered the airport (minus the horrible feeling of
arriving late to the airport, worried I would miss the flight and quite possibly
the trip of a lifetime) I had a smile from ear to ear. My first two days of
teaching were spent working with the students at San Pablo, and I fell in love
all over again. Watching these children interact with each
other and our teachers is a beauty beyond words. I so excited that I will be spending the rest
of my time in San Pablo
spreading my love of education and life to these
wonderful children. As I reflect on my
visit today, I can’t help but think that Red Bank has a special place in my
heart as well. Visiting this village for
the first time last year, I loved everything about it--the environment, the
people, the school, and especially the children. These children are some of the happiest I ever
met. There is something amazing about
sitting in 100 degree weather, with very high humidity, feeling like you’re
about to pass out, watching the children run fast as their legs can carry them—with
no regard for the heat--wearing some the largest smiles you will ever see. I was
also able to meet with some of the children I taught last year. To my surprise, they remembered me and
welcomed me with huge smiles. I took the time to talk with these children, and
even walked with some of them to their homes.
Without hesitation, they grabbed my hand and we headed through the
village, which was an emotional experience for me. I am so thankful I was able to reflect on my
time in the village that taught me so much.
The village that taught me the importance of appreciating everything you
have, and to not focus on the material things. The village that taught me life
is such a fragile and beautiful thing that should be cherished. But most importantly, I was able to sit back
and appreciate the village that taught me no matter the situation you’re in,
the best way to spend it is with a smile ear to ear.
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