Everyday I
find myself rejecting the idea of “finding yourself.” It’s such a popular
expression, especially among students studying abroad hoping to find out who
they are supposed to be and what they’re purpose is. But as we go on through
this trip I can’t help but believe we are not looking for this mysterious
version of ourselves but instead building on the person we’ve already begun to
develop. We are a product of our past, present, and future experiences. We are
a product of the experiences we allow to motivate us. Every part of this trip
has continued to change and mold me into who I will become at the end of these
few months but I would not have been open to even coming here without the
experiences that molded me into that initial person.
 |
| Ainsley surrounded by learners |
The first
few days of my internship have done nothing more than reaffirm these beliefs.
From my past experiences I know how much I love working with kids and in
schools but the last three days have taught me so much more than I could have
ever imagined. Working at Thandokhulu Secondary School has forced me to
pull out everything I have learned in the past about working with students and
teaching but at the same time, force me to reevaluate and realize that I don’t
know nearly enough. My upbringing could not have been more different from these
learners and everyday I am reminded that I need to be sensitive and
understanding to their different needs especially when they talk back or fall
asleep during my lessons. My only hope is that I can use what I do know and
offer a different view of education that they haven’t been exposed to yet but
realistically, I hope that I will leave this country and school with a greater
understanding of what it takes to be a teacher.
I don’t
believe I will leave Cape Town and South Africa knowing who I am meant to be
for the rest of my life but I hope to leave as someone my family, friends, and
I am proud of. Or maybe I could just stay here forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment