I still can't believe that I am back home in Buffalo. The last couple days in the Dominican Republic were so amazing and so filled with emotion. It was hard for me to have to say goodbye to all of the children at Tres Mariposas Montessori School. I felt like I was just getting comfortable and settling in when it was already time to go home. As a group we sang many songs and finger plays for the children on our last day. The teachers of the school were able to record us doing this so that they are able to show the parents of the children what they had learned from us. They also wanted to be able to continue singing our songs with the children. I could tell that the children didn't really understand that we were leaving. They kept saying "see you tomorrow". It was heartbreaking and there were even tears. At the very end of our last day at the Montessori school, we sang a so long song for the children and the teachers. It was really hard to say goodbye but it was also comforting knowing that I personally did make an impact on that school and the children that attend that school. It was nice to know that I made a difference in someone's life. I left the school that day feeling comfortable and happy with my experience and what I had done for the school. As a group we tied together many projects for the school such as a yoga area, a mud pit, many songs and finger plays and even a sound tree. I was able to conduct my own research project as well about how preschools in the US differ from preschools in the DR. I specifically wanted to look at how teachers use materials to teach their students. I had many great findings. For one, I wasn't aware how different Montessori materials are than regular preschool materials. I was able to document many of my findings through pictures and by taking notes. I will present my research at the student research and creativity night in the spring.
Overall, this experience has been truly life changing. It has opened my eyes to how different people live and how different children learn and grow. I will never forget Tres Mariposas Montessori School (the children and the staff) as well as my "Dominican" family who I was lucky enough to share lunch with on a daily basis. I have so many memories that I will be able to pass on to my future students, my family, and my friends. This experience has made me a stronger and more independent person. I learned that I don't need to rely on my family as much as I have been and that I can take care of myself sometimes. I learned that I can get along with other people who may differ from me drastically. I learned that I am able to learn a language and communicate with people of a different culture. I learned that I am adventurous and courageous. I learned that I can be caring and strong. This experience has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined. This has changed my life forever and made me into the person that I have always wanted to become. I am leaving this trip with life long friends, an understanding of a new culture, new spanish speaking knowledge, and a more sensitive heart.
I can't thank Tamara, Mary, and Wendy enough for taking us all on this journey and taking care of us whenever we needed anything (whether it was a gatorade or just a shoulder to rest on). Your presence meant more to me than you will probably ever know or understand. You three have helped shape this trip into an amazing experience for not only me, but for all of us.