The Dominican Republic has changed my life. I now, more than ever, appreciate all of the opportunity and resources we are provided with in the United States and I developed a strong passion for diversity. Seeing life outside of the U.S opened my eyes to so much and it forced to reflect on my self and who I want to represent as a human being (my goals, beliefs, and values). Being apart of this journey was a blessing . I can not wait to travel back on my own time to help a community in need but also spend time in a country that has very little yet fully appreciates the lives they have been given.
For the first half of Spanish instruction today we prepared ourselves to ask questions we may ask while out in the community. Some questions involved were asking about the prices of clothing, ordering off a menu, or asking if the store had such items we desire. After we felt comfortable, our teacher took us out into the town of Cabarete so we could shop and order food in Spanish. This experience was amazing because it really forced me to practice my Spanish and getting to do it in public gave me high hopes of becoming bilingual! My progress is coming along really well and I am very excited to incorporate Spanish activities in my classroom. I have finally realized how crucial it is to know more than one language. Today we visited the La Sienega public school and observed multiple classrooms. I myself observed a 4th grade and a Kindergarten session; they differed immensely. The 4th graders were working on three digit multiplication problems. No manipulatives or learning supports were used, just a piece of chalk. The classroom was very simple. The days of the week and student names were hanging up on the wall. Their morning warm-up involved student volunteers coming up to the board to solve a multiplication problem. Often times many students began to daze off if a student was having difficulties with their basic facts. Aside from that, I really appreciated the way the teacher did not rush the student or make them feel pressured in figuring it out. He let each student break the problem down their own way using the chalk board. I liked that technique because it forces the students to know their math facts, rather than giving them ten hand-outs on solving problems they'll never refer back to. Each student appeared to have a high amount of respect for their teacher and peer up at the board. No background chatting was occurring and the teacher never had to ask them to be quiet while a student was working. Respect for others is something that is practiced religiously in the DR. In the Kindergarden classroom things went a little differently. There was singing, circle time, workbooks for tracing and writing, and many things hanging on the wall. It functioned much like a Kindergarden class would in the U.S. The students were very polite and enjoyed our assistance in the classroom. I was able to really practice my Spanish skills when assisting some students on their workbook page ! What I really liked about this classroom was that they had a teacher aide. The classroom was a general education classroom with a high amount of students like many classrooms in Buffalo have. Her assistance made the teacher's job much less stressful and I wish all classrooms had the luxury of having an aide. Today was full of many emotions. The day fluctuated with smiles in the morning, tears and laughing in the afternoon, and nausea in the evening. Being here in Cabarete is a huge awakening and has really got me thinking about the true meaning of life. Each day myself and two classmates eat lunch with a family of a child who attends 3M Montessori. This family does not have a lot of money and their living conditions are very poor. Here I was today, sitting in a very small space that was their kitchen and bedroom, staring at many flies swarming around our food and plates. Meanwhile, the mother and her 9 children all appeared content with smiles on their face. Bella (an armana) walked in from school with a huge smile excited about all of the food. "Hola!" Bella said. "Hola!" I said, while still staring at the flies. Then suddenly I thought to myself- this little girl is smiling ear to ear while I am almost about to cry because little flies are swarming my head and a chicken is about to be slaughtered outside of the door. Bella paid no attention to either of those things. She was happy because she woke up today, she went to school today, and when she came home food was on the table and a huge group of people who love her were waiting in her home. It really made me realize how materialistic America is, and how little we appreciate the important gifts we have been given- Educataion, a strong economy, clean water, and family! Who cares if there's a little dirt here and there. If you wake up in good health, you were given the chance to think and learn, and you have a family who loves you then your life is successful. Today we toured around La Sienega. It was amazing. I've never met such kind and welcoming people in my entire life. When it began to rain, the community Immediately welcomed us under their roof to stay dry. That would almost never be seen in the U.S; especially if it were a stranger. The children were so happy; and the best part was, they were happy with just each other. They didn't have fancy toys or expensive clothes... Just each other. La Sienega really demonstrates an emphasis on family and the true meaning of it. 3MM is such a beautiful program. Children of all race, religion, and economic background are welcomed to come learn and feel safe. I really liked the fact that if a family could not afford the education then they could pay through Volunteer experiences at the school. The ocean; I can not get over the ocean here. The water is so beautiful and warm! I could have stayed in the water all day. Unfortunately I had to get out because a wonderful dinner was awaiting. I can not wait to see what tomorrow has stored!!!! At last! Tomorrow at 8:28am we will be departing for the Dominican Republic. Words cannot describe how excited I am. Packing for a long trip was quite the learning experience! One minute my bag would be way to heavy, and then after taking a few items out there would be many lbs to spare.... I could never get it right!
Reflecting back on all of the meetings prior to the departure date, I think it was the best idea any travel experience could offer. Meeting that many times before leaving was a great ice breaker and helped me feel much more comfortable with the fact that I was going to be with 12 girls I never met before, for two weeks. We all have learned much about each other and it will make the trip much more enjoyable. I know now, that we are all going to be there for one another throughout this learning experience. If I could change one thing about the way things were organized for this trip, it would have to be the donation aspect. I feel like it got a little out of hand and in the end everyone was just tossing random items into two suitcases. I think for the next group that goes, each student should be responsible for one aspect of the donation list. I also think each student should be responsible for an extra bag to checkin if need be, and then all of the supplies could be gathered from each student in the DR. Anyways, I',m not sure if I will be able to sleep tonight. My anxiety has been through the roof waiting to finally depart! I can not wait to finally see life outside of the United States and Canada! I need to!! Today we should be in 87 degrees weather with lots of sunshine, but instead we are still here in Buffalo due to a horrific snow storm. I guess that's life though; you must always be prepared for change. On a positive note it gives me more time to make sure I am thoroughly packed and it gives me extra hours to snuggle with my baby pup (Vinny).
I am extremely excited to begin this new journey in a different country. Lord knows, I need this time away to learn, grow, and reflect on all of my goals in life. I am extremely confident that the children in the Dominican Republic will give me a new perspective on life and give me comfort in knowing that everything WILL be alright. I hope they learn as much from me as I will learn an endless amount from them and their community. To my ladies: Throughout the meetings and our amazing sweater party, we have already grown so close. At the end of this journey we will have a very special bond that I can not wait to carry with me forever. Some of us may get cranky, or even cry as we learn about our strengths and weaknesses far away from home, but most of all we are going to LAUGH and LEARN from one another. I can't wait. Whelp, time to finally go organize my items! Stay warm and safe everybody!!!! |
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