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The most effective teachers serve various different roles in the lives of their students. Beyond being a leader and learner, I think it is imperative that I also serve as a listener. Looking back as a middle school and high school student, I deeply valued the advice and guidance from my teachers, and I hope to be there in the same way for my future students. I've heard the famous quote, "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason," my entire life, and it is something I strive to live by everyday. It is so important that as a teacher, I am willing to listen to my students, not only to grow alongside them, but to also help build a relationship with them. We live in a world of diversity, and it is likely that my students will have opinions and beliefs that differ from my own. Instead of seeing this as a negative, however, I must recognize the power that comes from difference, listening intently so that I may serve my students in whatever way is most needed. On this page, I have included an experience that is incredibly dear to my heart. I had the opportunity to intern at Global Samaritan Orphanage in Zambia, Africa, during the summer of 2015 for six weeks. Now, I know what you're thinking (see the "Real Talk" section below), but before you click off this page, I hope you'll listen to what I have to say.

Zambia

         After visiting Zambia, Africa with my home church in 2012, I was able to return in 2015 for six weeks. The minute I returned from the first trip, I began to pray for a chance to go back to the place that captivated my heart, and the Lord answered that prayer the summer after my sophomore year of college. My days were filled with tutoring, board games, and laughs -- a dull moment never on the agenda. During my time there, I was able to teach first graders the alphabet, celebrate when Christopher got accepted into college, ride an elephant, and sing along to Disney movies while snuggled under blankets and pillows. I also learned how to make and eat nshima, which is every Zambian’s favorite food (but let’s just say, it’s no McDonald’s).

          My time spent with the men, women, and children of Zambia reinforced the passion I have for people, as well as my passion for teaching. I spent each day teaching English and other skills to various ages, celebrating with them as they grew in their knowledge. I was immersed in their culture, and I will never be the same. It was during my time there that I truly understood the importance of listening to the people that surround us. I was in a foreign country, immersed in a foreign culture, and surrounded by foreign people who barely spoke the some language as me. Not only did I have to listen carefully in order to make everyday conversation, but I also had to in order to learn and understand the culture that I was now part of.

          I remember eating dinner with a family one night, talking away and asking how everyone's day was. After about ten minutes of this, Mama Rhoda sweetly smiled and said to me, "It is not appropriate in our culture to speak during a meal." Boy did I feel silly. I didn't even think to ask about their regular dinner customs! In the same sense, I spend my days with students who share a different race, culture, socioeconomic status, world view, and opinions from me. Instead of letting these difference separate us, however, I must instead use them as opportunities to grow in who I am and build better relationships with my classes. Every students needs someone who is willing to hear them, accept them for who they are, and encourage them to be the best version of themselves. Teachers are known for their talking, but I hope to be known for my listening.

         I have the opportunity to return to Zambia this summer (2018), and I cannot wait to see how the children how grown. Each time I return, I am reminded of how important it is to step outside of our comfort zones and experience how other people in the world live. 

Photo Credits: Elizabeth Cofer

Real Talk

“Wow I could never do that” // “Did you live off of rice and beans?” // “Was it scary?” // “Did it make you appreciate your life in America?” // “You’re such a good person” // “Did everyone there want to come to America?” // “You’re so strong” // “How different was it over there?” // “Was it really hot?”

 

These are just a few of the questions/statements I hear when I tell people I spent an extended period of time in Africa. I don’t blame people for saying these things because (if I'm going to be completely honest) I used to be one of them. Whenever I overheard someone talking about this type of experience, I would roll my eyes and think to myself, "Wow. You're such a great and perfect person. I bet you feel awesome about yourself." And then, I experienced it for myself. I want to be very deliberate and intentional with this section of my website because I want to be extremely clear of its purpose. I did not include my time in Zambia to make myself look good, or to elevate my image, and I sincerely hope that is not the impression you get. I have included it because it was one of the most defining experiences of my life, and it truly shaped who I am as a teacher and person. So, if you're willing, read and listen to the "real talk" breakdown of my trip -- something I wish I'd had the opportunity to hear before I'd gone.

Let's start at the beginning of the experience: getting on the plane. It’s actually quite comical, you see, I had never flown by myself before this trip. How hard could it be? Going to Africa is the perfect opportunity to test my independence and maturity. Go big or go home right? Well, after crying in a bathroom stall of the London airport for an hour, I realized there was no turning back, so I needed to find the strength to move forward. This is why comments such as “You’re so strong,” and “I could never do that” always make me laugh. Believe me, I was not strong going into it; I was terrified, and it pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. But let’s keep moving forward. After two 10-hour flights and a quick 3-hour one, I finally landed in Livingston, Zambia, exhausted, dirty, and in serious need of a nap and shower. Looking beyond my hygiene needs, however, I had done it. I had traveled across the world alone, and I was finally here.

 

So, let’s go into what each day looked like at the orphanage. Yes, I did wear long skirts and Chacos. Yes, I was in the middle of nowhere. Yes, I was one of two white people (the other being Elizabeth, who you can see in my video). Yes, I slept under mosquito netting (my mother would have killed me if I got malaria). And yes, the air was very dry. I’m sure these statements don’t surprise you because they are often what people think of when they hear the word Africa. But let me tell you about the parts of my days that aren’t so stereotypical:

  • I’d wake up to my alarm around 8:00, make some tea/coffee, and eat a muffin (which was delicious, I might add).

  • Once I’d woken up, it was time to tutor the newest children at the orphanage because they were slightly behind in school. Disclaimer: These kids were seven, and this was my favorite part of the day. I was able to watch them learn the alphabet, sounds, and how to spell their names. They were incredible, and, even though I love them very much, they also solidified that I was not created to be an elementary school teacher.

  • After running around and playing games with the knuckleheads, I ate a quick lunch, walked to the school, and tutored sixth and seventh graders in English.

  • On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I worked with eighth grade students, teaching them how to use Microsoft Word on the computer. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I worked with one of the teachers, expanding his personal computer knowledge so that he could to continue teaching the eighth grade students once I was gone.

  • One day a week I went to the store to get groceries. This includes the essentials: stuff for grilled cheese sandwiches, chips (Lay’s Salt & Vinegar, obviously), fruit, coffee/tea, sugar, ingredients for taco night, and the most magical cookies you will ever eat. I would honestly send people to Zambia just for these cookies.

  • While in town, we often went to the local coffee shop for lunch, and added more minutes to our cell phones.

  • Once we were finished, we headed back home for dinner and whatever activities the night held. A movie in the guesthouse was always my favorite (Mulan, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion King, Rio, and Star Wars constantly came up, despite the vast selection we had).

 

Now, I am not saying that Africa and America are the same, because they are very different. What I am hoping you’re getting out of this, is that they are not as different as they seem. The short list above barely grazes the surface of my time there, and I wish I could walk through each minute of every day with you. Nonetheless, at the end of the day I had electricity, even though it went out quite regularly. I had movies. I had “normal” food. I had hot showers (for the most part). And I had fun – genuine, belly-laughing, times-I-think-about-constantly fun. Above all, Zambia showed me just how much I adore teaching, and I wish everyday that it wasn’t so far away. If you made it this far, thank you, and I hope you found this section both enlightening and beneficial. I could go on and on about this experience and how it redefined my perceptions, but I will stop here. 

Okay I lied -- one more thing. I have found that words cannot do justice, on my experience that summer, so I made a video in an attempt to show my experience. If you are interested, you can access it here: GSO Zambia 2015 or by clicking on the image below. Thank you, or “talumba maningi” as they say in Zambia, for taking your time to visit my site and learn a little bit more about me!

Songs used in video: "Brother" by NEEDTOBREATHE and "Good Light" by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

         

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