Twelve days ago we arrived in Belize apprehensive and full
of questions. What would the teachers be like at our school? Where would the
kids be in their content knowledge? Would our lessons be effective? With these
questions and more swirling in our minds, we began a week that would change our
lives forever.
Jumping into a new classroom seemed difficult the first day,
but the teachers’ kindness and hospitality quickly eased our fears. At the end
of the week, the teachers shared with us how thankful they were that we were
there and showed us how grateful they were with their thoughtful words.
Although the teachers were appreciative of us, we were overwhelmed with their
dedication to their students and their education. All of the teachers walked or
took buses for over two miles to get to school. Then they waded a river with
their teaching supplies and walked up through the village. Not only did they
travel this to get to school, once they arrived, they were patient with their
students, maintained a positive energy, and worked in blistering heat
continually to help their students learn.
The first day the children were shy and we were unsure of
how to approach them all in class. However, at the end of the week, they had
captured our hearts and taught us more about our teaching and ourselves than we
had anticipated. Reflecting on the week, we could see how little the children
had yet they were content and still worked hard in the classroom. We realized
how much we have and the resources that are available to us. On the last day,
as we were leaving, with tears in their eyes and ours, we could see the impact
that one teacher could have in such a short time. We knew that the students had
learned from us and we had formed strong relationships with our students that
they could carry with them.
Leaving Belize now, we know that we will carry their smiles,
the things they taught us, and the confidence we gained as teachers with us for
years. We grew as teachers in our
strategies and were renewed in the reasons as to why we chose this profession
where we can make such a difference. The teachers and students in Belize taught
us more than we could have hoped and we leave being better people for it.
Rebekah Jeffries
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