Looking back at certain moments in my life filled with angst, frustration, working under pressure, I surprisingly came to a conclusion that these were the most powerful learning events of my life. They made me - ME, shaped my teaching style, formed my outlook on various things in life, and opened my mind to tolerance, understanding, and compassion. Mainly, travels to different parts of the States and Europe contributed to my most powerful learning experiences.
I remember one of my travels specifically. It was my first visit to the United States, the country with culture so different from mine that at first it left me confused, searching for connections to my understanding of life, and scrambling to better my English :) Luckily, I ended up in New Hampshire, where the language was easy enough to understand for a newcomer. Beign a part of Easter Seals camp staff was an eye-opening experience as well as it was the first time I worked with children with disabilities, an entirely rewarding and humbling experience by itself. Even though I was questioning my sanity at the time, wondering about how in the world I was stupid enough to sign up for this crazy deal, but eventually I came to understand the importance of my undertaking as it helped me realize how big this world was, and how different, but not unequal, cultures were, which made me a better teacher and still helps me try to inspire my students in the secluded county of McDowell to look beyond the county line, open their minds to a multitude of possibilities ready for them to undertake, and view the world as a place for collaboration, not division. And, Globaloria enhances my beliefs even more!
David Beamer Op-Ed Recommended
2 days ago


1 comments:
I on the other hand grew up in West Virginia and wanted to stay. I want my students to know that they can do anything and go anywhere if they choose. If they want to stay in West Virginia--Great! But if they want to go others places--that is great also. If they choose to stay and live in West Virginia the experiences that can be gained through travel will only enrich their life in West Virginia but also the lives of others.
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