I always try to give more than I take and receive in all aspects of life. I find great joy in doing things for other people and have never really been good at receiving help from others. This trip in Chile, I have received far more than I could ever have hope to have given. There have been so many amazing experiences, generosity, learning opportunities, and just love showered upon me. I have been constantly humbled to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. On a trip to a special English school, while talking to the youth, they wouldn't believe me that Chile was my favorite country that I have visited. It really is and it is mostly because of the people I have met. It is kind of ironic that some of these incredible people traveled with me and I would've never known how special they were without this trip. It is a lesson to reach outside my circles and seek out more people even when I am home.
The group from LSU has been such an inspiration to me. We were constantly told that we were the best group ever and I feel so blessed to have been a part of this group. It is not hard for me to understand why so many people thought this was the best group ever, because every day I was impressed by each of these participants. We had to prepare these teacher seminars for the Chilean teachers and the ideas for these seminars were all innovative and timely. Each day I felt like I wasn't pulling my weight, not because I wasn't working hard and doing my best, but because I was surrounded by giants. A couple people commented on how much I have achieved in my life and although I have done a few things, I have been around longer than most of these participants. Their potential and ability far surpasses mine and I will be a greater person forever for my associations with them.
I have grown fond of all the LSU peeps and love each of them, but because we were selected as the Science representatives, I spent the most time with these two girls. I have grown to love them like my own sisters and I know they will both be incredible scientists! As, I begin my trip to Easter Island, it feels like something is missing not having their curious natures along. We took some extra adventures at the beginning of the trip, which at the time I was grateful not to have to explore alone. Having them along was so inspiring to me, everywhere we went their scientific minds were evident and I knew that I would never be half as brilliant as them. I will be a better scientist because of the time I spent with them.
There are so many spectacular teachers at this Chilean school we worked with and each of them influenced me to varying degrees but I was specifically paired with two teachers at the Chilean school. One of them was an amazing science teacher, Javier. When I was a kid, I thought I didn't like science. It took me until later in life to realize that I really enjoy science. If I would've had a teacher like Javier, I am positive I would have found this passion earlier in life. He truly cared for each of his students and knew them. He made his lessons exciting and interesting. Every day he was so welcoming to me and I wish I had more time with him. My short time with him will make me a much more effective teacher and a mentor throughout my life.
The other teacher I was paired with was Carlos, a Physical Education teacher. P.E. has always been my favorite subject, so I needed little help to enjoy this class, but he was the best P.E. teacher ever. Even though he spoke almost zero English, we hit it off from the start (sports is a universal language) and I found myself looking forward to the my time in his class. I learned Chilean dodgeball and handball, and helped Haley teach them kickball. I am really considering life as a P.E. teacher after the Coast Guard because of my time spent in Chile! Carlos even took four of us on a special outing to a really neat museum and some of his favorite beaches. This selfie next to a Tsunami sign might be my favorite picture from the entire trip (there was some discussion about how insensitive this picture might be, but I was adamant we needed to take it) because it really captures our personalities!
Another amazing teacher, Maca, took Haley and I got to go to Teleton, which is a facility to help kids who have musculoskeletal disorders. This facility is run completely from donations and volunteers and 70% of the recipients live below the poverty level in Chile. The staff was phenomenal and I learned so much from the way they interacted with people. They cared for each of their patients to a level I have never witnessed and I will strive to show this level of interest in the lives of the people I interact with forever. We even got interviewed for the Teleton website so check it out if you feel so inclined!
My Chilean family was the best (I know other people said this, but I'm right)! They were the best family for me, no one could've come close to having as much as an impact on me as they did. I gained a new family. Their friends took me and treated me like one of the family as well. Even their (our) friends kept talking about how we all needed to visit each other in the future and I hope this happens. Marco and Patricia treated me like their own son (my eyes are a little watery as I think of their influence) and each day with them was very special to me. Stefano and Dylan will forever by like brothers to me and I look forward to the time we get to hang out again! I tried to clean up after myself and make food, but despite my best efforts, they were far more of a blessing in my life than I was in theirs. They told me about how they will always think of me when Despacito comes on and hear my voice singing along to the few words I knew! They also said that they will never hear "me gusta" without thinking of me. As we drove today, we played the song multiple times and they always looked at me for the parts I knew and smiled big when I chimed in. That song will always fill me with great memories of these lovely people, my Chilean Family!
Last but not least, I have to recognize the wonderful people who made this program possible. Kenny, Ken, Lindsay and Carla. Each of them put so much effort into this program and if we truly are the best group ever, it is only because we are a reflection of their leadership. Each day I looked forward to their notes to my journal entries! They made sure each of us had all the tools we needed to be successful and I am extremely grateful to be associated with them.
It is very apparent that I have reaped far more than I have sown with my experiences in Chile. I will try to incorporate all these experiences into my life so that I might be capable of sowing more in the future!
No comments:
Post a Comment