Being on my gap year has given me opportunities to do manual labor, to look into the eyes of young girls who have undergone sexual violence, to learn and speak more Spanish and bits and pieces of the entirely new language of Khmer, to teach little children and people older than I am, and to put on a dance number in front of teens and adults with my team. I am definitely not a dancer, nor am I someone who knew how to build a security wall with concrete mixture and cinder blocks. That being said, I have been given opportunities to try out so many different things and to discover what it is I truly love doing.
I have uncovered a burning desire within me to learn, and to learn A LOT. I have felt like a sponge just soaking up all the things I could possibly be taught. That is why I chose to go to Wilmington College because I definitely feel a pull towards furthering my education. This decision was made all the way back when I was in my first country of Ecuador
Then I was placed into many positions as a teacher. This happened first in Peru to help teach a class of 5-6 year olds, and that completely drained me. Not going to lie, little kids can suck the life out of you and I have utmost respect for people who can teach them and work with them all day 5 days a week. I took my time in Peru as a learning experience though. I saw the importance of pouring into a child at that age and I knew that everything they were learning would benefit them in their futures. I learned to not blow my lid every time I took a soccer ball to the snout. I learned that 2 cups of coffee was never going to be able to suffice. Also it made me wonder what the heck my mom was doing having 7 of these.
Then in Guatemala, I was told we would be teaching again and I literally cringed. I was scarred by the tantrums and the boogers that had been pinned onto each pair of my pants by the little monsters-or excuse me… I mean beautiful gifts from God. I was ready for round two and this time I was going in with a helmet. In a turn of events though, I ended up teaching a class of only girls who were a variety of ages, but none under the age of 8 years old. It was a totally different atmosphere. I could connect with these girls in a way I was unable to connect with a 5 year old. No offense to all my wonderful 5-year-old friends, but it was nice to be teaching a group where I was the only one who peed my pants by accident. I was able to teach the girls but also get to know them and love them for reasons that went beyond what they could do in a classroom. I could see why education was so important and it made me so passionate about being a part of it.
In this passion, I found a deep gratitude. I can think back to when I was attending Lebanon Christian School and Lebanon High School. There was such an authentic intentionality each teacher had with me. I really want to recognize personally each of those teachers that poured into me but I am aware that this would take eons, so for all my teachers past and present, I really truly am blessed that you chose into my education. I am so appreciative of all the hours of sacrifice and all the words of wisdom and all the times you never gave up on me. I am moved by all of you. I am so grateful for a change of perspective, to see the other side of the classroom.
I still am fine tuning everything to do with my future, but I have education as the front runner in my career options. I am excited to see where my next chapter takes me, but until then, I love the life I am living here and now. The people, the culture and the challenges- all of it. I am soaking in every bit of my last month and a half here!
Thank you for the love and encouragement to all my supporters, friends and family. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t have you guys.
Blessings,
Milena
