The past two days, I have grown immensely more confident in
the classroom. The most influential
reasons are two wonderful women whom I have grown to think of as mothers. All day, they make me feel wanted and
appreciated, even when all I am doing are goofy things to put a smile on the
kids’ faces.
Yesterday, due to seasonal allergies, I had a stuffy nose
during class. While I was sniffling and
consistently blowing my nose, one of the teachers, Ms. Mariam, became very concerned. “Are you sick?” she asked. At the time, I did not comprehend what she
said because of her thick accent. I
asked her what she said. “You are sick
with flu. Go home my dear,” she
said. I assured her I was not sick, and
we continued to grade notebooks together.
Even thinking about it a day later, I still am not sure why this comment
warmed my heart so much.
After school yesterday, I was privileged enough to go on a
home visit. The home belonged to a
student in Class IV named Benard.
Although most causes for home visits are poor living conditions or
little money, this reason was different.
Benard has a wonderful story.
When he was young, his father died and his mother was unable to care for
him. This lack of care was the reason he
was brought to live with his aunt. While
he was living with his aunt, Benard did many small tasks for money. All of the money he earned went to his
aunt. He, of course, went to school, but
it was the public school in his village.
This school had very poor education, especially compared to LOAMO.
While Benard was working one day, a man named Richard noticed
his strong work ethic and poor schooling.
He thought that Benard should have the same opportunity to learn as some
of the other kids with more money. With
that idea in mind, and the permission of Benard’s mother and aunt, Richard took
him and continued to raise him as his own.
Richard and his wife have two other sons, who have now
graduated secondary school. At one time
there are usually ten to fifteen people living in their household. Every morning Benard wakes up early to milk
the cows. He cooks every meal in the
house and does a lot of the cleaning.
As we were talking to Richard about Benard’s life he said, “Success
is not based on what you gain, but what you give.” This quote inspires me so much because a lot
of Benard’s story is what people have given him without the expectation of
receiving anything.
Benard started the rigorous schooling at LOAMO in Class III,
which is the equivalent to about fifth grade in the United States. With very little prior education, he is now
at the top of Class IV and the best at math.
Every night, after he cleans, he studies hard. I wish I could be more like him. Benard has gone through so much, and whenever
I see him he is smiling. That’s what
continues to amaze me about the LOAMO staff and students. They always seem to have a smile on their
face. Although I know the attitudes of
the people I meet here are starting to rub off on me, I wish there was more of
this, not only in the world in general, but especially in America. People here are consistently putting others
before themselves. At home people are
selfish, and it disgusts me to see the difference from here to the United
States. I know I will bring home a
better attitude, I just hope I can influence others.
Today was by far the best day at the school. I was so happy the entire day, and I, too,
always had a smile on my face. I was
always making weird faces towards the kids and goofing off just enough to keep
smiles on their faces.
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