Are you out there world? It’s me, Nadia.
To whoever is reading this, you imaginary or maybe real audience, you must understand that we will never be enough. What DukeEngage programs do will never be able to save all of humanity from the bad systems which plague us all. Nevertheless the mark we leave, that is real. The mark is real and it is clearly reflected through the excitement in the eyes of every single one of the No. 9 students in Zhuhai.
To be frank, I had no idea what I would be getting into. I mean, yes, I’m going to be a teacher, but teaching for a summer in China and as a career are two completely different things. Given the length of the flights to get here, when we first arrived, I think my brain could not comprehend anything beyond water and sleep. Once we all rested, it began.
Something always brings me back to school with a smile as bright as ever and an attitude ready to conquer the world and all its challenges. Two days ago, my silver lining was when I hugged one of the students and she told me I hug like her mom.
The sun rises and we wake up and each day I have seen the impact this program has left on the community. Our program coordinator is someone who garners every ounce of respect the world has to offer. And each day we are all able to witness the effects of up keeping relationships with people. It is so inspiring to see that when our parents told us to always be kind, it leaves an impact. We hold the labels of Duke students from America, but we all bring tales of adventure and experience that fascinate the children. Their endless questions lead to hope and awe. We are not America itself, but us being here maybe…brings it closer to them.
Makes the idea of them one day visiting more real.
Then a rough patch hits.
Some days in the classroom are better than others. At home, the rough days come when students are rowdy and we have no opportunity to get outside and release the energy. I would have to say, the same goes for China, as well. I have often found, though, that there is always a silver lining. Something always brings me back to school with a smile as bright as ever and an attitude ready to conquer the world and all its challenges. Two days ago, my silver lining was when I hugged one of the students and she told me I hug like her mom.
Wow, that brought me back.
It brought me back to the days when all of my friends would be at my house and my parents would happily welcome each teenager into their home. That simple comment reminded me of how a hug from my parents was home. If the day didn’t have a silver lining, then my mom and dad would be waiting at home to be the silver lining.
I want to be the silver lining in someone’s day. These students are all constantly happy and excited. I want nothing more than to fulfill the expectations they have and keep the energy flowing. I am going to be a teacher one day, which makes this program the beginning of a long line of students and classrooms and goodbyes. I have never felt this tired in my life, but each day I have gone to bed full of smiles. I hope to see, that as this program continues, I am able to give those smiles back to the students each day.