When I awoke at the wee hours of 5:30 am yesterday morning, I had no idea the adventure that would befall me. We met at St. Xavier's at the infamous "green benches" which is apparently the kool kat spot, but I have yet to see the glamour. Eight of us from our group piled into this hardcore jeep and headed off for a village to which we'd be helping at, and I honestly can't remember the name which shouldn't be a surprise if you've read my other blogs. Anyway, it was a long and bumpy five hour drive, but we finally made it to our destination, which was a dock. Then the eight of us and the other bus full of our group and students from the Computer Science department at St. Xavier's boarded onto this legit, Indian style boat to which I cannot do justice so I'll post pictures later. We were on the boat for about one to two hours and then we reached the village. When we got to the village, I headed into a classroom with Rita, Courtney and Tripti and Ash (two Xavier's students) to whom I absolutely adore.
The classroom was filled with 13-15 year old Indian students, males on one side and females on the other. Then we proceeded to help the students with stories in English and Algebra. I cannot begin to explain to you how difficult it is to communicate with people who don't understand you and whom you don't understand. The students were incredibly intelligent, but the language barrier plays such a huge role, especially when attempting to explain how to solve an equation. It was an awesome learning experience, and I am so thankful that I experienced it because it provided another new perspective for me here in India.
The trip back on the boat was certainly an interesting one. I ended up sitting up top, which you'll understand when you see pictures, and I chatted with some Indian students. Two of the men were extremely quirky, and they asked me quite a few questions about the US and of course we compared Western movies. They were also fairly impressed with my Bangla, and so indeed I was proud. When we got back to the dock we took a long five hour bumpy buss ride, in which I discussed Star Wars with an Indian student, and although I've seen Star Wars and do enjoy it, I couldn't remember a single thing about it. I was also forced to sing to the students on the bus because Tiffany told them I had a good singing voice. An alto/ man voice on a loud and bumpy bus ride just does not mix well, but I tried to do Adele as much justice as I could.
It was such an incredible experience, and I've gained several new facebook and I hope real life friends through this day. I felt so in my element today, because for one of my rare days, I was able to be so odd and quirky and people actually laughed! I love meeting other people who I have weird senses of humor, because then it doesn't make me feel so crazy, even though I do admit that I am, partly. I may have found my calling in the Computer Science group, because believe it or not, they've got it going on.
More importantly, being pushed and challenged to teach students who don't speak the same language as you is such an extraordinary experience. It's frustrating and uncomfortable, but it's also beautiful. Both of you are trying to learn from the other, and the basis of your conversation is for the sole purpose of helping one another. I absolutely loved it, and I hope that I get pushed like this more often.
The classroom was filled with 13-15 year old Indian students, males on one side and females on the other. Then we proceeded to help the students with stories in English and Algebra. I cannot begin to explain to you how difficult it is to communicate with people who don't understand you and whom you don't understand. The students were incredibly intelligent, but the language barrier plays such a huge role, especially when attempting to explain how to solve an equation. It was an awesome learning experience, and I am so thankful that I experienced it because it provided another new perspective for me here in India.
The trip back on the boat was certainly an interesting one. I ended up sitting up top, which you'll understand when you see pictures, and I chatted with some Indian students. Two of the men were extremely quirky, and they asked me quite a few questions about the US and of course we compared Western movies. They were also fairly impressed with my Bangla, and so indeed I was proud. When we got back to the dock we took a long five hour bumpy buss ride, in which I discussed Star Wars with an Indian student, and although I've seen Star Wars and do enjoy it, I couldn't remember a single thing about it. I was also forced to sing to the students on the bus because Tiffany told them I had a good singing voice. An alto/ man voice on a loud and bumpy bus ride just does not mix well, but I tried to do Adele as much justice as I could.
It was such an incredible experience, and I've gained several new facebook and I hope real life friends through this day. I felt so in my element today, because for one of my rare days, I was able to be so odd and quirky and people actually laughed! I love meeting other people who I have weird senses of humor, because then it doesn't make me feel so crazy, even though I do admit that I am, partly. I may have found my calling in the Computer Science group, because believe it or not, they've got it going on.
More importantly, being pushed and challenged to teach students who don't speak the same language as you is such an extraordinary experience. It's frustrating and uncomfortable, but it's also beautiful. Both of you are trying to learn from the other, and the basis of your conversation is for the sole purpose of helping one another. I absolutely loved it, and I hope that I get pushed like this more often.
No comments:
Post a Comment