Teaching is learning.

I’ve certainly heard that teaching is one of the best ways to learn. Until now, however, I had never had a true appreciation for that idea. But it has proven to be so true in many different ways. Most conspicuously, I’m learning a bunch about the English language. Even as a grammar enthusiast, I am still put to the test everyday when I try, for example, to explain the difference between “a few” and “few,” all while staying within a limited vocabulary. Furthermore, (cue the clichés), I’m learning about myself. Apparently, spending mornings in the classroom five days a week can whip you into shape pretty quickly. In those moments standing before a group of expectant faces, it happens. You witness your own limitations suddenly crystallizing right before you, acknowledge them as constructs and realize the importance of what lies beyond them, and then push right through.

But being here has still more lessons to offer. After giving our first “Lions” test during a Friday lecture, we had a very relaxed precept. So I showed the class pictures from my photo library and they were really thrilled about that. But it seemed that the photos and my stories left a very “deep impression” – as they would say – that I still haven’t decided how I feel about. They kept repeating that I live a very ‘colorful’ life. Listening to their reactions and considering their perspectives always reminds me how colorful it really is. The world – and I mean that quite literally – is at our fingertips. It’s all waiting for us. Nothing is off limits. And in some ways, that is radically untrue for many of them. The colorful life that I showed them that day is possibly just an abstract idea for them, at least for the time being. What do they think of that? Do they think about it? Who deals the cards? And the children in the orphanage that we visit during Service Club, who dealt their cards? What is their experience? I’m not sure if I’ll ever know, though I’m interminably curious about the experiences of others.

On the bright side of this, however, I have gotten a great opportunity to get to know some of my students. Reading and writing in their journals has been absolutely amazing, because the girls are all so honest and thoughtful. Some choose to share more than others. Corresponding with every student is unique, and I have found that I have an incredible amount in common with some of them. And never would I have expected my students to want to share things with me that they do not want to share with anyone else. What have we done to deserve their trust? Whatever that may have been, I feel lucky and responsible to honor that trust.

~Jessica