The Global Citizenship and
Learning Equity Program in Jamaica was hands down one of the best experiences
of my life. As I have always loved working with children because of how innocent
and impressionable they are. So when I came across the GCELE literacy camp for
children I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.
When we arrived Jamaica we got to
stay in The Oasis resort, Negril where I made a lot of new friends from various
colleges all over the world. Majority of whom I bonded with and look forward to
hanging out with in the near future.
I learned a lot about the
Jamaican history as well as the culture as I immersed myself in the culture and
I also tried my best to learn a little patois. In general, Jamaicans are nice
and friendly always willing to offer a hand whenever they can.
In addition, I also got the
opportunity to meet some of the most intelligent and resilient kids ever who
despite whatever they were going through will always show up for camp the next
day with excitement and optimism to learn. It broke my heart when we had to
leave the kids after a week but I was able take solace with the hope that we
had a stirred a fire within the children that can never be burnt out.
At the end of the GCELE trip, I
gained life skills such as Adaptability; learning how to not over think things
and go with the flow. I also honed my team work and problem solving skills. This
was definitely an experience I will not forget in a hurry.