The Bigger Picture

For those of you just tuning in, perhaps I should back up a bit. Marathons? Namibia? What in the world is this girl talking about?!

I have recently been accepted as a volunteer for WorldTeach, a non-profit organization that places volunteers as teachers in schools in developing countries. In December, I will be traveling to Namibia to teach in a middle school that doesn't have enough teachers. For one year, I will be working in the village of Omungwelume, with the closest town being Oshikati.

Namibia is eager to concentrate its resources on basic needs, and educational reform has been a top priority. It means a great deal to me to be able to be a part of this exciting process of improving educational opportunities in Namibia.

So now is the part where you are probably asking yourself, "why?".
Why would I want to shed all of my belongings and give up my lovely life here in Brooklyn? Do I really know what I'm getting myself into? Am I really okay with living in the middle of nowhere, making only enough money to live, and being surrounded by people who speak a language that I can barely pronounce?

Education holds a very special place in my heart, as I believe it is the greatest gift to give and receive. I am the first person in my family, both immediate and extended, to have completed a Bachelor’s degree. As an adult, I now see the true importance of education- the potential for empowering others, inspiring the youth to want more than the lives they were given by their families, and the chance to make an impact on the future for both the students and their communities. Post-apartheid Namibia is a fertile nation receptive to the power of education for their children. Education creates equality, tolerance, and understanding.

Having the opportunity to teach English in a country such as Namibia will be a magnificent reward made up of so many memories and a heart full of satisfaction and gratitude. The chance to work with students who are eager to learn and who are hungry for knowledge will absolutely change my life and enlarge my heart! Learning English will tremendously benefit these students as they continue their studies and see more of the world. Teachers always say that the reward is in the progress of their students, and I will feel most fortunate to have this opportunity in my own life. With my understanding of the challenges of completing an education, I have what it takes to guide students to reach their full potential, and the patience to meet the needs and concerns of each child.

Yes, I will be giving up hot showers and all of the conveniences of life in New York City. Yes, I will be washing my clothes by hand and often eating dinner by candlelight. But doesn't this all sound romantic and wonderful? Don't you ever wish for what we might consider the "simple life"? Where we can slow down, appreciate simple pleasures, and enjoy special moments with those we care for? All while building relationships, making memories, and traveling the world?

I've been living on my own for more than five years now. In this time, I have learned a lesson that I am incredibly thankful for- not only do you have to work for the things you want, but most of all, money absolutely, positively cannot buy happiness. It can buy us material things... but at the end of the day, it can't buy us fulfillment, satisfaction, or the pleasure of knowing that the things we do are making a positive difference in the world we live in. I'm not interested in buying the best brands or having a new car. This position with WorldTeach means a great deal to me. My passion is in helping people. I don't know where this will take me, but I do know that I find happiness in improving the lives of others. Education is a great place to start.

Race Complete!

Well friends, the Trenton Half Marathon has come and gone! After ten weeks of intense training... lots of complaining, carb-feasting, calorie counting, Power Ade chugging and energy gel slurping... I am so pleased to announce that not only did I finish the race strong, but I beat my goal time of two hours. I finished up at 1:52:13, which I am incredibly happy with. I am even happier that I woke up this morning feeling like a million bucks!

I ran this race for my learners. So what does half marathon running have to do with teaching English in Namibia? On the surface, not a whole lot. But look deeper...

My inspiration for completing this race came from my soon-to-be students in Omungwelume. Students who want to complete their education so that they may create a life for themselves better than the one they were given by their parents. Students who make sacrifices, take pride in their history and their culture, and who make the best out of circumstances that are completely foreign to Americans like us.

I've never been a teacher, but I kept close track of the qualities of the teachers I've had that made me work harder, push further, want more for my own self. These teachers were the ones who could listen, offer advice, and most of all, create inspiration to keep moving forward. How does one teach others to overcome challenges? To keep going when you're tired and want to give up? To keep believing that things will "pay off" someday?

I needed to find a way to prove to myself that all obstacles can be overcome. That no challenge is too great or too intimidating. So, I decided to do some soul searching and start in a place that I never imagined I would be... running. Before training, I could barely run three miles without facing complete exhaustion, disappointment, and self-loathing. Perfect place to find out what you're really made of.

My learners inspired me to overcome something that I didn't like, something that I had little ability in, and something that I dreaded.

In order to be the best teacher possible, I needed to prove to myself that I, too, can work hard and achieve great things. In order to inspire my learners, I needed to find the inspiration inside of myself, first. With only a few weeks left before my husband and I depart for Namibia, I am feeling energized, collected, reassured... and so ready to share this love with my learners.