Concept of Birthplace

Every so often, I am struck with the realization that the location in which you are born can determine most facets of life. I remember just a few years ago, when this realization struck full force, slamming me with realities I had never thought about. I was sitting in a dusty South African classroom, reveling in a symphony of African music sung by preschoolers. Earlier that day we had helped feed these same kids, and played with them at recess through a program called Operation Hunger.

Swaying along to the music with some of my classmates from Semester at Sea, my thoughts strayed to what the future would look like for the kids in this classroom. I couldn't help but think of tragedies that could befall them, of people that could hurt them. They were living in Khayelitsha Township, near Cape Town. There is such a stark contrast from the tourist boardwalks of Cape Town to the dusty, winding streets of Khayelitsha. Every few steps in Cape Town, you are heralded by vendors selling helicopter tours of the skyline or shark diving expeditions in the frigid water. In Khayelitsha, every few steps there is another lean-to shack, with haphazard wires leading from the roof to feed a little electricity into the home. Some are surrounded by makeshift barbwire fences, attempting to secure what little possessions may reside in the lean-to. The disparity from Cape Town to Khayelitsha is suffocating and overwhelming. It is so hard to believe that there are those dining in 5-star restaurants before jettisoning off on a helicopter tour, while just a 10-minute bus ride away, blocks of the Township are worried because their water pump hasn't been working for weeks. The differences couldn't be any more pronounced.

Downtown Cape Town, South Africa

Khayelitsha Township, South Africa

This was my first taste of what huge disparities could look like, and I continued to see it in many other countries on Semester at Sea; India, Viet Nam, China, Japan. I felt such compassion for all the citizens of each of these countries. Powerless and small, I felt that there was nothing I could do to help them. Today, however, I am now having these same feelings but in my very own country. I am once again struck by this notion of birthplace. 

These past months, I have been working in classrooms at my elementary school, and doing one on one reading tutoring with a handful of students. I also work in one of the school's after care programs. These programs are designed for children to have somewhere to go after school lets out, since most parents work until 5:00 and are unable to arrange for any other means for their children to be taken care of. These kids remind me of those cute little kids that I met in South Africa, but now they are in the country that I call home. I am always so happy to go to work to see the kids. I have been given so many little presents of flowers and grass picked on their way to school, or drawings that tote phrases of, "I love you Miss Sam," or "I want you to be my mom!"

Sometimes, though, the children say things that completely break your heart. Kids that sleep on the floors of houses, that don't have food, that say their parents are never home to read to them, so their parent reading logs are never completed. My heart aches for each and every one of them, and it is beyond frustrating at times because I am once again, feeling completely powerless. How do you respond to a little boy when he says, "Please take me home Miss Sam! I don't have a mommy. Why can't you take me home?" These situations, sadly, are all too common in these areas of Florida.

Why is it so unfair to so many people that are born into oppressive, violent areas? Why did I become so lucky as to have been born in a small city in Ohio, where crime was almost nonexistent? I am now living in Palm Beach County, Florida where crime is a lot more prevalent that what I am used to. The disparity is also much more visible here than in any other places I have been in this country. If you ride in the car down A1A, one of the highways that line the ocean, you will gaze upon the most beautiful houses you have ever seen. But just neighborhoods away, you will come across places where you don't want to be caught after the sun sets. How was it determined that I, along with so many others, are fortunate to be born into areas where we are not constantly worrying about shootings or robberies? The children that are born into these situations, are statistically more likely to become perpetrators themselves. Violence breeds violence; it is a vicious cycle that seems impossible to break.

Granted, there are those who can defy the odds, regardless of their birthplace. I am not saying that destiny is completely sealed because of where you live. However, for the majority of people in oppressive places, reality is harsh. Hopes and dreams are scattered by the winds of oppressive leaders and government. Poor economies hold no promise for a better house, a better job, a better life.

At times, I have felt like I am doing nothing of importance for the kids that I work with. Sure, I'm teaching them reading and helping them with arts and crafts. But, who is there for them to be a mother and father? Who is there for them to be role models that they can look up to? Why is a child going to worry about the math homework he has when he gets home, when he has more pressing matters such as the violence he might experience, or the hunger weighing on his mind? 

But, there are the majority of days when I KNOW that I am making a difference in the children's lives, no matter how small. They show it to me in the way they listen when I tell them about a new book they are going to read. They show it to me in the drawings they make me, or the pens and pencils they give me. The small moments like these remind me that even though I'm doing something relatively small for them, I"m doing SOMETHING.

Although I can't give them the world, I hope that I can help open the door to the world for them, through education.

Reflection from the Window Seat

No one likes a 4:00 am wake up call. That's probably why I didn't wake up to my 4:00am alarm.. Or to the snooze that happens five minutes after that.. Or the OTHER one after that. Instead, I woke up ten minutes before I had to rush off to the airport. I hadn't even finished packing the night before, so I threw whatever I thought was necessary into my hiking backpack and scurried out the door behind my roommate. Needless to say, don't pack ten minutes before you leave or you will end up with 12 pairs of shorts and only one shirt for a four day trip.

I sleepily hurried through security and briskly, VERY briskly, walked to my gate. I didn't miss my plane, but if I would have stayed in slumberland a few more minutes, my best friend  from elementary school would have been one bridesmaid short in her wedding to her high school sweetheart. That's nothing I want on my conscience, especially when karma comes a knocking. So anyway, I clambered into my window seat right behind the wing, regretting my decision of opting for the six am flight. What  person would have picked the six am flight over that much more reasonable sounding 11am flight? Oh yeah.. Me. But I had figured I wanted to spend as much time as I could at home to make the weekend flight worth it. But even so, there I was, kicking myself in my window seat for having to wake up this early.

Now, to preface the whole point of this story, I have been to some VERY beautiful, breathtaking places in my life. My eyes have gazed upon picturesque landscapes and backdrops from the deserts in  Africa to rolling fields and mountains in Asia. But I have never been struck with such a strong revelation as I was today, sitting sleepy eyed in that window seat. As the plane ascended into the dark sky, (yes even the sun was still sleeping at this point), I pulled up the window shade. Regardless of how sleep deprived I am, I love watching the quickening speed and acceleration during takeoff in an airplane. It always amazes me that I am literally flying in the sky. I understand the whole physics, aeronautics, air and space blah. But I can never get over the actuality that I am literally IN THE SKY. About five minutes after takeoff, the plane was making its way off the coast of West Palm Beach. Behind us, the city was twinkling in the morning darkness, with promises of yet another hustling, eventful day.

Ahead of us lay another story. The landscape that spread itself out was the most breathtaking sight I have ever chanced upon. Slowly, the black sky began to transform. Pinks and oranges crawled up from the ground, splashing the sky with the most vibrant, luminescent colors I had ever seen. The clouds, rather than obscuring the view, only enhanced it. Colors started to bounce off the puffy dark clouds, filling the sky with dark pinks, reds, and oranges of carnival cotton candy. The ground below us gave way to the Atlantic Ocean, and the color began to spread out along the water too. Transfixed, I couldn't help but stare and fill my entire phone with pictures of this marvelous landscape. Blood red hues began to spring up where the sun was making its first appearance, while all around there remained rosy pinks and juicy oranges.

Tearing myself from what my eyes beheld, I was confused when I saw that not a SINGLE other person had their window shade up. I was not sharing this experience with anyone. Every other person on flight 1849 was consumed with their own thoughts behind close lidded eyes. I had even lifted myself out of my seat so much to see if there was anyone else witnessing this sunrise, that the flight attendant asked if I needed anything. I quickly replied no, but then rethought my answer. Yes, I did need something.

Actually, I think we ALL need something. Too many times we are so consumed with trivial thoughts behind closed lidded eyes. Too many times we miss the simple, beautiful things that are always right before us, EVERY DAY. Why is it that we put so much emphasis on buying ""beautiful" things, when it spreads itself out before us everyday in its ephemeral, grandeur beauty, at no cost? I don't pretend that I was the only person that was reflecting on significant things in flight 1849. I'm sure there were others who were worrying about the health of family members, financial issues, or pondering the meaning of life. All I know is that I was the only person gleaming reflection from my window seat.

In this fast paced society, we are flying with high speed velocity into an era where we are blinded by issues of insignificance, privy to unnecessary stress and worry; the destination being the island of blissful ignorance. We need to steer off course, and head back into the direction of appreciation of the small things; smiling at strangers, performing random acts of kindness, reveling in the landscape spread out before us. I'm realistic, I know that life isn't always full of sunshine and rainbows. No matter the final destination, there will always be turbulence. But, if we pull up the window shade, and take in all that life has to offer, the ride will be a lot more meaningful.

Snorkeling with Manatees and Other Opportunities Seized

All too often we spend vast amounts of time worrying about what's next. So much wasted time and energy goes into this task, and it tends to yield nothing substantial. What are we doing next weekend, next month, next year? What am I doing after THIS? I have even found myself pondering the question, "What am I doing after this year?"

I have ALREADY spent a few late nights searching for new AmeriCorps programs, more Peace Corps options, and grad schools for next year. Although researching for your future can be beneficial, it becomes a problem when it interferes with your ability to be in the present, it is a barrier for what you are doing TODAY.

So from here on in, I plan to commit myself to live for today. I don't want to miss out on opportunities here in the beautiful Sunshine State because I was worrying about something that will work itself out. My advice to everyone is to NOT worry about what lies ahead. There are so many beautiful things in the world to appreciate TODAY, and so little time in life, to waste half of it contemplating your next step.

So, the following is a little of how I have been living for today!

 This past weekend started out with a huge group of us going to a Country Western Bar called Renegades. A good time was had due to the line dancing, drinks, and mechanical bull! Sunday I went snorkeling in a city north of West Palm called Jupiter with my roommates Krystle and Monica, as well as some of Krystle's friends from the area. We went to the Jupiter Lighthouse and Museum, and spent hours snorkeling at the beach.

There is something about wearing a snorkel and mask that takes you to another world. Everything else around you becomes quiet, and all you can hear are bubbles floating up and up, and the gentle lap of the waves around you. Fish swim and sway throughout the reefs, moving in rhythm with the current. I have found a hobby that I know I will never tire of!

We made our way underneath a bridge, and spotted some great sights! Heath, one of my friends that I have had the privilege to meet, pointed out a huge school of snook, which are one of the many types of fish here. Some of the big ones almost looked like sharks, and I anxiously did a few double takes while I was swimming. We left that beach with only a few jellyfish stings, and then headed to another spot a little ways down the road. It was here that I had an encounter that I know will stay with me for quite some time.


Our arms were laden with our snorkels, masks, and fins as we waded out into deeper waters. Suddenly, just a few feet ahead of us, a flipper splashed out of the ocean. We noticed it was connected to a huge, dark colored body! All of a sudden, a manatee stuck its face out of the water. I felt so privileged that we were snorkeling amongst this giant sea cow! Here's to a memory that will never fade.

Me, Krystle, and Monica 

This week, all of us lucky Reading Tutors (9 of us), have been training at the School District Building. We have went through countless policies and procedures, and are now learning what we will be doing with the kids intervention wise! I am SO EXCITED to be able to start working with the kids! We start at our schools next Tuesday!

Krystle, Monica, and I's first day of training with the school district!

From here on out, I plan to make the most of my time, no matter where I am. I am tired of the worried nights spent searching for my next step. Instead, I am going to happily wake up each day, wondering where my next step out of my apartment is going to take me. 

Literacy AmeriCorps: Orientation and Preservice Training!

This time last year, I was in the midst of searching for grad schools and studying for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). I was frantically trying to figure out what I was going to do with the rest of my life, worried that I was going to be "behind" in the race alongside my classmates at Marietta College. But, I knew something just wasn't right; grad school just didn't sound like the right step yet. How are you supposed to know what you want to do right after leaving a liberal arts undergraduate degree? Instead of honing in on one area to pursue, my liberal arts education opened up so many pathways that I felt overwhelmed, and quite honestly, didn't WANT to pick just one yet. 

So, that led me to looking at more alternative routes; mainly Peace Corps and AmeriCorps options. Peace Corps and AmeriCorps are great programs that allow you to gain experience and knowledge in fields that you MIGHT want to pursue, without allocating money to pay for the training through graduate school. They also tend to defer your student loans, and even give you stipends or discounts towards graduate school when you complete your program! 

After going through the entire Peace Corps application and interview process, I was anxiously waiting to hear back on what my project would be, and what country I would be sent to. But, I was told that it might take 6 months to 1 year to be placed, so I turned to AmeriCorps and put my Peace Corps dreams on hold. Thus, I found myself being interviewed for AmeriCorps program after AmeriCorps program. I came across the Literacy AmeriCorps program in Palm Beach County, Florida, and knew that something was just RIGHT about it. It was the same feeling that I had had when I visited Marietta College. I KNEW that I would love the program, and not to mention living on the beach for a year! Growing up in Cleveland, I knew I would cherish every second of the sunshine, especially in the winter time. So, after being interviewed and accepted for the program in March 2013, I eagerly waited for August 2013, where I would move down to Boynton Beach, Florida. I spent an amazing summer at Lakeside Chautauqua in Ohio, where I met people I will call friends for the rest of my life. After summer was over, I packed my bags and jumped onto the airplane for the next step of my life.

The first two weeks here has been a whirlwind of people and trainings! There are 40 members in my program, and most of us all live in the same apartment. The members all come from different states and universities; from California to Massachusetts!  The Literacy AmeriCorps program has a partnership with Las Ventanas, the apartment complex that I moved into, so we get a discounted rate for our apartment. I can't explain just how beautiful the apartment is! We have THREE swimming pools here, as well as hot tubs! 

Las Ventanas

ONE of the pools at our apartment

As far as the work we are doing, it all relates back to literacy in the area. The Literacy AmeriCorps program has partnerships with a ton of different sites such as the Boys and Girls Club, public school districts, and programs that target teaching English as a second language. Go to the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County's website for a complete list: http://www.literacypbc.org Over the summer, we preferenced the programs we liked and narrowed them down to 3-5. Last week, we were able to visit each program in person and interview with some of those who work there. This week, we found out which program we were placed at, based on feedback from our phone interviews, the site interviews, and what our program directors thought would be the best fit for all of us. I am going to be a K-5 Reading Tutor for the Palm Beach County School District! 

There are only a few of the members in our program that even have an education background, so we get GREAT training for each site! The majors of everyone in my program range from psychology to anthropology to finance! It doesn't matter that we don't have a literacy background, as long as we are determined to make a difference in the area. There are a handful of reading tutors that are serving in the district, as well as graduation coaches, and we are all going to be training together for a certain amount of time. We have gone through a hefty amount of trainings already, but I am now recertified in First Aid/CPR, and just went through an introductory hurricane evacuation training! In the event of a hurricane, we could be sent to the Emergency Operations Center to help out with volunteer recruitment, operations of first responders, or various other things. HURRICANES?! I am DEFINITELY not in Ohio anymore :P 

The Literacy AmeriCorps 2013-14 Group: 40 members from all over the country!

My free time consists of snorkeling, swimming, beach-going, and visiting a turtle rehab center called Gumbo Limbo! I have also spent a decent amount of time running in the area; the streets and houses are beautiful here! I even run past ONE of Oprah's houses daily! The ocean is just a few blocks away, so finding things to do has definitely not been a problem! For the rest of the week we have more trainings and orientation, but starting next week I will get to go to the Palm Beach County School District Building and soon enough I will be helping kindergarteners through 5th graders with reading! I can't wait! 

On a turtle outside Gumbo Limbo!