Touring Jamaica

I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I GOT TO EXPLORE AND BOND WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ALIKE IN BEAUTIFUL JAMAICA.

I caught the travel bug when I was 10, and my cousin lightly said, “Maybe Beth can nanny for us while we visit the fam in England”. I spent the next few weeks pacing up and down our driveway, day-dreaming about the adventure. (Does anyone else pace while they think?) When it became clear that my cuz hadn’t been serious about the nannying gig (I was, well, 10) my heart was crushed. It ignited a fire inside me that I to this day can’t put out. I had to see the world.

I flew into Montego Bay from Dallas on my own.  This was a vacation all in itself because I left both my toddlers with my husband and I got to watch something besides 'Puppy Dog Pals' on the plane.  I opened the window as we landed (and consequently blinded the entire row behind me), and my jaw dropped at the turquoise waters.  When I arrived at the airport, I felt confident going through customs by myself because the BBT leaders had sent pictures of where to go and what signs to look for.  There wasn't any stress because I had been paired up with a leader who flew in at a similar time and was waiting for me at the bar.  We got to hang a little (teachers can talk for hours!!) while waiting on the air-conditioned bus to pick us up.  Already I was able to relax because I knew that this group was on top of everything.

There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with.

- Kristen Sarah

The following day a couple of the more outdoorsy teachers and I had elected to tour Dunn River Falls.  I am not exaggerating when I say that it was utterly breathtaking!! To climb the falls (yes, climb the waterfalls!), you made a little chain with your group by holding hands with the person in front of and behind you.  In this way, you were supported as you made the rocky climb up the falls, and in turn, you supported the person behind you.  Almost like a metaphor for the importance of positive teacher relationships, *wink, wink*.  After the climb, we headed down to the beach and played in the water.  Honestly, is there anything more rejuvenating than waves on a sandy shore? My tired teacher's soul refueled that day with the sound of the tide.

Monday was the day all of us teachers were waiting for.  I was able to relax on the drive and was mesmerized by the diverse landscape out the window. 

THIS KIND OF ADVENTURE IS WHY I LOVE TO TRAVEL AUTHENTICALLY.

How do I even begin to describe the school in Jamaica? Let's just say that our experience can't be had from a PowerPoint in a cafeteria the week before school.  Smiling and laughing, children hugged us and bombarded us with questions.  Teachers directed elaborate performances of Jamaican poetry, song, and dance.  Mrs. Bennett, the principal, made us feel welcome and wanted.

All in all, we saw over 20 classrooms of varying class sizes and teaching styles.  What kept resonating with me was the children's excitement for learning and eagerness to demonstrate their knowledge. In particular, one class stayed with me, a Spanish class, because the kids wanted to show off their language abilities.  Resources were limited compared to what my students have access to, but a glow of pride in their accomplishments resonated in each of their faces.

Landing back in Dallas in dreary February was anti-climatic, but the spark of inspiration stayed with me as I returned to my school and upcoming standardized tests.  I was hesitant to brag about my incredible experience to coworkers while everyone else was limping through the Spring semester.  If only every teacher could rejuvenate in beautiful Jamaica and capture that peace to bring back to their classrooms. I believe that they and their students alike would benefit from the experience.