This week was like riding one of the wooden roller coasters at Wonderland; a little rocky, a little extra scary, feels like everything might collapse anytime, but really you know you're going to be okay. This week was filled with more emotions than I ever anticipated happening in my first week of teaching. Frustration, sadness, anger were common feelings, but also plenty moments of happiness, achievement, pride. It is just unfortunate that these happier spirits are overshadowed by the negative.
Although I've been complaining about the amount of "me time" available and the harm you can do to yourself when you think too much, "me time" is exactly what I needed this weekend. I needed sometime to reflect on this week, reflect on the path that has brought me here, reflect on my knowledge and confidence as an educator and take the time to gain that all back.
I set out to London, by myself with just me and my camera. My goal for the day was just to get lost and take pictures. I enjoyed small streets, taking convoluted routes to get to places. These streets were much quieter, typically I found just myself walking them. I saw all sorts of eras of architecture, little communities within London, quiet neighbourhoods. As I walked through these streets I enjoyed a small cafe lunch, and came across my first landmark - St. Paul's Cathedral.
In grade 12, I visited London and all of the sites, did all of the touristy things and really had no interest in doing them again. As I approached St. Paul's Cathedral, I saw things a whole new way. Architecture really isn't anything of interest for me, but something was different this time. I immediately grabbed my camera and just got lost in my own world.
As I was at the Cathedral I got approached by one of the Hop On, Hop Off bus tours guys. I went completely against my plan for the day and decided to purchase one the tours. I became curious as to if everything else would have this same feeling of different.
I got on the bus, knowing the places I wanted to hit, planned out my route and my stops. I never got off. As I sat on the top of the bus, sun beating down, wind in my face, the classical music playing through the tour speakers I found myself at a complete peace. I found myself relaxed. I found myself in my own world, just enjoying a new place. A feeling of pure bliss took over as I just explored a new city, taking pictures of whatever caught my eye.
While I was in this state, I wasn't thinking about my students, rather about why I wanted to become a teacher. About my moments in South Africa and El Salvador. An El Salvador student popped into my mind, Roberto, and the impact we left on each others lives. As this moment is bringing my teaching back to life we pass by John Lennon's house. For those of you that don't know, Imagine is my all time favourite song and favourite word. The music played through my head, and I was reminded of all my hopes and dreams I carry for my future students. I left London at peace.
After London, it was time for a night out with the roommates, just me and the guys. They invited some old roommates and friends, so I invited the other Canadians. There was a good mix of people. We started out at the local pub, which to my surprise closes at 12. After that we ventured to a club called Chicagos. They were quite embarrassed about this club, but really it looked no different than any in St. Catharines (but, that could be because the age gap in my house is 21-40). We all had a great time and I really think it broke the ice in our house. Once we got home, we sat in the kitchen and talked. Slowly the numbers dwindled down until it was two of us. This conversation turned onto the education system here and student population. It was at this moment (no matter how many pops we had to drink) that I realized I am making a difference. I am doing what I have a dreamed of. My roommate who has 14 year old daughter, told me how inspired he is by my attitude towards life and education and helping these children. He told me what I do is truly admirable and spoke the impact his teachers had on him who had attitudes like mine. Those words were the icing on the cake after my day in London. This guy has known me two weeks, and we've hung out once, and that is the impression I have left. No matter how difficult these children are, perseverance was created for a reason. One day these students will be remembering me.
Just imagine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCX3ZNDZAwY
Ps. I will post a link to my pictures soon, just sorting and editing them now.
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