The countdown begins: 12 days till Costa Rica.
Henry Miller said it best when he says that your destination is not simply a place, it is a new way of seeing things. I believe in the beauty of perspective and curiosity. I believe that wherever you go, whoever you are with and whenever you go- you will always learn. It is this learning that gives us the foundation for becoming global citizens. And for me, that learning is transformed into classroom lessons where students learn to understand a world outside of their own.
After studying abroad in Ghana, West Africa in the summer of 2011, my whole perspective on the world changed. I came back with a love for other cultures and people as well as a passion to bring that into my own classroom. I met students who allowed me to discover who I am and who I want to be. Most of all though, I was immersed in a culture where no matter where you go, happiness and a smiling face is at the essence of everyday life. Because of that, I have learned to always remember what I have and keep on smiling. I have learned to be a global educator extending my intercultural communication skills through daily interactions and on-going inquiry.
In Costa Rica, I want to be a part of the culture- learn from the people, the experiences and the environment. With that said, I am excited to examine the literacy development and education systems of students and schools within the country. How do they learn? How do they compare? What can I take back to my future classroom? Most of all, who can I connect with to expand my global awareness and knowledge?
Look for more updates as I get closer and while on the trip, but for now I'll leave you with this:
If you could go anywhere, where would you go and how would you share what you learned?
