Today we went to the Hermitage Basic School for our 2nd day. Jamese and I taught the 2-3 year olds math. We were able to teach the students how to write their numbers all the way up to 9. Most of the students knew how to do it, but the 2 year olds needed more help. It was fun helping and working with children. I even grew a connection with one of the children, her name is Taneika. Taneika is a nice young lady; it is so amazing how we grew a connection so fast. Taneika likes me so much that she cries when I leave, it’s so sad to see that. Something that I learned about today is that when you meet a person for the first time and you connect with them really fast, they will never forget you and you will never forget them.
Yesterday and today we started working on the vegetable garden. The garden will be used to grow fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables will be very important for the children to eat healthy. Also inside the vegetable garden we are painting the two walls. On one wall it says “Healthy Lifestyle” and it has pictures of activities such are sports to play. On the other wall there are different fruits and vegetables. It also has the alphabets and numbers all the way to 10 on it. We were also able to make a pathway with rocks we painted into and out of the garden.
One leadership topic that I have used the most is Vulnerability. Being vulnerable is getting out of your comfort zone. Most of my time here, I have been doing things that I really don’t like to do on a regular basis. On this trip I have: climbed a mountain, used cold water to shower, use bottled water to brush my teeth, and even grew a connection with many people. I have grown a connection with not just people that live in Jamaica but also people in my group. For example, when you first meet me, I am shy and quiet but once I get comfortable I act myself. I hardly know the kids that are in my group except the two that attend my school, Ariel and Danielle. I have learned that it is okay and that coming out of your comfort zone is mostly a good thing. Getting uncomfortable allowed me to grow a connection and become friends with my group.
Quonnetta Jones, The SEED School