The best days in Jamaica for me have been either the 27th of June or the 29th of June; both of these days brought out a different side of me. The 27th was the first full day for me in Jamaica and immediately I fell in love. The day started at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic School where I was able to meet a number of different people. This day I was able to connect with kids, teachers, and school administrators. The kids at this school were kind, thoughtful, and caring. Once I arrived at the school I was transcended into a different world, a world where all of my problems seemed to disappear into thin air because of the school’s aura.
The school was constructed like a college campus where all of the buildings are spread out, therefore, the campus is open and always sunny. The little kids and teachers all have smiles on their faces. The kids that I met loved the game of soccer or “futbol” as they would call it. It is one of the most popular sports in Jamaica. I played soccer with them for about thirty minutes to an hour outside in the blazing hot heat. Even though it was scorching outside I still found fulfillment in playing with the students during that time because I saw a ton of smiles on their faces, a competitive spirit burning in their eyes, and I got in a good workout. Those kids were amazing. I was able to appreciate being outdoors in the hot sun. I was also able to appreciate hanging out with kids and engaging in fun activities. It did not stop there. Afterward, I played a game called “infection” which is similar to the American game “sharks and minnows.” The objective of the game is to not get caught, however, the whole outside area was fair game. I was running so much. I was sweating so much. I was exhausted but the kids were what kept me going. I have a deep passion for kids, and that day allowed for that side of me to come out. A side of me that I do not normally get to showcase.
June 29th was another fulfilling day of mine. This was the second day that we were at the Source Farm in St. Thomas Parish also is known as the “Forgotten Parish” because this was where the first slave rebellions occurred. The small town has suffered from a lack of resources and opportunities for its inhabitants and as a result, became known as the “forgotten parish.” Immediately after breakfast, the Jamaica team got to work. We used bamboo to create a terrace for a garden bed that Dwight and Nomi, our hosts at the farm, needed. This terrace took all day to build but it was exciting because it was new to me. I have never done anything of that caliber, and it was a challenge. The amount of work that was put into it made it even more fulfilling. I was able to really test my limits when it came to terracing, a farming method that flattens a hillside in order for vegetation to grow more efficiently. I was able to realize that I have it easy back at home. I do not have to terrace and farm back at home. I learned to become grateful for what I have, and I was able to help someone do a project that will benefit them in the long run.
Zende J., Benjamin Banneker High School