I've always wanted to travel abroad and now that I've graduated UW-Madison with a teaching degree, why not travel and teach at the same time? Student teaching this past year has put me through a great deal of work, with late nights of lesson planning and trials and errors of learning classroom management, but if there's one thing I've learned it's that I love kids. I absolutely love getting to know my students and learning more about them as unique individuals, and they are what brings a smile to my face each and every day. I cried as I left my last teaching placement at Jefferson Middle School, but they were tears that meant it will forever hold a place in my heart. I hope to someday see my students again and learn of how they've grown and gone on to accomplish all that is set in their own hearts.
When I applied to be a volunteer teacher with WorldTeach, I did not necessarily know where I would be placed. They told me that there was a position open in Pohnpei, Micronesia in the Pacific Islands. My first question was, where the heck is Micronesia?! Turns out is it very close to Guam, somewhere in between Hawaii and Australia. See that tiny little dot in the ocean? That's Micronesia!
5 fun facts about Micronesia:
- Pohnpei is a small island part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a United States territory.
- The official language is English, although the fluency levels on the Island may vary. Many people speak Pohnpeian, the local indigenous language. They also use American currency.
- The islanders of Pohnpei have a reputation as being the most welcoming of outsiders among residents of the Micronesian island groups.
- It is one of the wettest places on earth, receiving over 300 inches of rainfall each year in certain mountainous locations.
- Pohnpei, which stands for "upon a stone altar", rests on an exposed tip of a submerged volcanic mountain. The exterior is surrounded by a reef barrier, and the interior of the island is made up of dense rain forests and rugged volcanic mountain structures.
I think that I am definitely in for a change of scenery, culture, and overall adventure. Although I am extremely nervous to embark on this journey, I am also excited to see what's in store for me. I leave in less than a month, so I will spend the rest of my time in the Northwoods packing, relaxing, and saying goodbye to my family and boyfriend. Through this journey, I hope to discover a better sense of myself, of who I am, and the ability to adapt to new situations and learn from others. Well, "Kaselehie" (hello/goodbye) for now!!
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| Dad and I at graduation! |
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| Fishing at home on Lake George |
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| Grant (boyfriend) and I at graduation :) |
