|
  | |  |
Possibilties Realized
Entry 14 of 16 | show all | print this entry |
|
Hi All,
I want to start off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. So much has happened since my last entry....where to begin....let's begin with Mr. Barack Obama.
Mr. President
Election Day for me was just as exciting in Jamaica as it would have been in the US. Although I was extremely jealous and wanted so desperately to be among the crowds of people that heard Mr. Obama's victory speech and welcomed the new First Family. However, I was content in having a couple of friends over my place watching it all on t.v. The whole time, I was hoping that the cable wouldn't go out as its prone to do a lot. Luckily it didn't switch off and my friends and I were able to watch history being made. I was so elated when Mr. Obama's picture came on the screen and he was announced as the President Elect that I ran outside and started banging pots together, as its customary to do here when something good happens. For example, during the Olympics when the Jamaican runners were winning their races, all anyone could hear for miles was the banging of pots. So I assumed that my neighbors, as I was during the Olympics would excuse me for banging my pots in jubilation even though it was midnight.
As most of you may know, I got the opportunity to meet Mr. Obama during my internship in D.C. Then and still today, Mr. Obama inspires me. For me, his life story exemplifies what is possible when you don't place limitations on yourself.
Environmental Photography Expo
In November, my Green Club students and I held an environmental photography expo at the school. The objective of the expo was to make people in the community aware of environmental issues affecting the community and have us all work to improve the condition. I had invited the environmental agencies in Jamaica to send a representative to come and speak on environmental issues specific to my community. The goal was to educate an offer a forum for all those in attendance to learn and share ideas on the environmental problems in the community and how best to fix it from the experts.
The theme of the expo was "Working Towards a Picture-Perfect Community." A couple of weeks before the expo, my students and I went around the community taking pictures of things in the community that has a negative affect on the environment and or on their health. I developed the pictures, enlarged them and displayed them at the expo. I was pleased with the amount of children and adults that were present at the expo. I think that everyone learned a lot and the kids I assume had fun as well, we gave away prizes to the students that gave the best answere after each guest speaker gave their presentation. I've included pictures from that night. Also, you will notice that the children are wearing the new Green Club t-shirts that we designed.
Field Trip
In July, I took the Green Club students and other students from the school to Negril. Negril is on the west coast of the island and it is a hot tourist site. I took the students there to learn about coral reefs and the importance of protecting them. After the lecture we took a glass bottom boat ride out into the sea to look at the reefs and the other sea creatures that live underwater. It was a lot of fun. The students really enjoyed themselves and they also enjoyed the nature reserve that we went to after the boat ride. The whole experience was worth the headache of raising money to go on the trip and the even worse headache of being in a bus for five hours back and forth with a busload of noisy kids. I've included pictures from that trip.
In the New Year
I always love the beginning of a new year. It holds the possibility of 365 days of renewed prosperity, love, friendship, good health and all the other things that we pray for and raise our glasses and toast. This year, we will have a new president and I will end my service in the Peace Corps and return back to the US. I feel that there is so much renewed energy and possibilites in the air. Look at all that has happened in 2008.
This year, I pray for the best for you all. I pray that all of the hopes, dreams, goals and ambitions that were not fulfilled in 2008, all those wonderful possibilities, will be realized in 2009.
Love,
Claudia
Latest Comments (1)
|
long time (reply)
Dec 30, 2008 20:52 EST by pcvgirl
Hi Claudia!
I was beginning to wonder what happened to you! That was a really nice entry. I'm glad things are sufficiently busy enough to keep you occupied! ;) Enjoy the last few months of service! They fly by. Life in the states won't be the same. You'll return a changed woman. Are you thinking of extending? My cousin is in Jamaica right now with his gf visiting her family, don't know wh... show all
|
 Post a new comment |
|
If you like this entry, search for other entries from Jamaica or try a new search. |
| |
Back to Entry - Back to Home
|
