Several weeks ago Fulbright held an orientation for all incoming international teachers and all outgoing American teachers. It was a wonderful experience. I met, for the first time, my exchange partner Eric Dzakuma as well as the two other teachers going to Ghana: one from Springfield, Illinois and one from Rockville, Maryland, and their exchange partners, and a woman who just returned from her Fulbright year teaching in Ghana who was able to provide great insights into our futures. In addition we had a terrific crossing cultures orientation and had a seminar led by Harry Wong (of The First Days of School fame – there were a lot of teacher groupies getting autographs and photos with Harry). Much of what I have learned about Ghanaian schools was imparted to me during this orientation week. I was also grateful to meet my fellow American exchange participants and to find out that we will be living and teaching within relative proximity to each other; it is nice to know that there will be people who will understand the transitions and emotions I am likely to be going through.
The name for this blog comes from a fortune cookie I got at lunch one day during orientation: “Beauty will surround you – open your eyes to see it.” My goal is to approach my year on exchange with this attitude: that there is beauty everywhere, in every experience, and I just have to be open to it.
I have much packing to do before I leave, and more shopping (I have never shopped so much in my entire life as I have this past month), and will lose my internet connection as well, so will likely not post until I arrive in Ghana. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all!
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7 comments:
Rebecca,
I just wanted to congratulate you on receiving the Fulbright teaching exchange! What an exciting year you have ahead of you! I'll look forward to reading about your experience. Again, congratulations.
Beth Santos (William's mother)
Hi! I graduated in June 2008. I never had you as a teacher but I knew who you were and where your classroom was. This all sounds very interesting! Congratulations and best of luck!
I look forward to reading about your methods of teaching that don't involve technology. We are too dependent on technology here in the US, I see it as both a good and bad thing.
I'll definitly keep reading your blog!
congratulations Ms. Watt!!
i loved reading your entries and look forward to reading even more!!
Although you did not have me in any of your classes, I just wanted to congratulate you on having such a wonderful opportunity to teach in another foreign country for a year. I can't wait to read your next blog :D
Ms. Watt -- I'm so excited for you!
I've been part-time at Cato now for
6 months and we have an African web page -- Africanliberty.org and it is created out of an office in Accra by
Franklin Cudjoe (IMANI Center for Policy and Education). Good luck and I know you'll enjoy your experiences.
Kristina Crane KCRANE@cato.org
Ms.Watt,
I hope you enjoy your year in Guana. Your an amaazing teacher so don't worry on failing because you wont. I'm sure that the students are excited to meet you and learn from you. Beauty will surround you! don't forget.
L.E :)
Rowan! I'm dying to hear how your first week has been. I understand that you probably won't be able to post often due to technology issues. if you do get to a computer please send a mailing address to me so that i can send you letters. mine is the same as the school address i gave you before. I love and miss you very very much.
--M
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