Reflection

I was sitting in Central Park during my trip to visit friends, and suddenly I realise that this trip is the start of so many new things. My life hit a stand still for a short while after i got back from Guatemala and I was confused of which path to take. Being away from home again here has given me time and space to work out what is next.

I look back on Guatemala with such fond memories and I am so grateful for the new perspective it has given me of the world and of myself, even if I'm still working it all out after three months. The time and energy I spent with those children in Guate City, showed me how important it is for me to build a career around helping people and being part of the solution.


It was hard to return home and adjust back into "normal life" I left part of myself with those children and lost a lot of the inspiration that I once had out in Guatemala. I was trying to please everyone else, and find a stable career back in my own country. I was desparate to find work that related to my recent experience. I applied for numerous entry level jobs in various charities, with no joy. It quickly became apparent that it isn't enough to be passionate for change and for helping others, one must have the cut throat business skills to match.


Then searching online, I came across an oppertunity to go and volunteer with a Native American community, in the heart of South Dakota. I have not much of an idea of what to expect, or what life would be like living on the reservation. However I would much rather spend the relentless unemployed days doing something constructive and worth while. So next month I shall be off to the middle of no where, ninety miles away from any public transport and bracing myself for a brisk winter. I can't wait to share all my efforts, energy and compassion with these children that just need some guidence and an oppertunity for direction.

Signing onto this programme, reminds me of times in Guate's classrooms and how much I enjoyed teaching. I learnt there that many of the country's problems can be solved with education. Educated women for example wouldn't give children water that makes them sick to there stomachs, they would boil the water first and potentially save a life.

For a while now I've had an interest in helping those abroad and I wanted to help provoke change, and reduce some of the injustice. Now I have seen a little more of the world, I think what better way to help initiate this then using the power of education. So having worked in Guatemala as a teacher's assistant, I am now inspired to return to University and study to become a teacher. I believe it will open so many doors for me around the globe, and for children around the world that I look forward to teaching.

I am so grateful to the children in Guatemala for this new inspiration, and prehaps one day I shall return to Gautemala with new knowledge to give the children there oppertunities for education. If I can give them as much direction as they have given me I will be most proud.

Within recent weeks of time and reflection on my experience, I have found a new sense of fulfillment and I am happy with the new path I have chosen. I am also continually grateful for the support from the ones I love, and I now believe I am ready to face new challenges on my own.

I am so excited for what is next and the people I will meet along the way, and the things I shall see. Who knew that after all these years of people telling me I should be a teacher, and me saying no, I have now worked out on my own that this is really right for me. Maybe I should stop being so stubborn and listen to people, but for now watch this space.