Olivia La Bianca
Today we concluded our time serving and learning in Lurgan Jr. High School. The energy level took a bit of getting used to, loud authoritative voices were often needed, and the ice-breaker games never stopped – spiraling into everlasting cycles of controlled chaos until the buzzer rang and class was dismissed. Sometimes there were awkward silences after questions, sometimes we could not stop the students from talking. But if I am being honest, it is a memory that I will cherish. I can’t think of a better way to have spent Spring Break.
As the last day came to a close, I have discovered that I am going to miss these kids a lot more than I thought I would. They have wormed their way into my heart, like one of those cheesy Hallmark movies. They are all special in their own way, but I think I’m going to give a shout out to those few who really made an impression on me: Harry, Adam, Ryan, and Yunice (my fellow TV reporters for Thursday’s BBC School Report), Leah, Nathaniel, Luke, and Dean.
I think what surprised me most was the fact that they were people. Little, noisy, uniformed people, but each with their own hopes and dreams and fears and insecurities. You could see the grown-ups they would become, and there was an affirming thrill when you realized you were helping them on their way. Or as our fellow team member Tim would say: “molding young minds”.
The teachers and staff were also amazing, especially Alanna, Marina, Frieda, David, and the school’s lovely and hospitable principal. While I will never be a middle school teacher, this experience has taught me to respect those in that profession with undying reverence. Cheers!
Tomorrow we go to the North Shore and the Giant’s Causeway. Hopefully there will be fish and chips and Maud’s Pooh Bear ice cream to close out an amazing week. Thank you everyone for following our progress and keeping us in your prayers. We could not have done any of this without your generosity and support!
Today we concluded our time serving and learning in Lurgan Jr. High School. The energy level took a bit of getting used to, loud authoritative voices were often needed, and the ice-breaker games never stopped – spiraling into everlasting cycles of controlled chaos until the buzzer rang and class was dismissed. Sometimes there were awkward silences after questions, sometimes we could not stop the students from talking. But if I am being honest, it is a memory that I will cherish. I can’t think of a better way to have spent Spring Break.
As the last day came to a close, I have discovered that I am going to miss these kids a lot more than I thought I would. They have wormed their way into my heart, like one of those cheesy Hallmark movies. They are all special in their own way, but I think I’m going to give a shout out to those few who really made an impression on me: Harry, Adam, Ryan, and Yunice (my fellow TV reporters for Thursday’s BBC School Report), Leah, Nathaniel, Luke, and Dean.
I think what surprised me most was the fact that they were people. Little, noisy, uniformed people, but each with their own hopes and dreams and fears and insecurities. You could see the grown-ups they would become, and there was an affirming thrill when you realized you were helping them on their way. Or as our fellow team member Tim would say: “molding young minds”.
The teachers and staff were also amazing, especially Alanna, Marina, Frieda, David, and the school’s lovely and hospitable principal. While I will never be a middle school teacher, this experience has taught me to respect those in that profession with undying reverence. Cheers!
Tomorrow we go to the North Shore and the Giant’s Causeway. Hopefully there will be fish and chips and Maud’s Pooh Bear ice cream to close out an amazing week. Thank you everyone for following our progress and keeping us in your prayers. We could not have done any of this without your generosity and support!