Superstar volunteer Valorie Tresner (far left), shares her Teach the Teachers 2013 experience.
“Our lives have been forever changed by the unique experience of traveling to Jamaica to teach Jamaican teachers how to use computers. It may sound trite, but it is no small thing in my sixty-six years of life!”
The before:
Filled with “what if?” and “how to’s?” How to teach in a new environment, what if I don’t live up to expectations, what is the rest of the team like, will this all work out? “Stress!!! Did it all come together? Yes!!”
The during:
The team connected immediately with philosophies of “I’ve got your back” and “lay it all out on the table” which led to trust, comfort, no issues, fun, “laughter, laughter and more laughter.”
The leadership was flawless! Lucinda always knew the outcome, but continued to let us believe that we made it ALL happen. “And Brad, the calm and reassuring leader,
always provided support and positive reinforcements to each team member. I will never forget that kind of love.”
“Smiles – I remember those huge Jamaican smiles entering the classroom every morning. The relatively difficult job of these wonderful teachers just getting to these classes is unheard of in the US. But they come with a smile on their face and a giant and friendly “Good morning” every single day.”
A true joy moment for Valorie was the daily devotional song and prayer that the teachers offered each morning before class. “Oh what peace and calm to hear those beautiful voices singing gustily in harmony their favorite hymns.”
The after:
Saying goodbye was by far the hardest part. I had to say goodbye to “seventy beautiful, Jamaican teachers who showed us their love and appreciation with a hilarious and heartfelt program.” Also, saying goodbye to the last member of the team, Jamaican assistant Asauney Wellington, as he said he would remember those weeks forever, was heartbreaking and hopeful.
“I can help others, empower others, give love to others, share with others, laugh with others and revel in the sheer glory of it all.”
“I am an important person in this world – I only have to get out there and do what I do best to help others. Great Shape! understands that giving selflessly makes us important people. I will be back as a part of the Great Shape! family! The love lives on!”