I am pleased to report I no longer have a fear of motorcycles. In fact, I quite love them as a mode of transport at the moment. Today I accompanied a nice young man named Ashish (yes, it was the Ash2 team all over again) to seven centres either operating the initial literacy program, TARA Akshar, or the follow-up Gyan Chaupali program that is designed to help the newly-literate strengthen their skills. I observed some amazing, passionate teaching. I also saw some that could use strengthening (a super generous description in one case). I just admire these women so much. We have teenagers learning aside grandmothers. Breastfeeding babies milk-drunk on laps and young children practicing their letters alongside their caretakers. The community of it all is something I have never experienced before. In the villages I go to, no one has their doors closed. The entire space belongs to everyone it seems. I was even fed on two separate occasions and deviated from my golden rule: “don’t drink the water!” Well I did. And I lived. I am embracing each beautiful moment as they come and really living in the moment of it all. That’s my humanity/self-reflection piece (among others written elsewhere).
Professionally I had the following insight: Post-field visit, I sat down to write my observations of learning and practice taking place. Three pages later, I had captured maybe 15-20 minutes worth of notes. I was surprised what I was able to notice and make note of, including insights on reluctant learners, student evasion techniques and leadership capacities coming to play among the group. Maybe not knowing the language made it possible for me to really pay attention to WHAT was happening. But here’s the link: I loved it. And am possibly good at it. I came away with questions for reflection, additional pieces for discussion and suggestions for improved practice. Oh my goodness. I can do this. I found another avenue that’s pulling me to where I believe I naturally fall in the spectrum of education: admin. I love the idea of going into classrooms and working with teachers to improve practice and celebrate the good that is happening and share it. I don’t know when this might happen, but I feel I am building a case for a strong answer for my interview beyond “to have greater impact” when asked why I want the job. I want the job because I love the job. I love the pieces. I love the goal-setting and working towards them with a team of professionals. I love observing teaching and helping make it better. That much seems so much more clear right now. I’m taking these experiences and seeing manifested what my heart knew all along.
5 Comments
Matthew
10/9/2017 11:17:26 pm
Wow - what an amazing experience - and the personal self discovery , priceless!!
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Ashley
10/10/2017 12:06:40 am
Thanks for being my #1 fan ;)
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Jan
10/11/2017 09:18:39 am
....motorcycles require a healthy respect and never complacency. Loved this post!
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Ashley
10/13/2017 12:09:05 am
Thans Jan, I entirely agree. Always vigilant and prepared. That way, it's easier to enjoy! :)
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Love your observations Ashley.... especially your comments here ... its so true when observing and eliminating "noise" of dialog of how you see things differently. Really enjoying reading your blog and pictures - you look incredibly comfortable there .. please keep sharing
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AuthorAshley J.E. Hull Archives
November 2017
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