Introductions

This is my second year teaching Darren and Kahlil. They are both 12 years old...born and raised in Brooklyn. They both are avid athletes. Darren plays on the basketball and flag football teams, while Kahlil loves baseball. At the Ronald Edmonds Learning Center (RELC), they belong to different "talents". Darren is part of the dance department and Kahlil participates in drama.

Many people have asked me why I chose these two students. First of all, we are going to an all male orphanage so I had to take boys. I couldn't take more than two students due to our home-stay accommodations. Deciding which two would best suit and benefit from this project was not easy. They are not the "easiest" students all the time, but that's part of why they're going. At the same time, they have worked hard to meet my expectations over the last two years in class, and shown me respect.

I chose Darren because of his energy, adaptability, and sensitivity. I see him interacting and playing with the boys at St. Mary's with ease. He will have the opportunity to channel his energy and silliness in positive, productive ways. His gregarious nature will help relax what could initially feel awkward. My hope is that this experience will help Darren mature and develop clear priorities.

I chose Kahlil primarily because I hope this experience will give him the inner strength and courage to become a positive leader. He possesses the intellect and sensibility, but right now stands at a crossroads. He must decide whether to be a leader or a follower- it's time to stand and deliver. I can't wait to see him surprise himself.

My hope is that both Darren and Kahlil discover strengths they never knew they had, and use those strengths to work through their fears and insecurities.

On the one hand, 12 years is young to undertake such a hands-on, rugged adventure like this. We will not ride on any tour buses, and we will not stay at any hotels. However, I think that this age marks a crucial time in a young person's life. It's right before high school, it's right in the midst of puberty, and it's hopefully before any major life decisions have been made. If this experience helps reinforce and instill positive priorities in these two young men, then half of the goal will be met.

The other half of the goal of this trip has to do with our time at St. Mary's Rescue Center. Before leaving in 2008, the popular statement made by the boys there was, "You are going to forget us". This is understandable. They see people come and go, and usually they never hear from them again. I've always been uncomfortable with the idea of traveling somewhere, getting to know people closely, and then leaving. My one regret in regards to my five months in Ghana, was that I did not stay in better touch with the people I loved there. I promised myself I wouldn't make the same mistake again.

Last year, at the suggestion of my school's administration, RELC raised over $1,000 for the boys at St. Mary's. All proceeds from RELC's Africa Day celebration went straight to them. I can't wait to walk through St. Mary's gate again with Darren and Kahlil. It's going to be surreal for everyone and truly a dream come true for me.