The End of a Beginning

Nicky: "I buried a quarter in the sand because everyone deserves to find treasure."

Minseo: "I wish you were in my family so I could take you to Korea with me because I love you and I'm going to miss you a lot."

Where do I even begin to describe what an amazing experience this internship has been?

It's safe to say that I've learned more interacting with these cute yet intelligent children than I have in my three years of college. It began as just another requirement to meet before I graduate and just another work experience to add to my resume. I'll admit I was pretty reluctant to commit 100 hours of my time, but by the end of it all, I was so reluctant to leave. I would do it all over again if I could. Not being able to continue my journey here is my only angst about graduating a year early.

If there's one lesson that I'd take away from all this it would be to never, ever, ever underestimate children again. It's remarkable how much knowledge they already have--some already know the planets of our solar system and how photosynthesis works. With the right environment, the sky really is their limit. The teachers at this center are so inspiring in the techniques they use to push these kids to be their best. They're never harsh and give them so much freedom, yet the kids and the TAs respect them. The traditional strict way of teaching was all wrong! I don't know who learned more--me or the kids.

My last day couldn't have been better. All the kids hugged me goodbye, and they were all competing with each other as to who'd miss me the most. The trouble maker of the class ended up drawing two pictures for me, gave in to taking a picture with me, and told me he'd miss me. All that meant so much, especially coming from him. It just makes me feel like I did something right, ya know? You can bet I'll be putting up his pictures on my wall, and every time I look at them I'll think of him and be reminded that I can actually make a difference in this world.

I finally feel like I have found my purpose in life, and it feels so so so good. I am going to miss everyone so much--all the teachers, all the TAs and most of all, all the kids! I've been feeling so empty without them lately...hopefully I find a new batch of kids at a new preschool soon. Watch out world, Teacher/Freelance Photographer Jasmine is coming!

Outfit post soon!

Until next post,
Jasmine

PS. The song, "You'll Be in My Heart" by Phil Collins, randomly played while I was writing this post and it almost brought me tears...