SAVANNAH
Exceptional Education
Undergraduate |
SAVANNAH
Exceptional Education
Undergraduate |
Today I started my morning early and tried to mentally prepare myself for what I was about to take in at my first school, Labala Primary. My peers and I boarded the bus early and we took off for the school. On the drive over I noticed trash on the side of the road piling up, women carrying their children and large baskets on their heads (and doing an amazing job). It is in this moment that I realized that my life in America is so privileged. People stand on the road side and weave in and out of traffic trying to sell goods and get some sort of money for their families. This was very moving more me, and I took it all in. Children were also seen walking to school without shoes on, or in one instance just one shoe. Their uniforms for school worn and torn, but still smiling and talking with friends on the walk to school. It made me so glad that I chose to be an educator. Once we arrived at Labala, some students waited outside our bus and sang and danced for us. It was so cute! We were then escorted to the principals office where we were oriented. The average number of students in any given classroom was roughly 60. I was placed in a fourth grade classroom, and I had 76 students in my class. My mentor teacher was extremely welcoming and answered all of my questions about the school and her students. What really stood out to me most was probably when I asked her how she give attention to the gifted students while also giving attention to those struggling, with such a large class. She told me that she puts the gifted students on one side of the room. While those who are struggling she places on the other side of the room. Those who finish early (usually gifted students) help those who are struggling and are sometimes given busy work to keep them quiet. The students greeted me when I entered the room and I seemed to be the talk of the room while I was observing. It was so overwhelming. Students were grabbing my hair and touching my skin when my class was on break. Again, I just tried to take in the experience. Students were begging me to take them back home with me. It broke my heart. Some older students were explaining to me how far they travel to get to school. One student told me he walks about 3.5 miles to school everyday. This blew my mind. The desire to learn here in Zambia is much greater it seems than in America. Students know that their only way out of a cycle of poverty is through education. What an emotional, touching day. I cannot wait to come back, and begin teaching my fourth graders. Until next time!!
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First day at Labala Primary school and while we are waiting to tour the school these kids came up to me wanting to take a selfie! What an overwhelming feeling!! Students were playing with my hair, jumping on me and hugging me. Truly a feeling I will never forget.
After two long flights, it is official.. WE HAVE RRIVED! I just met these young ladies a little over a day ago and I am so excited to see what Zambia has in store for us!!
We were welcomed by Professor Shandomo's family as soon as we landed in Lusaka. I have never been treated so nicely before. They were so welcoming and helped transport us to our hotel for the night. Who am I? Also.. What do I think Zambia will be like?!
My name is Savannah Matteson. I am twenty and a senior this year at Buffalo State College. My major is Special Education with a duel major in Childhood Education grades 1-6 with a concentration in English. I fell in love with this major at a young age, when a close family member of mine was diagnosed with Autism. From then on I was interested in Special Education.. but more importantly I became more and more interested in what I could do to help my family member learn and grow! Growing up my family always said I had such patience for those with special needs and I was always encouraged to pursue it for a career. After a few college major changes.. Here I am! I graduate in May of 2017 and I can't wait to take what I have learned from my professors at Buffalo State as well as this study abroad trip and apply it to my own students. My major career goal includes someday opening my own school specializing in special education. I want to purchase, own, manage and administer this school (and maybe even teach!) This goal is something I think about almost every day. Currently I work for People Inc. as a residential assistant. I love my job!! If you do not know what a residential assistant is, I basically work for a group home for individuals with special needs. The house I work for has six individuals who are on various levels of the Autistic spectrum. My individuals mean the world to me! They brighten everyday for me and always make me smile. Although my job isn't the easiest, it is definitely the most rewarding! I leave work everyday feeling like I am making a difference in someone's life. I hope to continue to do that in my class room as well. In other news... In a few weeks I leave for my first experience abroad! To say I am nervous is an understatement. I do not entirely know what to expect. I have traveled over seas before with family for pleasure, but I have never been over seas to teach, let alone by myself! I am taking in all the advice from professors, mentors and family members and really going into this experience with an open mind. I am excited to meet like-minded peers and hear their views about teaching as well. Stay tuned as I post more about my adventures in Zambia!!!! |