I feel that the essential
reason for our stay here in Saint Thomas Jamaica, was to not only have an
experience of a lifetime, but to open our minds up, to see the many
similarities between Jamaican and American culture. During our 12 day stay we
experienced many interesting things. Such as, the trips we went on. We visited
Kingston and took tours; we also went to the Bob Marley Museum and that was
such a great experience. We had a few lectures where people came to us and just
gave us a bit of a taste of Jamaican history. We visited colleges, asked great
questions and of course we enjoyed our time there. The books that we have read
really helped us get a better understanding of Jamaica, and information the struggles
this country has been through. On our service days, we visited Yallahs students
at Yallahs High School. We worked on our documentaries, by interviewing
students and staff. In addition, one of the parts of this experience was our
socializing time with the student from Yallahs. We got a chance to go to a
local party, where we learned many Jamaican dances. We went to the beach and we
connected with one another and that was an enjoyable time. We also went to a waterfall
(Reich Falls), I think everyone enjoyed themselves there as the beautiful blue
water fell from the top of the rocks. One of the more serious times we had here
was watching actual documentaries, this was the most touching part of the trip
to me. Service, socializing, and the video footage are the three experiences
that I want to place my focus.
The service days were very
hard at times but definitely worth it. The first day we arrived in Jamaica we
went straight to Yallahs High School. Instantly we connected with everyone like
we already knew each other. And of course, we immediately got to work. We were
all put into groups which focused on certain things, such as, music, language,
dances, and memorials. Our groups all came up with brilliant ideas on how we
can connect Jamaican culture with our own. My group in particular focused on
language. How Patois and American slang are very similar. I enjoyed working in
my group and learning new things about Patois every day.
Our socializing days were
very delightful from going to the beaches being in the cool blue water, while
the sun shone bright on us giving us summer day tans. Also visiting the
waterfalls, Reich Falls, it was such a beautiful place. It was one of those
times when you can’t believe your eyes. Seeing everyone smiling, laughing, and
just having a wonderful time made me warm inside.
After begging and begging and crossing our fingers we finally got a
yes that we could go to a local party, which was the birthday party of one of
the Yallahs students. Even though there were only a few people there we still
made the best of it by attempting to do dance hall moves, and learn new dances,
it was quite a night.
Our third day in Jamaica, we
watched a video posted on the internet, titled “Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger
of a Single Story”. I felt this video was really touching to me, because of how
true I know it was. The video focused on stereotypes and how one story effects
a whole nation. For instance, the woman in the video used herself as an
example. She began speaking of her childhood, how she grew up in Nigeria, and
the memories she had about reading white peoples books and assuming things were
supposed to be a certain way based on what she read. She spoke about how people
assumed because she was from Africa that she was unfortunate, and inhumane. I found
it touching to see how this cycle goes on and on about stereotypes. People
believe that “one story” sets all stories for everyone. I don’t think it
matters about the color of someone’s skin, their gender, attire, the way they
speak, act, or where they are from. One shouldn’t judge another based on the
things I just mentioned. I think it's cruel, irrelevant, and unjustifiable. The
cycle of the stereotypes needs to stop.
To sum up, this experience in
Jamaica has been life changing and adventurous. I’m so thankful that out of all
God’s children, he chooses me to be able to see the things I saw on this trip.
My perspective of many things has changed and I can definitely say I have
learned above and beyond. I can’t wait to share the knowledge I have gathered
with the world. Hopefully I can have the same effect on someone else life.
-Briana
No comments:
Post a Comment