Monday, 23 January 2012

*Final Journal


   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

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