110%

Throughout the years I have learned that fundraising is a huge part of what CGA is about. Earning and working hard to accomplish something is a much more empowering feeling than the feeling you get when something is simply handed to you. When something is earned, you value it differently, which is one of the many reasons why these trips are absolutely priceless.

$2,500 is not easy to fundraise, but it is also not impossible. This time around it was a lot less difficult. As I felt that I had exhausted the community and family members with all of the times I asked for donations in the past, I decided to get a job. Walgreens had a spot available so I applied and went in for an interview. When they asked why I wanted to work there, I told them all about CGA and the work we have done on previous trips with the organization. As I explained that the goal was to fundraise enough money to go on yet another service trip, they hired me on the spot. I am very thankful for all of the unconditional support my coworkers and the company has given me throughout the process.

It’s no secret that I have terrible stage fright. Whether I’m on stage in front of hundreds of people or raising my hand to answer a question in front of a class of 20 students. One of my biggest fears going into this trip is not being prepared enough and freezing at the front of the classroom when it comes time to teach. From my experience in Tanzania, teaching is a lot more difficult than it seems and it is practically impossible to be too prepared. With that said, a goal of mine is to overcome that fear, not only because I know that I can do it, but because the kids deserve 110% from us ever single day.

One good lesson can give you a lot of confidence. It will make you believe that you will automatically be able to pull it off again the next day, but that is not always the case. It is never a bad idea to come home and brainstorm ways to make learning more interactive and fun. As I have found that not everyone learns in the same way, I will take notes of what the students are learning and will be learning ahead of time in order to come up with ways to make it more adaptable for the children who are struggling. All that it takes to disrupt the whole class is one student who is off task, which is why I will make sure that everyone is on board. Finding a way to keep every mind engaged is key when it comes to teaching, which is why I will be “too” prepared and keep multiple tricks up my sleeve no matter how hard I have to work. 110%.

The children here live in a place full of poverty and have been devastated by the earthquake that took place last year, yet they still show up to school with aspirations to do more and make something of their lives. That alone ignites my soul and has given me determination to strive for.