Millo at Large

I woke up sad but appreciative; my time at the school had come to an end. The most amazing trip of my life was almost over, but I was going to go out with a bang!

The day started with an English class taught by yours truly. We discussed personalities and how everyone is different. The class went well; everyone was engaged, their arms raised and eager to participate. Instead of talking to each other, the students were making noises to get my attention so I would call on them. I finished the lesson by going over big words in the text, with students constantly yelling, “Sir, side please.” It wasn’t anything I could control, I’m very tall and covered the board, but I continued writing, and at least everyone was copying it down.

After English, I sat and observed the class one last time. I watched as they got excited about a new subject or word. It reminded me how curious the students were and how much they wanted to learn.

It was time for lunch break, and I took in the noise of the staff room one last time. I ate my food and did what I do best: grade papers. I whipped out my red pen and started checking work. Lunch ended, and now I entered the part of the day which usually goes by very fast: the afternoon.

I went up to the room for extra classes where we watched a movie about the book the students were about to read. Before we watched the movie, I led a meditation class for the students, and I am happy to say it worked! For once in the class, there was pin-drop silence. Then the movie started playing, and everyone was hooked. Before I knew it, it was time for everyone to go home, except for two kids.

The two students that stayed back were the picks for the day’s community visit, and due to time restriction the group split in two. The community visit was once again amazing. When visiting the students house his mother was there, and they were very close. They brought us coke and chips which hit the spot in the hot weather. Through translation I learned that the student does not like to study, which caught me by surprise because he always has the best grades. The mom was very happy, and laughed a lot, which I saw resonate a lot in her son.

The day ended in a final goodbye, I said bye to all my new friends, but I know I will see them next year. We all had the same passion for teaching and all got along so well. I am very appreciative especially for my Fellow and my co-volunteers, and obviously the incredible Teach for India organization.