Imagine
yourself in a place completely outside of your comfort zone, somewhere new and somewhere unrecognizable. Now imagine everyone looking at you with eyes of
curiosity and wonder, whispers of questions and pointed fingers all directed in
your way.
This
was my first experience in El Salvador.
This
was my first experience as a minority group.
For
the first time in my life, I am that completely unique, foreign body. The
traditional roles of a Eurocentric upbringing have been reversed. I am no
longer the majority. An aura of enquiring,
marveling and curiosity was felt lingering in the air. However, there was never
a feeling that I did not belong there. Sometimes I forgot about my skin colour
difference and thought the curious looks were because I was wearing shorts (something
not common among the locals, especially for a female).
This
was until one my students reminded me - a 22-year-old university student asked
me why my skin is white.
At
first I did not even know how to answer this. I had never been asked that
question before, but in my broken Spanish I began to discuss our British
heritage and family lineage, as well as geography and Canadian climate (this
then lead into a discussion about the cold and snow, but that’s for another
time!)
Before
answering this question I had to take a minute and think about it. I was not
thinking this was something to be offended by; I was focusing more on about the
reasons it was asked. This was not an act of discrimination, but rather an act
of curiosity. This student had never seen a person with white skin before. In
fact, this was also a first for these students.
At
that moment, our firsts became unified and we shared this experience together.
This first experience as a minority no longer felt that way as we embarked on a
learning experience together. Our differences were embraced and explored.
Things were taught and things were learned.
My
first experience as a minority was not even known as that. Although the stares
and the questions, and the curiosity remained it was our first experience as
students working together from two different countries and cultures. It was our
first experience of sharing. It was our first experience of learning. It was my
first time going through a life changing experience.
Shelby - what an incredible story. This is the type of authentic writing and reflection that I appreciate so much in new teachers because it is such a fantastic model for students. You are very fortunate to have had this experience - Will you continue to travel?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
ReplyDeleteI am a part of the South Africa practicum group. So headed to Capetown in April, in May I will be staying in Amsterdam for a bit on my way home from Africa.
Currently going through the hiring process for a job in London, England as well.
So plenty more travelling to come!
This piece of writing was done for language class, so thought I would post it on here too! :)