. . . but where do I begin? At the beginning of when? I'm not so sure so I will tell you briefly that I was laid off from my job at a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia in 2009. It was a no-brainer. I wanted to be a teacher and had no desire to return to a plantation-type job. I also wanted to travel and soon learned that becoming an ESL teacher would allow me to travel abroad teaching English. I received a Global TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in 2009 and immediately learned it was just a piece of paper without practical teaching experience. I enrolled in the MAT-TESOL program at the University of Southern California where I am currently in my second year and will graduate in May 2013.
I am starting this blog, not because I want Women of Color to teach English abroad, but because I want Women of Color to open their minds and embrace the world like our white counterparts. I am in Panama City, Panama as a volunteer teacher with an international volunteer placement organization. Sometimes you have to volunteer to get the experience you are seeking and I made that choice. I'm in orientation now and by the end of June, I will leave for Santiago, Panama where I will be a co-teacher at a local high school. While teaching is my ticket to travel, there are other avenues Women of Color can utilize to travel the world. The main thing is for us to travel outside of the United States as much as possible, and represent ourselves to other cultures as caring mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and women who many know nothing about. Except for the military, we are for the most part invisible.
As you can see in the photo, Panama is home to many Women of Color. I am honored to give these high school students a glimpse of a Woman of Color from another country, and through this blog, I hope to raise interest in other Women of Color to come out of your comfort zone and experience the world and allow the world to experience you. It's our worldview that allows us to spread our healing.
Good Luck Auntie.. I am so happy for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Halimah:
ReplyDeleteAs women of color, we should experience the world and let the world experience us. We have a lot to give - knowledge, love (as mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and sisters), and sincerity. Viewing the postings on this site, there are more women of color not just traveling (passing through) to countries, but taking the time to live in other countries and immerse in cultures other than their own.
Stepping out of my comfort zone, opened my eyes to different things (lifestyles, languages, behaviors, etc.) . Learning in another country can make us well-rounded professionally, personally, and socially. I am glad I stepped out on faith to explore this opportunity in China. I pray that I will get a chance to explore another part of the world. If not, this is one journey that will be treasured throughout my life.
Thank you.
Hello Halimah,
ReplyDeleteThanks again for including me on this wonderful Journey to Panama. I can wait to hear from you again and your exciting adventures to visiting a different culture and living life in a new Country!!
Love NeeNah.
Hello Halimah,
ReplyDeleteI am so exicted for you on this new journey and quest for Women of Color. Thank you for the opportunity to share along with you and blog about your experiences and this culture you have embrassed. Looking forward for more Pics and some interesting stories.
Love Your Niece,
NeeNah..