UST student

The program was great! I had a blast and loved being part of the experience. I felt part of the family as soon as I walked in the door. Maureen honestly felt as my Jamaican momma. My favorite part of the trip was talking with her about being a strong woman in Jamaica. She had wisdom and an understanding about being a woman and what that means in the world today. One thing I wished we had an opportunity to do during this trip would be to sit down one-on-one with more Jamaican adults and hear about everyday life, politics and culture. I didn't feel that we had a chance to talk to adults about life here being in the schools. I also wished we had more of an impact in the schools. I felt that we weren't needed in the schools and if anything, we were more of a distraction to the teachers. I have nothing but respect for Jamaican teachers. The respect the students have the the teachers is undeniable. Coming into the classroom I felt that there was something more we could do but I felt as if we were used as a way for the teachers to have a break from the class and leave the class to us. Not being a education major made the time in the schools less helpful and more underwhelming. I felt that the school needed and appreciated us being there but didn't know what to do with us. I also felt that the only time we were immersed into the culture was through tourist attractions. I wish we had a chance to see everyday life and talk to locals. I understand that it is dangerous here and I don't know what could change to make it a happy medium between tourist and local attractions but it was something that was talked about with the group multiple times. Overall the trip was great! I've been surrounded by laughter, good company with good hearts all in the Jamaican air. Overall no complaints!