Challenge=growth

My parents were divorced. I had been to boarding school in China and the UK. I had been bullied and had some discipline problems. I had taken a critical thinking class with Dr. Clyne and had gotten along with him but I was not a great student.

I had a long talk with him on the flight to Cuba. I explained my past, and he seemed to have guessed it already.

Cuba was really different. It was as if my past was gone. I really enjoyed dancing and learning percussion. Since I showed some ability, Dr. Clyne got me my own dance teacher. I learned a lot. One night, while the group of us was walking down the street, we were grabbed by a group of Cuban older ladies and invited to a party. All of us had to dance and most of us had to a great time. At one point, I really started dancing hard and group of Cuban ladies formed a circle and started clapping the beat and encouraging me. I was nicknamed “Fresca” after that. My classmates even videotaped my frenzied dancing.

We also used to go to this art gallery run by a Cuban man named Eric. Eric spoke English fluently and helped us interview some local artist. After the interview Dr Robert insisted on showing them my portfolio. They were really impressed and asked if I went to art school. Once again, encouragement from total strangers! I was kind of shocked by how supportive everyone was. I didn’t have to be good-I just had to try hard.

My major setback came in the ring. In spite of safety gear, I got hit hard and was crying. Dr Clyne said this was because I insisted on being a ‘clown’ in training. I grudgingly agreed. He started training me extra hard during the gym and even in the hallway of the hotel. In my next fight, I fought a really athletic and tough girl, and I won. I was so happy that I even challenged Dr Clyne. He laughed and simply said, “Now you won’t get bullied in school!’

Cuba was probably the funnest three weeks of my life. Every day was new! I asked my parents to allow my friend and me to stay another few weeks. But they said no.~