The year I spent in Honduras was perhaps the most influential and life-altering experience I’ve had so far. At times the challenges I faced made me question my abilities and my impact. I underestimated the workload of being a successful, full-time teacher. That paired with the lack of copier machine at school, limited Internet access, and the hot, dusty environment made for a difficult transition after I graduated college. There were times where I felt I wouldn’t be able complete the school year. But with the wonderful people that surrounded me, both volunteers and Hondurans, I succeeded. And along the way I learned five very important lessons.
1. I learned how quickly you can fall in love with 20 individuals. Aside from the headaches, frustrations, the constant battle to get my students’ attention, and chasing down missing homework assignments, you grow to love the kids you teach. You pick up on their mannerisms, habits, and personalities very quickly. I was surprised at how quickly and how strongly I would care for those little human beings, and how much they reciprocated that love.
2. I learned to see myself as a strong and powerful female. I was fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing ladies, who taught me about the power of women. At times it was difficult to adjust to Honduran culture, in which men have a more dominant role, but I was fortunate enough to meet many strong Honduran women during my time with BECA, as well as fellow female teachers. I had a close relationship with my students’ mothers and with the administrator of our school who showed me that I am a worthy individual, capable of doing the things that I believe are important in life. They taught how powerful women can be, in spite of whatever challenging situations they are facing.
3. I learned that education is a privilege, not a right. As much as I believe that education should be a right for every human being on this planet, it simply is not. Some of the most challenging moments were when I would see little kids by themselves searching through the trash on the street (they were collecting plastic bottles to recycle in exchange for money.) My roommate and I saved plastic bottles to give them whenever we saw them. I particularly remember a little boy, maybe 7- or 8-years-old, who wasn’t wearing shoes. We brought down a pair of shoes left behind by a previous volunteer. I helped him put the shoes on his feet and gave him the plastic too. I talked to him briefly. He lived in the mountains and didn’t attend school. He wasn’t privileged enough to have the opportunity to attend school and receive an education. The idea that internationally there are so many individuals who do not have access to education is heartbreaking. However, the exchange with the little boy touched me and I hope I was able to help him, even in a small way.
4. I learned that violence comes in many forms. The situation between gangs and police is more complex than it seems, certainly more complicated than what you get reading a newspaper article or watching the nightly news. I had some serious one-on-one conversations with some of my students that really enlightened me on the gravity of the situation. And it’s something they live with every single minute of every day. I am happy, though, that the students trusted me enough to open up to me about the situations in their daily lives and that I was able to be there for them to talk to. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to learn from them.
5. Finally, I learned that Honduras is full of amazing, kind, and caring people. There is one specific incident that really sticks out to me. My friend and I had traveled to a town called La Esperanza for the weekend. At the tourism kiosk, we noticed a sign for an event for Día de la Cruz (Day of the Cross) in a nearby Lenca village (indigenous group of Hondurans). It took place on Sunday just before we would have to catch the bus home. We packed up and ventured to find the village. On the way, we stopped to use someone’s store/house to use the restroom and ask for directions. The lady was so kind and led us in the right direction. When we arrived, we were really nervous to enter, but the people quickly realized we were there and welcomed us with open arms. They offered us food and their homemade wine. The Lenca population has few economic resources within Honduras. But these individuals, even without knowing me and my friend, welcomed us into the sacred event and share their food with us. It was a really incredible experience. On the way back, we passed by the lady’s store where we asked for directions. She asked us if we made it and we shared our experience with her. Just as we were about to say goodbye and continue on, she had us wait and ran inside. A few minutes later, she came out with two cups of ice cream for us. She thanked us and hugged us goodbye. We had spoken to this sweet lady for no more than five minutes and she was thanking us for our work we do in a whole other city in Honduras and for our time in La Esperanza. Like I said, Honduran people could not be more kind and accepting!
Through the opportunity in Honduras, I learned so much and could not be more grateful. Now, I find myself in Spain, continuing assisting in education. I would not have the confidence or determination today without my experience in BECA. Although each day I grow farther from my time in Honduras, I will always hold the experience close to my heart.
