Language Bridges brought with it many wonderful experiences and has left us with the most amazing leadership experience. I never had an opportunity to tutor and obviously this program had to be a different experience. While travelling to the Laborers' Camp on the first day, I had prepared myself to face all the difficulties that might come up in the way and certainly assumed that it will be the most challenging experience in my first year. But surprisingly, the very first meeting with my first group of students proved me wrong. Me and my teaching partners (Noor and Noshin) were completely astonished to see their above average level of English speaking and their desire to acquire more knowledge.
This day, I not only discovered about the lifestyles and daily routines of migrant workers, but also I experienced the real and actual world. Being all occupied with my student life, I perhaps never noticed the outside world with so much depth as I did on that very first day. It was indeed a unique experience to teach in an environment that was so different. While introducing themselves, the workers shared with us about their backgrounds, their favorite hobbies and about their beloved families. I observed their emotional feelings for their families and children, hidden behind their broken sentences and doing so was the most beautiful part of that day. It gave me more insight about how we usually ignore many things in life while there are people who cherish even the smallest thing.
We were provided with transport facility to reach the workers camp and all along the way, all the teachers were hyped with excitement- discussing our childhood games and translating them to English, how to talk in simple English and the biggest discussion was how to make them feel comfortable. Fortunately, our class even more excited and this level was noticed when we asked them for feedback, and they said: "When we play cricket, our time pass slow, but here, time going fast". and one of them suggested that we should even extend the timings. Our way of teaching through games and activities were appreciated by them and all this made us to bid Good-bye to our worries and all scary thoughts.
It was a new start now- it wasn't us going to the camps, it was them coming to the university! It wasn't much surprising to see their excitement, but what surprised us was that were all dressed up in a more formal way. We now had technology on our side, we used the projector and the white board to explain things and concepts more easily. Also, since our students weren't mere beginners, we had to focus more on preparing ourselves. Every Wednesday evening, me Noor and Noshin used to meet at 5 and discuss about the teaching material and think of some interesting ways to teach them. Our students were so into learning that when we gave them break, they often said us that they don't want it.
And then finally came their graduation day- the 8 weeks program had come to an end. That day was the one filled with mixed emotions. Though we were really happy when we handed over the certificates to our students and that we had successfully incorporated in them at least the basic communication skills, it was indeed a sad departure. But we tried our best to make this day even more wonderful for them. We taught them the "Wavin' Flag" song which they all sang after they were awarded with certificates.
It was amazing experience, where in I learned many things. I not only improved my leadership skills but also learned about the diverse lifestyles. This program, undoubtedly provided me more insight about culture and tradition and of course- how to cherish each and every thing in your life! I also realized that more than PSP points, what kept me engaged in this program was actually the feeling of self-satisfaction and sheer joy I got while serving to the community. I look forward being a part of this program in the near future and to continue to serve my community in some way or the other.
Zainab Irshad Baqri
Business Administration '15
Carnegie Mellon Qatar
This day, I not only discovered about the lifestyles and daily routines of migrant workers, but also I experienced the real and actual world. Being all occupied with my student life, I perhaps never noticed the outside world with so much depth as I did on that very first day. It was indeed a unique experience to teach in an environment that was so different. While introducing themselves, the workers shared with us about their backgrounds, their favorite hobbies and about their beloved families. I observed their emotional feelings for their families and children, hidden behind their broken sentences and doing so was the most beautiful part of that day. It gave me more insight about how we usually ignore many things in life while there are people who cherish even the smallest thing.
 |
| He is our student who answered the most no. of correct answers . We awarded him with a Snickers Chocolate. You see- he is so Happy! |
We were provided with transport facility to reach the workers camp and all along the way, all the teachers were hyped with excitement- discussing our childhood games and translating them to English, how to talk in simple English and the biggest discussion was how to make them feel comfortable. Fortunately, our class even more excited and this level was noticed when we asked them for feedback, and they said: "When we play cricket, our time pass slow, but here, time going fast". and one of them suggested that we should even extend the timings. Our way of teaching through games and activities were appreciated by them and all this made us to bid Good-bye to our worries and all scary thoughts.
It was a new start now- it wasn't us going to the camps, it was them coming to the university! It wasn't much surprising to see their excitement, but what surprised us was that were all dressed up in a more formal way. We now had technology on our side, we used the projector and the white board to explain things and concepts more easily. Also, since our students weren't mere beginners, we had to focus more on preparing ourselves. Every Wednesday evening, me Noor and Noshin used to meet at 5 and discuss about the teaching material and think of some interesting ways to teach them. Our students were so into learning that when we gave them break, they often said us that they don't want it.
And then finally came their graduation day- the 8 weeks program had come to an end. That day was the one filled with mixed emotions. Though we were really happy when we handed over the certificates to our students and that we had successfully incorporated in them at least the basic communication skills, it was indeed a sad departure. But we tried our best to make this day even more wonderful for them. We taught them the "Wavin' Flag" song which they all sang after they were awarded with certificates.
 |
| Our students on graduation day with their certificates |
It was amazing experience, where in I learned many things. I not only improved my leadership skills but also learned about the diverse lifestyles. This program, undoubtedly provided me more insight about culture and tradition and of course- how to cherish each and every thing in your life! I also realized that more than PSP points, what kept me engaged in this program was actually the feeling of self-satisfaction and sheer joy I got while serving to the community. I look forward being a part of this program in the near future and to continue to serve my community in some way or the other.
Zainab Irshad Baqri
Business Administration '15
Carnegie Mellon Qatar
No comments:
Post a Comment