At Bronx International High School with Ms. Marie

Closing Comments from the Trip Leaders

Sadly, our trip has come to an end, but I could not be any more satisfied with our results. As a trip leader, I was anxious but scared to kick start our trip and watch it unravel. Planning this trip from scrap was nerve racking and tough. My co-trip leader and I found it difficult to navigate what direction we wanted to go in and I was worried that our group would not leave with their questions about immigration answered. Knowing that I was responsible for 9 other people and their experience in NYC was a lot of pressure that I was not sure I was prepared for. What if something went wrong? What if they all didn’t get along? But it could have turned out any better. I got to spend an entire week with 10 other beautiful, smart girls and our fearless Staff Advisor (or “chaperon” as someone put it). Our group dynamic turned out perfectly and from the feedback from our last reflection, they left with many lessons learned. There is no more of a self-satisfying feeling then hearing your participants saying all the things that you were hoping they would leave with. One of girls had stated that they realized that this trip was much more than serving others, but learning from the people we were serving…and that is exactly what ASB is, a serve LEARNING experience. We were not at Bronx International to make a significant difference in each student’s lives, but to learn from their experiences. Knowing that each one of my team members had made a connection at Bronx, was impacted, and intend on sharing their experience back home, is all I could as for.

The students and staff at Bronx International High School has provided us with an experience we will carry on for the rest of our lives. The students there are continuing a mental, emotional, and physical battle in adjusting to a foreign country and learning a completely new language. They weep for the home they left behind, for one that challenges them everyday.  They are truly a great and courageous group of kids that take life a day at a time. And the teacher, they are true heroes. It is no walk in the park to work in an urban, international high school. To teach in an urban high school is a challenge in itself, but to have the patience and motivation to work with lower class, non-English speaking students, who individually have a story, is definitely a challenge. I commemorate these teachers and aspire to have their determination in my future as a teacher.

Thank you BXIHS for having us.

Thank you to my team for giving me an amazing week full of laughs and memorable times.

Co-trip leader, I couldn’t have done it with out you! We make a great team J

Tay, you are absolutely the best and most supportive friend and SA. I couldn’t have asked anyone else to come with me. Thanx J

Thanx for reading,

~Jem <3  

Closing Comments from the Trip Leaders

March 26, 2011

As the trip came to a closing, I had a mixture feeling of both the happiness and sadness. I felt happy for all the participants that had gained and learned a lot from this trip. On the other hand, I realized how much I will miss the group, the times we were together and the great things we did together throughout the week. Before the trip, it was hard to expect anything from the trip/participants because many of us were from the different parts of the campus, areas of interest and studies. Also, the volunteer work we were to commit for five days were never done before in the Alternative Spring Break trips. A lot of it were written down on a paper but was all up in the air and I knew that I had to “expect the unexpected” starting from the first day of the trip.

That being said, my personal experience with the group and the Bronx International High School was phenomenal and wonderful. It was great to see everyone come together to play and talk in one big circle every evening. It was incredible to see our group mash with the teachers, students and administrations while we were in school. I have to admit it was not easy being challenged by the students mentally but it was an experience that I couldn’t have asked for. Each and every moment was a learning experience for all of us on the trip (despite the location) and it was amazing to see all these experiences come into one circle at the end of the trip. The support and cooperation from everyone in the group was also extraordinary and I was able to see myself grow with the group.  I thank my lovely co-trip leader Jem for literally being funny and optimistic throughout the trip because I would have never been dragged down by anyone to witness Chris Brown playing basketball and explore the streets of “unmistaken” Marc Jacobs store if it wasn’t for her. I also thank Papa Tay for being there as our fearless Grandpa and reliable advisor. Your wonderful stories gave me desire to travel a lot more and explore this giant planet while I can.

I hope that our adventures and individual stories will not stop here. I am sure of it that we will carry this experience with us and build on them as we go on our own ways.

Thanks ASB-ers for a wonderful trip and TERPS MIGRATE!

~Jheesoo 

Goodbyes, Seinfeld, and Love

Friday, March 25, 2011

Hello guys, its Jenn and Faozia blogging today =). Today in general was very bittersweet for all of us. On one hand, most of us were so excited to finally be going back to our own hectic and comfortable lives back at home, but surprisingly we were also very upset and sad about leaving the students and teachers we had worked with. A lot of us had formed amazing relationships and connected with so many great and unexpected students that it was very hard for us to believe that we were never going to see these kids again. Even though it was only a week, most of us had felt that we have interacted with these kids for months. Every day of the week we have been there, we have formed new relationships and connections with different students, including today.

            Faozia and I worked with the same teacher this week, Ms. Heather, in social studies, and as a farewell to our classes, we had made each student an award, while also acknowledging special students that have especially affected us. The kids were very grateful to have received the awards, and had all applauded for each other as we were giving it to them. We thought it was very respectful and mature of them to do that. We also asked them to share some of their immigration stories, which they were surprisingly shy to share with us, but as we asked them more specific questions they opened up with how many years they have been in the United States. Most of them answered around 2 years, but some had also only been here for a couple months. The ones that have been here for a few months had surprised us in that their English improvement was tremendous and actually surpassed a couple of the students that have been here for over 5 years. As we got to talk to some of the students more today, we have realized that most of them know what is going on in class and can think critically about it, but don’t feel comfortable enough to say their thoughts out loud to the entire class, in fear of saying something wrong in English.

            During lunch, we ate in the teacher’s lounge and shared all of our experiences and impressions with the teachers as a final reflection. The teachers also shared what they had to say about us being there, and they were very grateful for all of our help and time we had given to the students. The teachers also reflected on the impact that we had on their students in just one week of being there. The rest of the time we spent in the gym learning the special art and practice of Capoeira. Capoeira started off as a form of fighting between slaves in Brazil but later transformed into a martial arts dance. The school had an alumnae from Bronx International come back and actually teach the art form to students. A lot of them were bored and did not want to participate, but there were some that seemed very engaged in the activity. The instructor’s name was super cute, but was short and wore white pants, which did not bode well for him. While we both observed and participated in some of the easier activities, we were very impressed to hear that he was teaching the students that the point of Capoeira was not to fight, but instead to work as a fluid unite and react to the other person’s move. It was very interesting to see them “fight” one on one and perform it in an art form.

            By the end of the day, we were all taking pictures and saying goodbye to all the students that we had taught. A lot of them had hugged us as we were leaving and expressing their appreciation towards us for being there this week. Some even asked us to come back next year, and asked for our emails and Facebooks.

            When we came back to our hostel, all of us collapsed on our beds and basically fell asleep until 5:30pm when we had to leave for dinner to Tom’s Diner (the SEINFELD diner) on 112^th and Broadway. The food was pretty good, and it was really cool to see all the signed Seinfeld replica hanging on the walls of the diner. After the diner, we passed by a bubble tea place where both Taylor and Tasnia had their first bubble tea, ordering milk black tea and peach green tea respectively. Taylor then took the initiative to collect the tapioca balls in his mouth, and proceeded to take a picture of himself doing it. We also passed by a Ben and Jerry’s on the way, and could not refuse a deal of buying 3 pints of ice cream for $12.

            After finally getting back to the hostel, we started our reflection for the last time =( . It was so inspiring for us to hear all that we have learned from both each other, and our experience at the school. We played a game during reflection called “Touch Someone” (I swear it’s not actually dirty), in that Jem would tell everyone to close their eyes, and touch someone to open their eyes and tap 2 people who fit the statement that she was saying. The statements ranged from “someone that makes you smile” to “someone who you had seen inspires someone else”. It was really great to know that even though you’re not trying, you are still affecting people in your group in positive ways.

            When reflection was over, we played a full game of Pictures (like telephone but on paper), and the end results were hilarious. After Pictures, our group was tested to see just how strong our bond with each other is, and it was amazing how after a week, a group of 12 strangers with nothing in common from before expect an interest in immigration, can come together and support each other in times of need.

            To get out of the hostel one last time we all took a trip around 10:30pm to finally see Central Park and see the moon, which was apparently non-existent tonight.  A lot of us were scared that murders and muggers were in the park, but strangely all we saw were dog walkers. After a round around the park, we came back to the hostel to pack up all our stuff for our departure tomorrow!

This whole experience for all of us has been eye opening and challenging. Some days for us went really well, while other days were a little more difficult.  For me personally, I thought that this trip was so inspiring. Immigration has always been an issue I would hear about, but kind of always pass over. However, being immersed in this urban international high school in the Bronx, while communicating with both the teachers and students, has changed my viewpoint on so many things. At first glance and impression these students seem like violent kids that don’t understand anything that is going on in class. However, after just speaking to them or seeing how they interact with each other, I have realized that they each have so much potential and that the language barrier is a huge factor that keeps many students from participating in class, or paying attention. All the students and parents that we have met have been so grateful for our help, even if it might have been the smallest thing we did. That amongst many other things has made this trip worthwhile and extremely rewarding, and I know that I would never have imagined that it would affect me this much.

Despite all the early mornings and exhausting days, this ASB trip has been beyond amazing, and I am so glad that I got to be apart of it. =)

PEACE OUT NYC!

Faozia & Jenn 

“The Day We Whipped Our Hair, Got on TV, and Saw a Trash Fire”

March 24, 2011

As I look back on today, I’ve come to the conclusion that it was simply a really great day. While working at the high school today, I finally got the opportunity to really interact with the students.  I was able to help different groups of kids work on their math problem throughout the day.  Also, I was able to sit-in on an art class, which was pretty interesting to watch.  However, the day also helped me to realize how difficult the job of a teacher is.  I found it so frustrating to try and explain something to someone who just does not understand.  For the teachers at Bronx International, this task is made even more difficult by the fact that these kids are still struggling with the English language.

One thing that I’ve found really interesting this week has been talking to the different teachers and staff at the school.  Two of the teachers that I talked with studied engineering as an undergraduate, and both even worked in the field for a period of time.  As someone who is studying engineering, and still not exactly sure which direction I want to go in, it is really interesting to see all of the different options that are out there. 

On the other hand, I’m not sure that I’m cut out to be a teacher.  All of the teachers and staff at this school are just so incredible.  I really don’t understand how they do such difficult work each and every day.  One thing I know for sure is that these people love these kids and, more than anything else, want the best for them.  Despite the flaws in the school that my co-volunteers and I noticed, it wouldn’t be fair to place the blame for those flaws on the teachers.  It seems that they are just doing the best that they can.  I don’t believe that there is any way there someone could do this job without really caring about the work and the kids. 

Now!  Onto the fun stuff.  After we finished our school day, we went back to the hostel for about 30 minutes, then headed out for our big banquet in Times Square with the other ASB New York trip and UMD grads living around the city.  It was really interesting to hear the other group speak about their experiences, and to compare how different two ASB trips can be.  Also, it was nice to meet to meet the alumnae and hear about all of the things that they have done since graduating from the University of Maryland.   Most importantly, however, the food was fantastic.  It was buffet-style, and filled with the most delectable treats I have ever seen.  We all filled our tummies, then mingled with the grads and other ASB-ers until we were kicked out of the Cornell Club because they had to close for the night.

That’s when the real fun began.  As we left the restaurant and were walking back to the subway stop, someone had the idea to “dance” to the song “Whip my hair” (I don’t actually know if this is the real name of the song, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be confused with any other) in the middle of Times Square.  I volunteered to record the charade, being the generous person that I am.  Unfortunately, the last time that I recorded anything was with my father’s giant black VHS recorder that had a carrying case the size of a small carry-on bag.  So, when it came time to actually record the crew in action, I failed to rise to the occasion.  I didn’t press the record button.  However, we weren’t going to give up just yet!  They got out there in the middle of Times Square and whipped their hair like there was no tomorrow. And, by golly, this time I got it on tape!  (Viral YouTube video to come.)  A gentleman from some late night television show (presumably) spotted the suave dance moves, along with our natural charisma and charm, and asked if we would like to be on TV.  Five minutes later we were standing behind an actor from ‘Moonstruck’ jumping up and down and yelling because we were so excited to get on TV.

But our night wouldn’t end there!  After we had not one, but two, impromptu dance sessions in the middle of Times Square, and were featured on television, we saw a fire truck rounding the corner near us.  As we turned the corner, heading for the metro station, we saw a trash fire!  Trash fire!  The brave firemen quickly put it out, but for a few minutes it was a pretty respectable fire.

            That pretty much concludes our day.  I don’t think I’m alone in saying that this has definitely been one of my favorite days so far.  I’ve really been enjoying this trip, and have gotten so much out of it so far.  It’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last day volunteering at the school.  It seems like we’re just starting to feel at home at Bronx International.  I guess we’ll all just have to make sure that we make the most of tomorrow.  I’m looking forward to a great last day of a great trip!

Lauren

In the Bronx: A Light at the End of the Tunnel

March 23, 2011: Day 3

We woke to snow falling outside our window this morning!  Who would have thought we would still be experiencing Winter on our Spring Break?  Luckily there was no accumulation because of the above freezing temperatures so our commute to school wasn’t really hindered, just a bit damp.

            Upon arriving at school, everyone who had class went off to their usual rooms to help out.  A few of us were left in the main office though, either because our teachers did not have class that period or, in my case, the students were taking a test so there was nothing the teacher needed me to do.  Instead, we took on small tasks helping out the administration.  Working in the office most of the day gave me the opportunity to observe how the school is run.  I finally was able to witness firsthand some of the issues we had talked about as a group on previous days.  It quickly became clear to me that the biggest problem was not a lack of resources available to the school, but rather the allocation of those resources.

            On Monday during our orientation, Liana told us about the lack of funding being a key problem in the success of establishing after school programs as well as improving the school in general.  She stressed how the school was in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Bronx and did not have the money to make necessary improvements.  After our first day in the classrooms, we began to question this.  Almost every classroom had a smart board (an expensive alternative to a projector) and the math classroom I work in had new graphing calculators for every student.  It seems that with no after school programs this money could have been better allocated.  What’s wrong with a good old fashioned chalk board?

            As the day progressed, the office began to fill with students who were in detention or waiting to be sent home after getting in a fight of some sort.  As I was sitting in the office during class change I could hear another fight going down in the hallway.  This fight led to the absence of the administrators from the office for the next half hour.  Their already large load of work had now been interrupted by them having to deal with the situation and get everyone back under control.  Perhaps the main focus of the funding should be on increasing staff.  Technology can only do so much in helping kids learn, what they really need is simply to be in an environment in which they can focus.  Of course this is easier said than done.

            As an outsider, only having observed the situation for a few days, I really can’t come in and suggest what needs to be done especially when these suggestions are based off my personal experiences in a school that is nothing like Bronx International High School.  Dealing with these students who can often times barely understand each other is a completely different, not to mention difficult, task and I truly commend the teachers and administration who have dedicated their lives to doing so.  Through their hardship and sacrifice they are giving these kids a chance at an education that they would not otherwise have gotten.  So, even if they haven’t perfected the system yet, they are already well on their way and continue to make progress everyday.

            Tonight at the school was Family Financial Aid Night.  Parents and students were invited to come by to get help filling out the FAFSA and to ask us any questions they had about college.  Being a part of this was one of the most rewarding things that we as a group have partaken in thus far on the trip.  It was truly amazing to see the progress some students have made in their years at Bronx International.  To go from 9^th and 10^th graders who barely speak English and have the attention span of 2 minutes or less to mature young adults, basically fluent in English.  The transformation from always talking and misbehaving in class to students who truly want to learn, go to college, and make better lives for themselves was enough to prove that the teachers must be doing something right.  Overall the day was a very eye-opening and rewarding experience, definitely worth the extra hours we put in tonight at the school.  We can’t wait to see what surprises tomorrow brings and we’re ready to make the most of the last 2 days we get to spend with the kids!

-Sara

“Grandpa’s Getting’ Down and Dirrty”

Today was a very interesting day, with many different highs and lows. I will attempt to address some of them here before I fall asleep sitting up (as many of us do on the subway multiple times throughout the day…).

Most importantly, Jem saw CHRIS BROWN playing basketball!!!!!!!!! She almost had a heart attack and now feels her “life is complete.” We are lucky that she made it through the experience alive, however she will not be taking anymore pictures on this trip because her memory card is full.

On other light, fun notes, it was my birthday today and I am officially a Grandma, as I am the oldest female in the group. I am coming to grips with my age, but I did have a midlife crisis today which resulted in a spending spree at the local thrift stores in Brooklyn. Along with becoming a Grandma, I also worked towards my personal goal of becoming a hipster today. I feel I am heading in a positive direction with regards to that goal.

I also want to thank the AmAzInG group that made me a beautiful and delicious funfetti cake today! The serenading at the metro was a real treat, especially the second time around for the FlipCam (Go Americans!).  Side notes: 1. When I say “metro” I am usually referring to the subway and when I get back to D.C., I’m sure I’ll finally have the term “subway” down, just in time to take the metro again! Yipee! 2. We have still been successful in preventing Lauren from escaping on our commutes. Similarly to sleepwalkers, Lauren has a tendency to “subway walk” and randomly will get up and attempt to leave the train when she feels it is appropriate. We love her though, always keeping us on our toes…

Now, to the important stuff…the school. We have all had very different experiences working in the schools. However, today we all came to reflection very frustrated and pretty down about what we have been witnessing. Personally, it seems like sex and violence are the most important thing to these kids and therefore, motivating them to do well in school is not easy. When living in the Bronx, education and academics don’t seem to be the keys to success, because they won’t help you on the streets. I imagine thoughts going through the students’ minds, consciously or unconsciously, such as “why pay attention to this lecture about Hitler and the Nazis when I could be setting up a fight for after school so I can prove I’m the top dog on the block?” They live very much in the moment, in the here and now, which can be important and valuable, but it keeps them from seeing the bigger picture of the world. This creates a cycle of not valuing education, which perpetuates the poverty cycle. Some of the participants were also very confused when the “detention” that the students served consisted of sitting in the office with the security guard while listening to music and dancing around. There seems to be a disconnect between the teachers and the administration, which seems to lead to a very unstructured environment. It is obviously a multi-faceted, complex situation and we will all be exploring it more in reflection and as we walk through the hallways for our next three days here…but for now, my top bunk is calling me.

Until next time,

Kim aka Grandma