During the cold months of the winter when I was feeling stuck in a bleak existence, I decided to change course and applied to the English Language Fellow Program --an exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State that sends English teachers around the world to promote mutual understanding and enhance English language teaching. I had gotten some brochures about the program a few months earlier during a conference, and even though I was happy with my job situation, I really felt like there were some things missing in my life. I sat down, filled out the application, doubted my qualifications, and waited for a possibly unfavorable response.
Forward a few months. Guess who got accepted into the program!!! I got offered to go to Indonesia to train English teachers for ten months and I didn't think it twice before enthusiastically replying "YES!" The director of the program where I was working at the time was extremely supportive, gave me wise advise and guidance, and even mentioned the possibility of taking a leave of absence for a year if I wanted to. Everything seemed to be falling into place, so my decision to leave for Indonesia was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made.
Last week we had Pre-departure orientation in Washington D.C. I got to meet new and returning fellows going to Indonesia among many other fellows going all over the world. In a matter of hours I had made many new friends that will become part of an extensive support group, along with our Regional English Language officer (RELO) who proved to be an amazing woman with a sense of humor and a clear understanding of the role of education overall and the workings of the Indonesian educational system in particular. I left orientation with a sense of security and optimism. I know I will have someone offering me support whenever the going gets rough, and I know this is an incredible opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Anything seems possible when I trust myself.
Sometimes I get really lucky. Lets see how I face the challenges coming ahead and how I get transformed in the way. I'm ready to do this!
2015-2016 Indonesia Fellows at PDO.
No comments:
Post a Comment