My Sentiments Exactly

This school year has almost come to a close. I technically finished teaching the last week of April. However, I still have to administer a test, grade more papers, fill 250 report cards by hand, calculate a class of 50 students’ averages (Du courage to all teachers and professors who do this), ensure the exam classes are well prepared for the BEPC and Probatoire in English and Spanish (basically, if they have a question, they come to me… I DO NOT seek out their difficulties. Also, I’ll be giving review classes the next month for those who want. It’s essentially the serious students.) It’s going to be a headache… but this is the last of it. Finalment :-)


I can say over the course of the year, I’ve learned a lot- probably a life time’s worth of lessons. Optimistically, the Peace Corps experience has allowed me to grow immensely. I am completely comfortable in my village, I feel safe. I am stronger, more assertive (in some areas), and over all, comfortable with myself as an individual. Therefore, on puet dire that I’m happy, despite the harsh realities of life.

Some advice I can give after being here for a year, especially in village are: it’s agitating, but if you want something done, derange the hell out of a Cameroonian (basically reverse the roles and you annoy them) I get a kick out of it sometimes; especially my neighbors (I’m sure they’ve become irritated. Hah!)

- Make an effort to learn the language, dress the part (wear pagne), and visit (go during dinner or lunch they will feed you cous-cous, if you’re up for it…). Honestly, you’ll gain more respect that way AND learn something.

- Don’t be afraid to say NO, and tell a white lie. It won’t do any harm. I learned the hard way, if you display mucho generosity… they will suck you dry. Therefore, set boundaries. Reward hard work… I give cheap dollar store toys when children fill my bedoins with water.

- Get the kids to do dirty work if you feel lazy… in Africa, there are no child labor laws, and it’s culture that the kids do manual labor.

- Choose your battles… it’s not worth getting upset over the frivolous.

- Even though people live half way across the globe, exert different perspectives, think backwards (no constructive thinking)… humans ubiquitously share the same emotions…. Anger, laughter, sadness, despair, and so forth…. So don’t judge…

- Only work with those who show interest. It’s a waste of time trying to mobilize those who are apathetic. You’re happy; they’ll continue living their way…

I’ve decided to work on a small scale. I am more comfortable that way. I wanted to get books for these students. However, how would it be sustainable? The semi-existing library is practically barren. I believe a good number were stolen by students. The school, I think, has gone to hell. The administration is not supportive, teachers are absent. (The other English teacher decided to show up after a 4 month hiatus). I told her; your students are not happy with you. The lack of respect and disturbance continues. At this rate, as most education volunteers, they choose the classes they want for the next year. Moreover, Ed. volunteers only get involved in activities they feel are worth it. In this instance, it’s ok to conform. At the level of working with my school, I feel jaded.