It's almost over. And it's just now starting to truly sink in. I've spent the last two years of my life in a place I'd never really heard of, doing a job I never thought I'd have, for reasons I never thought were important to me. I'm not sure who has learned more in the past 20 months, me or my students, but I know I'll walk away from Kosovo a changed person.
I arrived here optimistic, idealistic and fully energized to change the world, thinking I knew it all and ready to impart my knowledge on the good people of Kosovo. I am leaving knowing that having the know-how to affect change is one thing, actually getting it done is something different all together, and that change isn't always what is necessary - sometimes it's just a little empathy.
I arrived here full of desire to share my world-view. I'm leaving having shared in the world-view of others. Sometimes it was tragic, sometimes inspiring, sometimes infuriating, but it was always from the heart.
I arrived here alone, a one-woman side-show in a circus of international insanity. I'm leaving with a circle of friends (well, family now) that will be with me for the rest of my life.
I arrived here a teacher. I am leaving here a student.
My life has been touched by every person I have met and every experience I have had. Although it hasn't been easy, it was worth every moment in the dark, and in the cold, and every flight of stairs I had to climb carrying 50 pounds of groceries, for the people who shared their stories with me. I arrived with my knowledge, I leave with their wisdom.
2 comments:
Hey Michi, I've read your blog and seen your pictures. I am glad to hear you've learn much about the world and more importantly, about yourself. That is something you can take with you for the rest of your life no matter where you end up at. I hope the best for you. If you get back to FW, drop me a line. Maybe we can get a drink and catch up. Be safe in your travels and snap lots of pictures on your way home.
Tony M.
Beagleone
Hi Michelle, we all feel very bad that you are leaving and hoping that you will find anything interesting. You really changed something here and it is good and perfect teaching and I am really proud for being part of your class and thankfull for giving me studies that non of our teachers could give to me, as I told you I have learned english for 9 years and I can say that more things I learned during this 2 years with you then 9 years. I really want to thankyou very much for everything because you were not just a teacher to us but you were a friend too, I wish you the best in your life and if I could turn back the time I really would do it even that I would have to go to the faculty again :D
Best wishes and thankyou very much
Jetmir Idrizi
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