Buenos Dias Amigos! Today was day 7 on our time here in Nicaragua, and for the most part, everyone was feeling really energetic considering we all finally got an extra hour of sleep last night. It’s still pretty hard for everyone to get adjusted to some of the food and the cold showers but I’m really surprised at how engaged the entire group was throughout the day. Today was my day as leader and it was kind of nerve racking knowing that so many people were depending on me and my performance as leader. Despite that though, I felt like I did a decent job at encouraging and motivating the rest of the Glimpsers when speaking on education today which was the topic I covered. After breakfast, we were supposed to go to the library but were surprised with a Nicaraguan dance lesson! It was interesting being able to interact with the Nicaraguans and learn some of their indigenous dances as well as teach them some of our dances. I also felt like we were all very engaged in dancing. The program was put in place in order to give kids in the community a way to escape the streets as well as learn about their own culture. The mobile library also was impressive considering the selflessness of the individuals that were spending their free time to educate children in the community when they themselves don’t have an education beyond high school.
After leaving the speech and taking some pictures with our new Nicaraguan friends, we went to lunch then went back to the hostel to hear another speech from a worker from the Peace Corps who basically explained her organization’s goals and answered all our questions about the education in Nicaragua. She also showed us a great spot for coffee that we didn’t even realize was right up the block. After our sit down with her, we began to prepare for our english tutoring classes at the local school, but not before having dinner of course! Its VERY necessary to eat before having to sit down for 2 hours with those kids, they were really a strain on my patience. But once you get past that, they’re all really great kids all with a passion for learning and not becoming another statistic in their country just like what we African American and Latinos face in America. I really enjoy how me and my group are all in sync and work together well enough to successfully teach a class when we ourselves don’t know much spanish. These children have really earned a place in my heart and I look forward to teaching them for the rest of our time here!
It was kind of disappointing having to give up my daily leadership role, but that doesn’t mean I can’t continue to be a leader each and everyday. Besides, everyone in the group is MORE than capable of leading the group and continuing to point the group in a positive direction. Its now one week into the trip and I’ve seen enough to really change my perspective on life and open the eyes of my community when I go back. The things that hit me most during this trip were speaking with the lady from the Peace Corps about how they seek to educate the youth in Nicaragua, as well as when I lived with a poor Nicaraguan family for the day. I can only imagine what other experiences we will be exposed to for the rest of the trip and I’m so excited to continue changing the World!
I am so glad to hear that you guys are having such a great time. The work that you’re doing, dedicating your time, will make big difference in someone’s life. This trip is truly preparing you to be a leader in life. Take in every experience and be prepared to continue to motivate others when you guys return.
Daquan, I am so proud of you. So happy to see that bright smile in those pictures. Keep up the good work. I love you.
Daquan I’m glad that you’re having a great time. I always knew that you were a leader. That’s why I told you that you will be president one day. Keep up the good work. Love Gagum (grandma).
Beautiful post Daquan, thank you for sharing. It’s incredible to watch our first ever NYC Nicaragua delegation grow. We are very proud of each and every one of you and I love how much you thrived and enjoyed being leader of the day! Rock on NYC Global Glimpsers!
Hey nephew… So proud of the you and all your accomplishments thus far. Looks like you’re enjoying your trip. Have fun and yeah i see you got them moves like Jagga LoL. Love you
You’re a leader today and everyday XoXo
Sounds like a great experience for you all. Keep up the good work Global Glimpsers. — Hey, Kyle. Love you. 🙂
Great post Daquan!
I am still in awe of the daily cold bucket showers, but you guys will survive! There is nothing like cold water to get your blood flowing early in the morning. I must say I am really enjoying the themes/topics of the day. And your account on education was very detailed and reflective. It was nice to hear, while nerve racking, you took on the challenge of being a leader for the day, and it sounds like you did an outstanding job.
I hope you guys walk away from this experience with a new-found respect and understanding of how important an education is for yourself and the world at large. And you are so right; all of you are more than capable of being leaders, always remember that. On a lighter note, loved the dance moves. It was like watching Saturday Night Fever all over again!
Thumbs up Daquan(g)!
I am so happy to hear how much this trip has impacted your life. The experiences you all have had will be with you for the rest of your lives. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am for my three boys. I enjoy reading the post on a daily basis. Each of you give such great detail in your blogs that I feel as though I’m out there with you guys.
This is just the beginning of a lifetime of great achievements. Keep up the good work!
Love you!!!!!!!
Brother Simmons,
My wife spent eight weeks in a Mexican village and had similar experiences to the ones that you are having now. However, she did not go with friends or her school. As my wife and kids read about your adventures and thoughts, we are so proud of the challenges that you have accepted by enrolling in a leadership program such as Global Glimpse. It is interesting that as you spend time working with the Nicaraguan people, a hot political debate centers on immigrants, particularly children, who are fleeing many countries plagued by drug wars. Do many of the people you have spoken with feel the need to flee their homeland? I am glad that you are contributing to their community and learning so much as well.
Great job. Eagle is proud of you and your classmates. I cannot wait to see you in the Fall and in Town Hall, where you will certainly be called upon to share your leadership experiences with your brothers. What a learning experience and an adventure!
S. Mathur
Daquan(BC) – I enjoyed reading your post. I am also laughing at your observation on how challenging it can be to hold students attention – clearly the Glimpse Team are some of the best and brightest but hopefully you all will return with some empathy for what we educators have to go through – or even better, return with some best practices that we can use! 🙂
It appears as though each day brings new experiences and opportunities. I hope that you (and the others) are truly seeing how much aspects of culture can bind us and build bridges – you’re teaching and learning language, there’s dance and music, there’s local food and cooking that you are experiencing and you are making connections – that’s what matters most.
Be safe and see you when you return!- Trinee