Year as an SM
Pohnpei is an island set in the middle of the Pacific Ocean 7° north of the equator. It belongs to the Federated States of Micronesia which also includes the islands of Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae. Pohnpei is roughly 13 miles in diameter with mangroves extending it out in some places another mile. There are also eight outlying atolls: Ant, Pakin,Oroluk, Sapwuahfik (Ngatik), Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi, Mwoakilloa (Mokil), and Pingelap. Clicking on the map will send you to the respective island.
With anaverage of 400 inches of rain in the interior of Pohnpei, the island neither lacks for water nor waterfalls. The waterfalls, usually a short walk from the road, make a refreshing place to recuperate from a muggy day at work. The temperature often reaches 90° but falls no lower than 70°; this keeps the ocean at a comfortable 82°, down to depths of 150+ feet. A barrier reef encompasses the island making an excellent place to snorkel and dive. There are several smaller islands surrounding Pohnpei. Some of which have been developed into weekend get-a-ways.
Kolonia is the main town located on the northern part of the island. Most of the 33,000 people onisland, live in or near Kolonia, working at government jobs or small family stores. The rest of the locals live scattered about the outer edge of the island farming and fishing. The locals are from mixed backgrounds. Some are full blooded Pohnpians while an increasing number have their origins traced back to the other island states. Pohnpeian is the most common language although most people know English rather well.
The Seventh-Day-Adventist started a school in 1970 with grades 1 through 8. Today kindergarten through high-school is taught to over 350 students. The Principal along with several other teachers are Pohnpeian while the rest are volunteers from Adventist colleges all over the world. These teachers are called Student Missionaries (SM). Most of these volunteer teachers take one, or maybe two years out of college to serve. Most are not education majors and for some, English is their second language. The first month that the non-local teachers are here, is full of 'firsts.' They have spent their lives being the student and now they must reverse rolls and become the teacher. At the end of their first week some teachers wonder if they will make it through the year, others start thinking that they should change their major to education, while the rest are too tired to think. After several months the teachers have become effective at their jobs. When the year is over and test results compared throughout the F.S.M.,this school with uncertified teachers, produces some of the best students in Micronesia.
I was one of those teachers. I took a year out of college and taught Chemistry, Consumer Math,and Pre-Algebra. My students in turn taught me their culture and some of their language. Onweekends I interacted with them at church and in their homes. The ladies in the church motheredme, while the men taught me how to fish. The locals were eager in sharing their culture with me. At the end of the school year when the teachers wentback home, I decided that I couldn't leave. Summer school was starting and the school neededsomeone to teach Senior English and Algebra I. Summer school was over all too soon and I had to go back tocollege and finish my education.
My year as a volunteer teacher has had lasting effects on me: I carry around a scare where amachete cut my knee, I also have a greater appreciation for the people and world around me.
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