Hello there! Hannah here writing a blog post before I head out. For those of you who do not know me, I am from Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers) and I currently live in Conifer, CO with my two dogs and partner of 6 years, Lamin. I am currently a science learning specialist, and love being able to teach students with differing needs at the high school level. This is my 11th time coming with UCC to Esperanza, I started as a COW student in 2014, then went on to Long Term Volunteer, leader, and now can't seem to shake this part of my life.
For the past three years, I have had the opportunity to join Steve Schoer and John Muskop on our many COVID adventures in Tijuana, however, this is the first time I have had the opportunity to come and lead students from COW since 2018.
I have this opportunity since the school I am teaching at, tends to have the same spring break as COW. This year, with a midweek flight, not knowing any of the students, and knowing I would be leaving my comfy cabin in CO, after spending the first 4 days of break on my couch, I can say it was the first year it was challenging to think of coming back to Tijuana for 4 whole days to work. I thought to myself the morning of departing CO "Wow, what am I doing? I am exhausted from teaching day in and day out; I am exhausted from my partner and I's previous move 2 weeks before; I am nervous I won't be able to do what I used to (which, we all know happens with age).
Never the less, I ended up at San Diego Airport on Tuesday afternoon to join our little service group. As always, introductions happened and then the immediate fear of "oh no, these students have no clue why I'm here". However, after much time together and sleep after a long day of traveling, this feeling quickly faded away, and instead, I am at amazement with the emotions I am now feeling.
It is never easy to come and try something you love with a complete new group of people. Leading groups of students from COW in the past, has never been a point of concern for me as, I had connections to the students, however after COVID, this was not the case (shoot, these ones started their Freshman year 2 years or more after I graduated!).
These last few days have been amazing to experience. It has been such an opportunity to see 6 new individuals experience the joy of Esperanza. I have been able to lead with a confidence I have not felt before on this trip, because these students have been amazing. They want to learn, they want to see, and most importantly, they want to give their compassion to any and all they meet. I have seen these students overcome hard work, give it their all, and never complain along the way. They have a small group, but they are a mighty force.
Tomorrow, I have to go home to CO to teach my own students come Monday. My cup however is filled, thanks to these students dedication toward a better, and more liberal humanity, where all can feel loved, supported, and cared for. I've gained some new faces to my little Esperanza Family, and I cannot thank the students enough for having the heart to come experience something new.
Until next year,
Hannah
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