Sharon Eblaghie: Canada
"I would tell someone thinking of applying to VIF that if you are up for an adventure, then VIF is for you. Don't bring any expectations with you and always keep a positive attitude. You will be meeting all sorts of people from diverse backgrounds. You must have a willingness to accept cultural differences. In fact, the whole concept of cultural exchange and diversity is what attracted me to VIF."
Sharon lived in the Philippines until she was 10 years old. She taught 10th grade biology and 12th grade genetics at a high school in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1999-2002.
Teaching is all about telling stories and sharing experiences with your students. The more experiences you've had, the bigger your storybook is. As a VIF participant, I've been able to build my storybook. It has been a wonderful learning experience.
I would tell someone thinking of applying to VIF that if you are up for an adventure, then VIF is for you. Don't bring any expectations with you and always keep a positive attitude. You will be meeting all sorts of people from diverse backgrounds. You must have a willingness to accept cultural differences. In fact, the whole concept of cultural exchange and diversity is what attracted me to VIF.
I have learned a lot about other cultures from my fellow VIF teachers. I have a close VIF friend from Spain and I'm learning a little Spanish from her. We talk about different teaching methodologies, so I get the European perspective and she gets the Canadian perspective.
The VIF-sponsored social events are wonderful because they bring people together, even for a short time. You also find out that although you all have many similar experiences as VIF teachers, your experiences are also different. At the social events, you get a sense of the general VIF experience for everyone.
This year I am a VIF local advisor, which means I help a group of first-year VIF teachers adjust to their new schools and communities. Last summer, all the Atlanta-area local advisors got together and made welcome packages for our new teachers. Our packages included important phone numbers, a local arts and entertainment magazine, apartment guides, maps, and more. Since the school year started, we've hosted dinners for the new teachers. I also call my teachers every once in awhile to see how they are doing. If they are having problems adjusting, I tell them, "It may be a stressful time right now, but don't worry so much. You need to have the mind frame that everything will work out in the end."
I received a degree in cell biology and genetics before earning my teaching degree, so my principal asked me to develop the curriculum for a Genetics class at my school. I have taught the class for the past two years. This year, I added to the curriculum a project on fruit flies and a bunch of field trips. I also was able to buy new microscopes because of a grant I received from a local organization that links schools with the community.
My school's image is very different than schools in Canada. When you come to my school, the outside appears somewhat uninviting and unfriendly. Fortunately, the inside of the school doesn't match this image -- people here are very kind and supportive.