Melissa Mano – Kalaheo High School – Math Dept.

There was so much to see in such a short drive. I had been in South Africa for just a few days and still unsure of what to think of this country that was literally on the other side of the globe from Hawaii. I found myself often pressed up against the window of the car to take in as much of the land and the people. We arrived at Mdlangaswa High, a small rural school, in Kwa-Zulu, Natal. This was my first meeting with the students and teachers in South Africa. I was amazed. In a few minutes, I felt the love and warmth of family. This feeling stayed with me throughout five weeks in this incredible country and continues to stay with me back here in Hawaii.

When I first heard about going to South Africa I was excited about such an unreal opportunity. Then I started to debate the concept of traveling across the world to teach math and be with math and science teachers for the summer. “Do I really want to spend time with math and science teachers, even if it is in South Africa?”.Turns out it was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I am honored to have been a part of the TWB 2005 team. It was such an overwhelming experience to be among such awesome teachers and people. I am grateful to my fellow teachers, Ralph Dykes, Debbie Johnson, Jim Metz, Mike Pavich, Yunus Peer, and Erin Wilson.

Each day brought exhaustion, but was worth every bit of work and preparation. I had never experienced pure exhilaration from such exhausting work before in my life. I am in awe of the dedication of every student and teacher that I was blessed to meet and learn from. Their joy, despite all of the hardships in their homes and schools is uplifting and inspirational. Each workshop brought new brothers and sisters for me. My family quickly grew. We worked together, I shared with them, they shared with me, we laughed together, sang together, and we cried together. When I left South Africa I knew that I would be leaving my heart and my soul there with the people, my new family. It is strange, now that I am back in Hawaii I realize I was wrong. I didn’t leave my heart and soul there, but rather I brought the heart and soul of the people of South Africa with me. For this, I will be eternally grateful. The people of South Africa not only helped me become a better teacher, but a better person.

I am thankful for the Peer Family hospitality and grateful to them for having the courage to start this program. I truly appreciate the support of the Sunset Rotary Club of Hawaii. Their support for this program provided opportunities for public school teachers like me, to serve the underserved in another part of the world, and have the experience of a lifetime!