Angela Costanzo – Hawaii Pacific University

TABSA 2011 – Reflection

 

Wow, what can I say about my amazing, life changing experience in South Africa with Teachers Across Borders?! Thanks to Yunus Peer, Michelle Buck, Franklyn Lau, Paul Heimerdinger, Ed DaSilva, Laurie Schaefer, Jim Metz and Thokozani, my life has changed for the better and I have grown so much as a teacher, mother, wife and “global citizen”.

 

The highlights of my experience come in two forms ; personally and professionally. On a trip of a lifetime like this, one can only grow in a positive way. My experiences were unforgettable. The smell of the Indian Ocean, samp and lamb curry cooking, crisp morning air of Mthatha and the laughter/chatter of our African colleagues in 5 or more languages before the workshops began each morning is priceless. Other things I did/saw/experienced: school children so excited to see us, holding my hand/shirt/skirt/leg, asking me questions about America, one asked “Am I the first Zulu boy you have ever spoken to?” and of course I said “yes, you are!” and He was so excited! He said he couldn’t wait to tell his family. I was the first American he had ever spoken to. 

 

Learning about the various cultures, answering questions about mine; Discussing science and theories, making fossils, time-lines of the earth and our lives together, discussing bacteria and fears about TB. Arguing about life and its characters, nature and space; How the tides change, the moon phases and weather patterns. Watching with delight as Thokozani laughed that we drove on the right side of the road in the US and his unbelieving look when we told him the steering column was NOT on the right 🙂 

 

My penguin encounter south of Coffee Bay, where my training and skills as a wildlife biologist came into play when an injured juvenile South African penguin was found on the beach to the amazement and puzzlement of locals and tourists alike. The gratification that I had when I was able to hold the animal, access its injuries, teach others how to care for it and get it to safety at the East London aquarium. Learning about the culture from Jim Metz and Yunus, both through unique eyes. Encountering the world famous Caelecanth at the East London museum (stuffed) and jumping off a 100 meter cliff over the Oribi Gorge. 

 

The following are fond memories I will have forever from each participant:

 

Yunus Peer: Sharing dinners (mmm, snails in cheese anyone?) and watching him light up about our days and how we overcame many difficulties, shared stories and events. His fatherly touch and concern for our woes, and dedication to make everything run smooth. THANK YOU!! Also, let NO ONE forget we were the champs at ping pong IN THE DARK!!!

 

Jim Metz: I will always remember your smiling face, snapping photographs of us all with your “magic” camera, sharing the cheetah with you (yes, we got to pet and PLAY with a cheetah!!), the incredible journey along the coast where we ended up rescuing a penguin, introducing me to the better ginger beer & being a wonderful example to us all.

 

Michelle Buck: My sister, confidante, who let me discover science again. Her years of teaching experience, musical talents and ability to put on a magic show will be with me forever! I will never forget the “ooohhhs and ahhhhssss” when you poured water into seemingly empty jars and the liquid changed colors. Or sharing chilly nights in front of our heaters with our chocolate bars graciously donated by our male companions. Your never-ending kindness, generosity and loving spirit.

 

Laurie Schaefer: My “little” sister, also partner in crime and chocolate parties, blowing out the circuits with the hair dryer (wink), playing like kids on the beach, dancing and playing pool, talking about life and future plans, and teaching me what it is like to be a school teacher on Big Island and the challenges you have faced and overcome, how many lives you have changed, you are an amazing young woman and thank you for sharing your time with me!

 

Ed DaSilva: Oh Ed, I had to look back in my journal for some “Ed-ISMS” to share. You never failed to make us laugh and laugh and laugh! Never dull moment with you in the car- we actually would fight over who got to sit by you! One of my favorite quotes is as follows, Yunus-“Do you have any clothes from 20 yrs ago?” Ed reaches over and rubs Thokozani’s stomach and says, “Not with this belly.” “It’s fun to be Christian”. “I like to see shapes”. These are just a few. Your musical talent was a delight- I will never forget our drum-guitar jam session under that big moon or your willingness to help carry items or help set up workshops, thank you!

 

Franklyn Lau: Your energy and verve for the program and life itself was a breath of fresh air! Always willing to learn, talk shop, practice our clicking Xhosa words together, or save me a Coke at dinner will never be forgotten. I loved shopping with you, getting your opinion about things, discussing how to teach a topic or jumping off the Oribi Gorge together…you’ll always be like a brother to me! Thank you!

 

Paul Heimerdinger: I loved listening to your stories of your time in the Peace Corps and previous TABSA adventures. I was always so impressed by your vast knowledge of physics and electricity and your ease of teaching. I watched you inspire so many teachers and that was an inspiration to me. House wiring and making magnets twirl, box collecting and singing “Easy and cool”…with the scientific method song….memories indeed….

 

Thokozani: Seeing life through your eyes opened mine. I appreciate so much your endless answers to all my questions whether they be personal or just crazy. The way you always kept an eye out for us, and cared for us like your kin. I will always remember your kindness and willingness to drop everything to help all of us with anything. You are a truly gifted person! I hope we can cross paths again soon, and that you and your beautiful wife will be blessed with a baby soonJ

 

Mrs Gazi: I knew when we met that we had met in our previous lives or somewhere like that. What a beautiful, gentle spirit you possess! A warmth and kindness not found often. Your endurance and dedication to education was also an inspiration to me. I will never forget you stealing me out one day for tea at the truck stop-yet we got milkshakes insteadJ Or experiencing the zebras at the game park with you after workshops that one afternoon. You were always there to offer a smile and a helping hand, thank you! Love you girl!  

 

I have learned to be more patient, tolerant and open minded as well as learning how to look at my surroundings in a different light. From my soul and my heart, thank you for this experience that has enhanced me in so many ways, I hope to serve TABSA and the South African people again one day, hopefully when I can bring my son and husband:) 

 

Humbly,

 

Angela “Ingalosi” Costanzo (Xhosa name I was given meaning “God’s messenger” or “Angel”)