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")
