Baracka in Taza-
Baracka - which was taught to us so early on in this trip - is defined as a sort of blessing and spiritual continuity among all of us here and everywhere. Moroccans believe in baracka - that we are all connected in spirit and in heart - and that this joyful feeling - this goodness in all things- is something to be honored and celebrated, always.
When it was first described to me - I understood it, as I know baracka flows through my classroom every day. It is, for me - gratitude, personified. It's what brings us together and makes our time in room 234 mean so much. Yesterday, as we said goodbye to our first group of students here in Taza - I felt baracka first hand. It's not a feeling I'll ever forget.
We'd seen these students Monday - they were our first group of students and set the bar very high for the many others we'd meet throughout the week. There was something very special about them - even on that first day, when they were a bit shy and - despite the sincere smiles we saw around the room - a little hesitant to open up to the American teachers.
Yesterday, it felt as though we'd taught them all year. They came in and it was immediately comfortable. Baracka. We laughed together through games and conversation. Baracka. And then, at the end of the class - our host teacher had each student say goodbye to us. One student - who'd lead an activity that day and asked the bravest questions to us even on that first day - said his goodbye to me like this -
"I think you are the kindest teacher I've ever met and I think this because on the first day you met us, you said goodbye to each one of us as we left. I think that is the kindest and sweetest thing and you are the kindest and sweetest person. Thank you."
That student's name is Aymen Bennani - and his parents have so much to be proud of. He is a natural leader and one of many students who I will never forget.
Back in North Carolina - I say goodbye to each student who leaves my room and I tell them to have a good day. I mean it - every day, every kid. I don't even think of this - it comes naturally, automatically. For this student - it was not natural or automatic. It stuck with him - and he, along with all of his classmates - will stick with me.
Baracka.
When it was first described to me - I understood it, as I know baracka flows through my classroom every day. It is, for me - gratitude, personified. It's what brings us together and makes our time in room 234 mean so much. Yesterday, as we said goodbye to our first group of students here in Taza - I felt baracka first hand. It's not a feeling I'll ever forget.
We'd seen these students Monday - they were our first group of students and set the bar very high for the many others we'd meet throughout the week. There was something very special about them - even on that first day, when they were a bit shy and - despite the sincere smiles we saw around the room - a little hesitant to open up to the American teachers.
Yesterday, it felt as though we'd taught them all year. They came in and it was immediately comfortable. Baracka. We laughed together through games and conversation. Baracka. And then, at the end of the class - our host teacher had each student say goodbye to us. One student - who'd lead an activity that day and asked the bravest questions to us even on that first day - said his goodbye to me like this -
"I think you are the kindest teacher I've ever met and I think this because on the first day you met us, you said goodbye to each one of us as we left. I think that is the kindest and sweetest thing and you are the kindest and sweetest person. Thank you."
That student's name is Aymen Bennani - and his parents have so much to be proud of. He is a natural leader and one of many students who I will never forget.
Back in North Carolina - I say goodbye to each student who leaves my room and I tell them to have a good day. I mean it - every day, every kid. I don't even think of this - it comes naturally, automatically. For this student - it was not natural or automatic. It stuck with him - and he, along with all of his classmates - will stick with me.
Baracka.
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