Day 3: Lizzy Ettleson

Today was my first day back in second grade in 13 years. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat in tiny chairs in a classroom with alphabet animals lining the walls. The setting brought back memories of my time in Mrs. Powell’s second grade class. Memories of sitting cross-legged on the floor listening to my teacher read and working through double digit addition math exercises. Half way across the world and over a decade later, the same activities are happening in this Grade 2 classroom. This is the class that I’m assisting during my time volunteering at Floreat Primary School. Although the class reminds me of my time in elementary school, stark differences separate the experiences. This class has 35 students in a classroom smaller than mine of 25, each student nearly touching the shoulder of the student next to them. But Mrs. Solomon’s knows each one of her students inside and out, and the passion she exudes is inspiring. I’ve noticed that in general teachers at the school tend to be stricter and the disciplinary action more harsh than in the United States. However, it’s evident the teachers are shaping these students to be good-hearted, productive citizens despite the disadvantaged background so many of the students come from.

At first I was unsure of my role in the classroom. The children were very polite and pleasant when I entered the room, but they too seemed confused on what role I would play in their life. I wasn’t told what to do, and it took time to adjust to a new classroom. But soon I was helping the students with their math exercises, and they were teaching me their version of Duck Duck Goose on the playground. I learned that more often than not eye contact and a smile was met with the same in return. Mrs. Solomons asked me to tell the class about my culture, and I realized that the observation of culture was two-way. They wanted to know if I had met Justin Bieber, and if people in America have dogs. None of these students have ever been to United States so just as they are my window into South African culture, I am their window into America’s.

After volunteering, we hit the beach for a surf lesson! The fifteen of us wet-suited up, grabbed a board, and headed out to the ocean.

We wet-suited up!

I, like many in our group, had never surfed before but were excited to give it a try. According to one of our instructors, it was “flippin’ windy” but we went out anyway. I myself was definitely not short on wipeouts and swallowed a little more salt water than I wanted, but I was so impressed with some of the surf talent in this group! Regardless, I think we all had a blast and are excited to catch some waves next week.