Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016

So, today was an interesting day. In true Belizean fashion, I had to figure out a way to "go with it." I did my professional development class today and I feel like it went fairly well. Of course, looking back I made mental notes of about 10,000 things I should have done differently. But, I am proud that I made it through it and everyone seemed to have a good time by the end. I am also proud that I was able to adapt and move forward.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the day was when I spoke with Ms. Delia. She is amazing. Delia is going to be going to the United States to get her Master’s Degree soon. I respect her for that because I know leaving home is not easy. But perhaps even more interesting and valuable is the passion she has behind her city and culture. Delia lives near New Horizons. Today, she took me to the gym at the Junior College- she pointed and told me how this one small space is all the community has for large events. Delia proceeded to tell me that sporting events are held here, weddings, graduations, community gatherings. This one area is a wealth of value for the community. The problem, as Delia put it, is that this is the only area. She seemed remorseful that the community has grown so much, businesses are popping up, and yet, there is no area for families to play. There are few parks, there are no community centers. These areas which could be so valuable for community wealth have been traded in for financial gain.

Delia and I continued to talk for a little while. We shared some similarities and differences, we shared some cultural information, we shared some life stories. Delia and I talked for about a half hour. And at one point of talking to me, she turned and said I have to pick 3 areas for my Master’s. She said she has Leadership and Administration, but she didn’t know what the third should be. Then she asked me- a total stranger. I smiled and said “advocacy.” I told her the passion she described about her town, what better way to make a difference than to advocate. If the local community doesn’t have a voice for it, then no one will care enough to make the changes she so wants to see. It was a wonderful afternoon and conversation.