Mar 06 2008
They call me Mother Goose
by junior Anna Patton
It actually all started before we arrived in country at the airport. The group began to enjoy picking on me for my constant counting and recounting to check for all of our group members, so now my team calls me Mother Goose. I would say that nickname best describes my leadership role here in the Dominican Republic. Pretty much my main responsibility here has been making sure we have everyone when we need everyone. Well, that and reflection.
I must admit Jessica, Myra, and I have had it easy because we have such an amazing team! Our group members really hold each other accountable; we, as a leadership team, barely have to say anything about time or lessons plans or anything really. We cannot be more proud. Our team has made management of this trip an absolute breeze.
On a daily basis, my responsibilities have been making sure all the ladies are downstairs and ready to leave for breakfast, counting to check for all members before leaving the orphanage or the school, confirming that all teaching group leaders have lessons plans, and co-facilitating reflection in the evenings.
This is not say that the trip has gone on without a hitch. One hallmark of this trip is the need for flexibility and adaptation. You may receive general directions but never have a specific plan. On the whole, our team has handled this very well, but it takes a toll on the group after a week. We have also had to overcome some inter-group frustration. It has been difficult living with a team when we have both prepared as separate groups. There has been some tension between groups because we do not know one another nor our schedules. Our group has had its own internal struggles, too. The hardest part is laying down the law to team members that are close friends. While I can differentiate between team members and friends, it is still no fun to enforce generally unpopular decisions.
One part that has been hard for me personally is having the responsibility of the group. I have been a team member on this trip for the past two years. In the past, I have just been able to go with the flow and hang out, which allows me to really soak in the experience. This year, however, I must be on my toes at all times. It does not detract from my ability to be in the moment, but it does add a new element of awareness.
All in all, this has been my favorite year of all. It has further confirmed my desire to work here long term after graduation. The openness, spirit, and energy of the people here never cease to amaze me. I feel like I relate with the culture of Latin America more so than back home. I have met so many amazing people that hold crucial leadership roles at the orphanage, and they have only helped cement my decision…