“Sir, you made me feel like a little girl. Thank you,” said the twenty year old Grade Eight learner as she sat down with teary eyes.  An odd compliment, that was followed by many thank-yo’s from learners from all the grades.  Some learners that I never even taught came and shook my hand, thanking me for being at Eloolo.  This happened throughout my last couple of days at the school, commencing in a surprise-going-away party, thrown by the staff for me. I walked into the staff room to a standing ovation.  Then, each staff member, had something genuine and unique to say about how I affected the school, the learners, community, and even them.  They even presented me with a traditional cup and bowl carved out of Mopane wood. Needless to say, this all touched me and each thank-you made my final good-bye even harder.

            Yet, I feel like I should be thanking them.  I hope that my colleagues, community, and learners understand that this was a mutual exchange.  Many of the presumptions about Africa that I had have been shattered. At the same time, the many stereotypes of America that my friends and students had, have also been corrected.  But the exchange goes further than that.  The wonderful simplicity, friendliness, and generosity, that comes with being a Namibian, will certainly stick with me and hopefully make those who I come into contact with in the future, have a better life. I learned those things through sharing, conversations, food, training, and much more. These have all led to my ability to see people as individuals and a culture, and will help me to become the enriching teacher I hope to be. 

            Before my last few days, I was unsure of the impact I left.  Yes, I knew I had helped in many simple ways, but would I leave a lasting effect on this school and the community.  Again, the thank-yous began to confirm that I had helped many learners.  But, maybe I had just helped them by providing them a break? Maybe I was the teaching-clown that allowed them to relax and be entertained?  These thank-yous seemed heartfelt, but I still could not confirm that I had really made a difference. But, one of the teachers pulled me aside and informed me that he had heard many of my learners talking about how the exams they just took (English writing), had been the easiest they had ever taken, because of my teaching. Further, at the staff meeting, many of the teachers thanked me for being a ro-model to them.  I did not expect this.  Teachers who were older than me said that they had learned from my personality, commitment, teaching strategies, etc. that surely have changed them for the better.  I was at a loss for words. 

            This probably sounds like I’m boasting, but I don’t want it to.  Actually, I want to let the people who have helped me come to Namibia know that they are the reason for these thank-yous.  From my family, friends, teachers, and anyone who has ever helped me become who I am today, thank you.  Everyday, I thought of you.  What would you do if you were here?  Would you be lazy? No.  Would you be uncommitted? No.  You would treat everyday as a rare opportunity to learn, teach, and explore.  In the classroom, when I was out on a run, when I was conversing in a bar, I thought of you.  I pushed myself to represent you and me as best I could, everyday.  My successes are equally your successes, and I hold these meaningful thank-yous as a toast.

            So, how was my time here in Namibia?  I can’t explain it in words, but I promise you that it has been an invaluable educational experience that Namibians and Americans have benefited and will both benefit from.   With the most conviction text can give, thank you for helping me along the way and to reach this point.  One of my most memorable experiences here was after a good history lesson.  A learner came up to me and said, “Sir, you taught very well today, thank you.”  That gratitude, my lessons, my time in Namibia, I dedicate to you.