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The Dalai Lama often talks about *not wasting time* print storyFebruary 03, 2012 Educational Support Tibet, India
As one might expect, minutes before I taught my first English class at ES Tibet, looking out onto ten,young, eager Tibetan adults, I was feeling a bit nervous. I whispered this to a student who was sitting next to me as we waited for class to begin. He reached for my hand and said, "Please don't be nervous. You are our family now. " Since this first day, my husband and I have been enfolded in the connectedness, welcoming, and belonging which emanates from the family of students, teachers, cook, and manager within the Education School of Tibet. The students' genuine smiles, contagious laughter, the sweet singing of stirring Tibetan melodies coming from the kitchen while the cookprepares breakfast, young people walking on the roof early in the morning reading their latest novel, to friendly but exciting volleyball, basketball, and table tennis matches, and monthly dance parties, transform thisschool into a family and home. These young people exuded love, friendship, tolerance, perseverance, and a powerful resilience, and warmly invite you in to their embrace.Choephel, the school manager, is a dedicated, delightful, and an energetic supervisor. He is deeply committed to the well-being of everyone at the school and provides a wonderful and wise example for the students. Ihave listened intentlyas these courageous, intelligent, and spirited students openly share theirremarkable stories through poetry, essays, and chats over afternoon tea or lunch; stories depicting painful and difficult decisions to leave their country, family, and friends,and the harrowing journeys they endured to escape. The students all left Tibet for a multitude of reasons, but there is a single common denominator that unites them: their passion, motivation and drive to access and consume education. Students are up before the sun and study for two hours before the 8 o'clock breakfast bell. In class, they are motivated, fully engaged learners, taking each opportunity to not only enrich their language skills, but to learn from each opportunity offered. The Dali Lama often talks about “not wasting time.†These students embody this practice. They are delightful students who do not miss an opportunity to thank you and show their great appreciation that you have taken time out of your life to assist them. Our small contribution of sharing and teaching our native language will provide them an greater opportunity to create a life of independence and self-sufficiency, and hopefully assist them in preserving and sharing their brilliant stories, rich culture, and historical traditions with the rest of the world. In turn, we are the true beneficiaries a glimpse into a culture so rich, stories so extraordinary, and an attitudes so inspiring. As a teacher at ES Tibet, I am humbled each day. As a teacher at ES Tibet, I am the most gracious student. By Dana Comments |
