Intern Journal: Do Whatchya Wanna!
Having received my work assignment by e-mail before heading to Palestine, I worried about all the blank spaces that pocketed my class schedule. In order to preempt what I was sure would be long lazy days, I packed a bag full of epic novels and slung my travel guitar over my shoulder. By the time I left in April, I was sure that I would be not only incredibly well-read but also be ready to take on the open-mic circuit. Six weeks in and I’ve only barely put a dent in my bookshelf while the guitar has collected more dust here than it does at home!
So where does all that time go? Everywhere, and anywhere!
Since our first day of orientation, we have been encouraged to take ownership of our classes and our role as interns. The four of us newbies were each shown an empty classroom, and told to make it our own. We were given basic class outlines, and instructed to devise curricula. We were introduced to our volunteers, and encouraged to develop friendships.
What we were never asked to do was take on an extra piano class, start a soccer league, make connections in the community, or finish a mural. But all of this, and more, has happened.
Too many people go to work each day only to go home again at night. They do nothing that isn’t explicitly asked of them, contribute comparatively little to their employing organization and are bound by rigid, though often abstract, responsibilities and expectations.
What a treat it is to work here at TYO amongst an incredible group of people, striving to fulfill and incredible mission, with an incredible amount of support on so many levels.
When Leila’s piano class overflowed with students the first few weeks, she decided to add a second class. I’m not entirely sure if she ever asked permission, or just did it, but either way, it’s happening, and that many more kids are getting that much more exposure to the beautiful world of music education.
Through his Big Brother course, Colin quickly recognized that the local youth are deprived of opportunities for socially-productive physical exercise. So, he went about writing a proposal for a soccer league. Volunteer Coordinator Ahmad has helped secure translators for the league, Outreach Coordinator Futoon helped recruit kids, Sports Teacher Haitham has generously loaned us equipment, Intern Coordinator Chelsey has provided all the support in the world and Center Director Humaira signed off on our procurement form for two new soccer balls, without which the league would be a mere mirage!
A few weeks ago, Humaira was overheard musing about how she wished that the mural outside was finished. Without delay, Chelsey organized an impromptu lesson in mural-making from the art teacher, Rimach. By the time the weekend rolled around our fingertips were cut to pieces and our skin felt like lizard hide. However, the long stagnant mural was finally completed and we all got a little bit more Vitamin-D, from working outside, then we have in weeks past!
The cut fingers has made it tricky to play music, but who has time for that when I could be reviewing reports with Ahmad or helping Core Child Teacher Maram write her weekly update in English! Reading is more tactually possible but there’s always the volunteer who’s anxious for a guitar lesson or Facilities Assistant Um Ibrahim who’s ready to chat, nevermind that she and I share no more than four words in any given language!
But then again, at then end of the day, when lesson plans are finished and my computer is turned off, I’m free to lie on the couch and reflect, watch year old episodes of Treme in lieu of attending Mardi Gras, or just stand outside and wonder whether the beautiful mountainside is real, or merely a Hollywood backdrop.
If you’re ever bored here at TYO you could always ask someone if they need help with anything, or, then again, you could just do whatchya wanna!
