What American Dream?

Question:  Do American public schools have a responsibility to "compensate" for students whose out-of-school experiences aren't as rich or enabling as the experiences of other students? Why or why not? If so, what are some of the ways they should compensate? If not, how does this affect your understanding of the American Dream?

Answer:  Who conducts or identifies the American Dream these days?  Who believes that there is one dream for all people?  I often find myself wondering who fed me the classic lines of "The American Dream" growing up because it was not modeled nor did it come close to the life I was living.  I can vividly remember thinking that the American Dream looked like one of the last scenes in the movie Major Pain.  The part where Major Benson Winifred Payne has a dream that he marries Dr. Emily Walburn, a teacher at the school, and they adopt of have children of their own.  The clip in the movie shows them grilling behind their cute house, with a big yard, surrounded by a white picket fence.  A "bad guy" comes to try to kill the Major and he saves the day and everyone is SOOOOO HAPPY!  Movie Review  Isn't that the ideal dream?  A happy family, with a stable living environment, whose lives are happy and safe?  Well....  it sounds nice to me but the truth is not always so.

The more I learn about the world and our different cultures, I begin to realize that we all have different vantage points.  We all see situations and circumstances differently based on the the lens (the way we grew up, where we grew up, family situation, schooling, race, age, gender, etc) we have inherited.  I use the word inherited because we did not ask to be born to the parent or parents we have nor in the situation or circumstance that we find ourselves in.  With that said, we all have different ideals and values.  We all see the good and the bad of our world differently and therefore, how can there only be ONE "American Dream"?  How is it that ONE dream can satisfy and mold to fit millions of people with different lenses? 

All this to say, One Man's Study suggests that there is no significant link between a school's resources and student achievement after controlling for demographic factors.  In conclusion, this suggests that the school environment is more important than that which is outside. I do not exactly agree with Eric Hanusheck's interpretation of the data but I do agree with the outcome that the school environment is more important from a teacher's perspective.  As a teacher, we cannot control that which happens outside of school.  We cannot control the home life of our students nor the choices that are being made, but we can and will control the environment within the classroom.  With that being said, it is our job as a school to provide all that is necessary for our students to succeed!  I believe that we should be allowing opportunities for students to encounter and experience new things that they may not be able to outside of the classroom.  In a perfect, "American Dream" kind of world, all our students whether rich or poor, would be experiencing the same things and receiving the same quality education!  But then we are quickly diverted back to real life and the understanding that sometime, most times, life is not fair.  Things are not equal and the "American Dream" does not exist for more people!  In this case, I do believe it is our job to compensate for those experiences and opportunities.Some ways in which I see our schools compensating for these experiences are through field trips.  I believe field trips are great ways for students to encounter new things outside of their personal bubble.  Another way of compensating is through the use of technology.  In our world today, technology can do crazy things.  I think we need to invest in our teachers to use technology to its fullest.  We can skype with people from different countries; we can use google Earth to show close up visuals of other parts of the country/world or google docs to communicate via pen pals; we can research topics to become more aware and informed; we can create a virtual experience for students as if they were there, in that specific place!  I personally do not know a lot about technology but know that it can be a life changer in the classroom!

I do not believe it is fair to use the term "responsibility" in the question above.  I would hope that teachers would long to introduce their students to new things and allow them experiences like everyone else.  I think there is a lot of pressure on teachers to do this, do that, work on this, don't forget that... when in all reality, teachers follow a curriculum and structure their lessons accordingly.  If there was free reign and no standardize testing, I would say we all have the responsibility and owe our students the service to do so but....  until that day comes, we need to do what we can and be the best teachers we can be!  ;o)

Back in America!

Back in the US of A!  What a feeling.  To top it all off, in the last three weeks I have returned from Zambia, moved to Chicago, and started grad school.  So far so good but it has been a bit chaotic.  I am getting my Master's in Urban Education and for the last week we have just scratched the surface of stereotypes, hierarchy in education, culture related to culture, and statistics that affect the outcome of student success.  All this information has been super interesting and a rather easy transition because I have been dealing with the same sorts of questions in Africa, but obviously on a different scale.

As I come back after almost 2-years, culture shock wasn't what I thought it would be.  I don't feel like I have had any moments where I couldn't deal with the emotion or understand the struggle between the two cultures, or two lifestyles that I have been living for the last 2-years.  I LOVED life in Zambia and at the same time, I  LOVE life here in America.  They are COMPLETELY different, and that is ok!  I think the hardest thing thus far has been entering into a grad program that focuses so much on urban life and racial diversity for the following reasons:

1)  I try not to compare "our problems" in America to the problems that we faced in Zambia.
2)  Everything we talk about in class from profiling, stereotypes, and achievement gaps we faced in Zambia but on a much different scale.  So it has been interesting to recenter myself and allow statistics to be different and realize that in America, we value things differently.
3)  There is a different level of motivation and self-worth in America.  Generally, people in Zambia are poor, but they have such a drive and motivation to be better.  I had one student who attended my school who walked 4 miles each way just to attend school.  He was very seldom late and he never complained about it.  Education was a priority to him and his grandmother and he knew that was his only way to become a better citizen/man!

So, as we go forward, I am going to forewarn you that I may blog a lot about the comparisons and they struggle between understanding for me, because it is a real struggle!  I don't EVER want to make Chicago problems, AUSL struggles, or American challenges seem less important or worthy, it is just difficult to wrap your mind around things when people in other parts of the world would "give up their life" to be educated.  Long story short, I want to work in urban education because I truly believe that we need adults who are passionate about education, well-round and aware of other worlds to put life into perspective for our students through challenging, encouraging, and motivating environments.  If there is one thing I have realized more and more through my experience and entering grad school classes, we are all more alike than different.  People on every continent suffer the same struggle and fight the same fight but at a different level.

Some of us teachers will be working with ESL students who may experience culture shock. We may be working with students who get moved around every year or every other year; some of us may struggle to connect because of our personal stories or experiences so I have attached a few things I have been reading that may give some insight or things to think about.  These readings are simply about culture shock and reengaging into a community that you are unfamiliar with.  We, as teachers, will need to be able to assist in that transition process while understanding, or trying to understand where they are at!

ESL students and Culture Shock

Thought this was interesting

More in-depth with Culture Shock

Twalamonana!  Stacey

And we're back!

Today is Monday and it is running on three days of being back here in Zambia.  This first night I flew in there was a dance party and what a way to begin.  It was super fun to join with everyone out at Mya and Samuel's house where we ate a lot of food (which was good because I had none at my house) and we danced the night away.  To bad no one was there to complain about Kristi's playlists!  haha.

Things are good.  I am living in the Dream House with two Danish folks named Lena and Jakob.  They both just graduated from college and are here for three months.  So far so good.  Today was my first day at Wiphan and I must say...  it is really weird to be here without Kristin.  It was so awesome to see everyone again!  It was great to see the kids as they came out for break.  They all asked where Kristin was and some even demanded that she return now! haha.  Love it!  But...  off I go.  Gotta run some errands and finish unpacking.  Stay posted for more!

Love you guys!

Dear Friends and Family:

            I am very excited to share with you’ll that I will be moving to Ndola, Zambia for a longer commitment to work with Wiphan USA.  This has been quite the process and I will be returning to America (in March) for just three weeks after doing my first round with Hope Community School throughout the last seven months.

            My time at Hope Community School was exciting and life changing.  Because they go to school all year around, I taught grade five for their last term and then moved up to grade six for their first term of the New Year.  I was left to teach on my own for two months and it was both challenging and encouraging.  I have been able to build a relationship with all 45 of my students that would not have been possible in any other situation.

            I am very sad to leave Hope School and my amazing students but so excited to be transitioning to an organization like Wiphan.  Wiphan strives to live out James 1:27 in such a realistic way!  Wiphan has two schools that care for 400 double orphans, a skill training program for 100 widows, a medical clinic, and 4 orphanages that currently house 15 children.  On top of these things, they strive to live boldly and show Jesus in everything they do.

Look at my Ruth read!!!!

            In Ndola, Zambia 86% of the population lives below the poverty line and 45% are below the age of 14.  The average life expectancy is 38 years primarily due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as Malaria.  With the struggles of everyday life, we long for all who come in contact with Wiphan to be able to encounter the Lord and the hope HE has promised to us!

(Check out Wiphan.org for more information)

            When full time with Wiphan, I will specifically be working with several different programs such as: working hand in hand with all our teachers through organizing curriculum and programming, working with the sponsorship program, and I will also be running a follow-up program for our children who have pass their National Exams.  A small group of us have also started a not for profit called ZAMTeach.  I will be heading up ZAMTeach with another American girl named Kristin, as we strive to encourage, equip, and develop the skills of teachers all over Ndola.  These workshops are open to any school in the city and run every few months.

            With all this said, I am extremely excited to be going back to do life with these people.  We have high hopes and great expectation for what God is going to do through us in the next leg of this journey.  I would love your support and partnership in this project, if not financially, through prayer and encouragement.  If you feel in a place to financially give, you can do so online at: http://www.wiphan.org/donate/donate-one-time/ (one time donation) and http://www.wiphan.org/donate/donate-recurring/ (to support monthly).  Please make sure you put Stacey Ernvall in the memo line and all donations are tax deductible.  My total support needed is $1200 a month for the duration of my time in Zambia.

Thank You For Your Love and Support!

Do Someone Say 10 DAYS...

My my how times is flying.  For some reason I feel like it is going even faster now that I only have 10 days left.  The last couple of weeks have been so busy with Ms. Hannah Moore coming back from Wales and the events with Hope.  The last two Sunday's I preached at Hope and it went well.  I realized that I enjoy the prep time of preparing a sermon as long as I have nothing else to do! haha.

Zambia WINS... Zambia WINS!

On top of that excited, Zambia brought back the Africa Cup for Soccer.  We had celebrated all day and all night for a day or two and that was an experience in itself!  Last weekend Kristin and I ran ZAMTeach's second training for the teachers on Ndola.  It was hard to do with just the two of us but we managed.  We had a decent turn out and we taught on Subject Specifications: English (Phonics) and Math and then Kristin did a section on Classroom Management!  Kristin sent Hope back with some dry erase boards and copies and the kids LOVE THEM!  They stay after... or ask if they can stay after and do work with them everyday!  THANK YOU KRISTIN!

This next week we have sponsors and a board member from Wiphan USA coming.  I am excited to meet with them and get to know them a little better.  This last week I will be celebrating my time with Hope and enjoying the last few days with my class!  They have been singing me a good-bye song the last few days and I am not sure if they are just practicing or if they are ready for me to go! haha.  They are great thought!

The boys got to erase the board and then they dusted their faces!  Silly Boys!

Good-bye



Joanna



The inevitable has finally happened; it is the end of my time here in Zambia. I wish I could adequately write down all of my feelings and the multitude of blessings these past 6 months have showered upon me, but I know I will just come up short. Firstly, I would like to thank all of you at home for the prayers and support. I know I have said it before, but it is so true that without you this time would not have been possible. I feel so selfish having been given this opportunity. If anyone out there has the smallest inkling to serve God, take it. Don’t question it, just go. He will bless whatever you do. In spite of how flawed and insignificant you are He will bless it, cause trust me, I am very flawed and never feel worthy enough to be here surrounded by these amazing people. It has been six months and I am STILL blown away that I am here. It has not been all laughter and smiles, but it still feels like an amazing dream that in no way can actually be reality.

Okay, now I will try to describe how richly I have been blessed in my last week here. It will probably be short because the longer I write the higher the chances I will bawl all over the laptop and just ruin it so how about I keep it short? The good-byes really started on Sunday (though the tears started days before) with church saying their final good-byes and collecting kwacha for me and mine! Let me tell you, it is an EXTREMELY humbling experience to have some of the poorest of the poor give from their purse to you. I was brought up to dance with the congregation which helped ebb the flow of tears that were falling freely down my face. The next day it was good-bye to both school and Hope House. That was a rough day. It all began with seeing Jane from Hope House, hugging her, feeling her cry underneath my hug, starting to cry myself, and knowing I was done for the entire day. The gifts kept coming, the tears kept coming, and more dancing was forced upon me to try and make me smile instead of cry. At Hope House there was a feast fit for a king laid out, and after I sobbed like a baby while they sang good-bye to me, and was forced to dance some more, they pulled me to the center of the room and all of the kids from the orphanage sang and prayed over me. These children, well actually more like young adults, are too amazing to put into words, and the power of their prayers is incredible. How I wish I could still possess child-like faith. The good-byes with my family ended just as it began, with dancing, singing, laughter, and many pictures. To my other abusungu’s, I have not forgotten about you. Clara Marie and Peter, Jay and Josh, Marci, Bill, and Aiden, and most importantly Stacey, Kristin, and Kristi, ya’ll have made my time here so much richer than I could have imagined. Your support and understanding, laughter and blunt truth, and basically just being you, has made my time more wonderful than I thought possible. I have been too much blessed. I know you at home may not want to hear this, but it has been hard to leave. I feel as if a huge chunk of my heart has been left with Zambia and am not quite sure what to do without it. It is just another home for me, and I have to tell myself that someday I will be back and see my African family again.



Hope House

Shalinepo (spelling Stac?) Zambia. I love you and will miss you dearly,

Sara Anne Blumenshine

“Although mementos can be preserved or displayed behind glass, memories live on in the heart, where they deepen and resonate over the years, providing strength and comfort in times of need.”                     –Unknown Author





Family (minus Humphrey who is never around for pictures. Sorry brother)



Holiday....Celebrate!

That's right; Stacey and I finally took a holiday. Our destination was the beautiful, serene, ever so lovely Lake Malawi. Bright and early Monday, December 26th, Stacey, myself, and our two friends Kristi and Jay began our long journey. Thanks to some amazing missionary friends, The Pedersons, we were able to hitch a ride with them in Lusaka, making the 11+ hr drive much more pleasant than expected.

I won't bore you with the details, but instead let the pictures do the talking today. Every morning (even the rainy ones) were just gorgeous, the water was warm and refreshing, the sun perfect for tanning/burning me to a crisp, and outside of a life threatening snorkeling adventure (which was quite pretty until the current decided to steal my snorkel), it was an extremely relaxing and rejuvenating week.

View from our porch

Biting it while tubing :)

We are now back to school, and I am trying to cram in as many hugs and memories in before I leave. However, I still have this week left so we aren't talking about that whole ugly departure thing yet.

Loves to all,

Sara Anne

P.S. Hope received a 100% passing rate for their seventh graders' final exams. Praise Him!