The End.

Almost a fortnight has passed since I boarded the puddle jumper back to Belize City and I still have thoughts of San Pedro on a daily basis. I have attempted to deal with my crushing burrito withdrawal by looking back over my time in Belize, realizing how truly impactful the experience was. It helped shape my views as a teacher and also allowed me to reach my full potential for consuming debilitating amounts of rice and beans.

As far as the actual teaching goes, one of the major affects this trip had on me was my view of inclusive education. In Belize, there is no real identification process for students with special needs. Instead, the children who would receive modifications or additional support were they to be educated in the States are swept aside in their Belizean classrooms. It made me realize that creating even slight modifications for students with disabilities can make a huge difference in that student’s education. For example, allowing a student who had previously sat in the corner without any interaction to pass out papers or help the teacher collect assignments is a drastic improvement over their prior experience. A child should first and foremost feel comfortable in their classroom, and it is especially important to realize this with students who have special needs. By interacting with these Belizean students, I have gained insight and confidence to teach students with disabilities back in the US.

The reality of this field experience being over is finally starting to sink in. I really hope that someday I’ll be able to return to San Pedro and if not relive the experience, at least create a new one with equally wonderful memories. But for now, I’m off to get ready for graduation in t-minus six hours. I hope I don’t trip.