Now is the time I’ve been nervous about for months and months and months: the moment I talk about students I love very much, while asking for a HUGE sum of money to allow them to take advantage of a really important opportunity.
I’ve wanted to share my thoughts and concerns for awhile now, but wanted to do it in a way that felt genuine. My heart is pounding as I write out the next few pages, and I hope you ALL are willing to help me out – in one way or another.
I want to explain all of my concerns, but I don’t want you to get bored while reading, so I’ll give you the condensed version. Because I am not originally from Martin County, and because I am a teacher representing an often misunderstood or educationally controversial organization (Teach for America), I am nearly always aware of my “outsider-ness.” Even though I’m from rural Appalachia, I don’t quite fit the bill when it comes to “familiar.” I have been blessed with so much more than I deserve, and it is entirely due to my parents – both college graduates with the understanding that global perspectives, service, and awareness foster great minds (well, mostly/sometimes great in my case)! I went on mission trips growing up – most memorably, a trip to Reynosa, Mexico when I was in Middle School. That trip certainly placed my life on a specific path, generally inclined towards humanitarian efforts and volunteerism. Without that opportunity, I’m convinced I would not be in Martin County today, as this trip was the catalyst for other similar trips, both international and domestic.
I feel very motivated to do whatever I can, wherever I can. Being a 9th Grade English teacher in Eastern Kentucky is no different, but I’m very careful not to project my opinions onto my students. My job is to give them skills to think critically, not to tell them what to think.
(We are getting to the students, I promise)!
I was so surprised when I had students approach me about some of the opportunities I’ve had revolving around volunteerism and service. I was even more surprised when I had over 40 students sign up for an initial interest meeting. The destination? Lima, Peru. The goal? Sustainable volunteer work, typically involving childcare or education. Eventually, that number dwindled down to 7 students who were incredibly invested in the idea of this trip. (I firmly believe, however, that the number would have been larger, had we been in a more affluent region of the country, but that’s another story for another time).
Now, after an application process and approval from the Board of Education, my coworker and I established the Cross-Cultural Service Club wherein 7 Student Service Ambassadors have begun actively representing our school within the Martin County community. These Ambassadors have volunteered this summer with the Federally Funded feeding program, which fed over 500 students lunch for six weeks in June and July. They have volunteered at Appalachian Reach Out (with connections to my church here in Inez), and also the local animal shelter. Over the next few months, these students will also be mentoring young students in the elementary schools, and will be picking up litter in the county several times.
These are just a few of the sectors in which the Ambassadors feel inspired to serve, and I am genuinely excited to see where else they will feel called.
I hope you’re still reading, because the best is yet to come — MEET THE AMBASSADORS!
Hunter is a Sophomore at SCHS. I had the privilege of having him in class last year, and he is truly one of a kind. This child can walk into a room and brighten EVERYONE’S day. He is a jokester (he split his pants last year attempting a toe touch), but cares for animals with a fervency I cannot explain in words. A story to illustrate his patience and grace, especially with animals:
“Hunter was helping me walk the dogs at the shelter. And, Halie, there’s this one dog that everyone kinda makes fun of. I know that sounds so sad, but it’s true. All of a sudden, I hear Hunter speaking so softly to this animal, and he’s saying ‘Hi, baby. You’re such a pretty girl. You wanna go on a walk? I know you do. I’m going to take you, because you deserve it.’ I nearly fell on the floor, because this dog is absolutely unbearable, but he adores Hunter.”
Hunter could go to any school in the country on intellect alone, but with his heart, he could cultivate real, meaningful change here in Martin County and beyond. He has never left the country, and did not ever think he would have the opportunity to do so.
Sheena is a Sophomore, as well. Not only did I have Sheena in class last year, I also coach her in Soccer. Today, Sheena saw me in the hallway and stopped me just to give me a hug. “I just love you,” she said as I really, honestly, tried not to cry. She’s a comforter, observer, and worrier. She hasn’t had the easiest time at home due to circumstances totally outside of her control, but luckily, her Aunt and Uncle legally adopted her a few years back. Now, she plays soccer, attends church with her family a couple times a week, and still manages to take the most difficult classes at school. Her favorite thing to do is call me “Halie,” which is technically frowned upon, since I’m an educator and whatnot. However, with Sheena’s smile and contagious happiness, all I can do is laugh. Her ability to recognize another person’s unease, and respond with empathy and maturity beyond her years, is truly captivating to behold.
Autumn is also a Sophomore. Autumn is quieter than some of the other members of the group, but I believe it is in this quiet awareness that her inner beauty, her kind nature, really shines. Autumn need not be the center of attention, despite being a cheerleader and Honors Student. Her tendency towards kindness despite the peer pressure and competitiveness associated with both of these cohorts is refreshing in an age where materialism, vanity and bad decision-making go hand in hand. I am proud of the young woman she is becoming, miss her sweet disposition in class this year, and feel as though this trip will instill in her the realization that even the quiet can positively influence another.
Aaron, also a Sophomore, is unique among the Ambassadors. Aaron, from the moment I announced the interest meeting to the time we selected the Ambassadors, was always so hopeful that he could go on the trip. His parent
s, who have 6 other children to take care of, were more than apprehensive to agree to let him go. His mom and dad both recognize how much this would increase his chances of getting into Stanford (his DREAM school), but are also constantly bombarded with terrifying images of the world we live in.
Despite these images and fears, they are agreeing to help fundraise and agreeing to let him go. The farthest destination Aaron has travelled to is Tennessee, but his parents recognize the significance of this opportunity so much so that they are letting him go. I am in awe of their sacrifice despite their fears, and I have made it my personal mission not only to help him apply to Stanford in a couple years, but to be with him the first time he is on an airplane.
Giving Aaron his congratulatory letter once we selected the 7 ambassadors was one of the highlights, thus far, in teaching. With tears in his eyes, he just kept asking me if he could really go on the trip, in complete disbelief and joy at the thought of lending a helping hand to someone else.
Hannah is our final Sophomore. To describe Hannah as a “go-getter” is quite an understatement – offensive, even. Hannah is a member of the Volleyball team, Softball team, Book Club, FCCLA, her church choir, the Cross-Cultural Service Club, and whoknowswhatelse. She is a natural born leader, with a heart for Jesus. She is patient, but is persistent – if you give her a task, she will complete that task as carefully as possible. Having Hannah in class was an absolute joy – she’s the type of student teachers dream of. Having Hannah in this club is even more uplifting, since I get to witness her passion for improvement and progress – she wants to be a motivational speaker one of these days, and not only does it make sense, it seems like a profession hand-picked for her.
Austin is a junior, and when my cosponsor saw he had submitted an application, she was initially confused and surprised. Austin is an intensely quiet person and can be hard to get to know. Upon meeting and getting to know Austin, however, it is clear that his heart is one for service. His sole mission seems to be making a difference in the lives others, and he never fails to have a shy smile on his face. Along with being naturally shy, Austin, is also intensely intelligent has as a sharp wit. He’s not afraid to ask questions when he has them, and oh does he have them! His schoolwork is impeccable and his taste in literature unfailingly brilliant. I have no doubt he will reach any dream he pursues.
Brody, our final ambassador is also a junior. But having Brody in class is not like having any other 15-16 year old in class. He may have red hair and wear glasses, but Brody has an old soul. He’s been mature way longer than his classmates and speaks about everything from pop culture to last night’s homework assignment like it comes naturally for him, like he’s been doing it for years. Brody is not the typical “A+” type intelligent, though his grade point average is one to behold. He is naturally curious and works hard until things make sense to him. If Brody gets it, he gets it. There is no need to review or rehash that information – he’s got it. Brody is also the kind of student who makes friends with many different kinds of people. He can carry on conversations with adults and his peers from many different peer groups simultaneously, and his friendly disposition doesn’t falter. Brody knows what’s important in life, and he’s not afraid to stand up and say what needs to be said, even when it’s his own opinion. He remains true to himself, always representing the most genuine parts that make Brody, just Brody.
As you can see, these student Ambassadors are pretty remarkable. One of my greatest fears for them, unfortunately, is a byproduct of a situation they had absolutely no control over. Being from West Virginia, I remember how difficult it was to adapt in college – I was constantly fighting against stereotypes I had no clue still existed. The place I was born, for reasons no one can explain, firmly attached cords of steel to my feet. I don’t say “nice” like people on TV, and I certainly never considered what it would be like to go to school somewhere that didn’t offer 100% free lunches for students, due to the economic climate of the community.
I was asked during my freshman year at a Private Liberal Arts College in Charlotte, North Carolina, in front of an entire class, if I was married to my cousin and if I had teeth. They were joking, and their intention was not to exercise their privilege of location. However, I never got over those stares of superiority. At least now I can smile and remind people who comment on my accent that dialect has absolutely no correlation with intelligence.
My students can be doctors, lawyers, astronauts, missionaries, teachers, nurses, preachers, etc.
My students can go to Harvard, Stanford, Yale, or the University of Kentucky.
My students, however, have steel cords attached to their feet based on their geography; based on their zip code.
I hope, through FULL SPONSORSHIPS, that their motivation and inclination towards service will act, instead, as wings, thus breaking those metaphorical cords of location.
I hope that through FULL or PARTIAL sponsorships, I can get these Ambassadors up in the sky with wings of steel, on a journey to a developing nation, bringing back skills and perspective that will help them continue to make real, meaningful change here in Inez.
Let’s give these students every opportunity possible – every opportunity other high school students in other parts of the country do not fear losing. I’m at a loss for how else to raise all this money – each student’s program fees and airfare comes to about $3,200. Full or Partial sponsorships seem the best and most realistic way to make this happen. If you or someone you know feels motivated/called/ or inspired by these kids (who have utterly changed my life), and want to help them serve their local and global community, please reach out to me – or don’t, and just head to the website below:
https://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/public-fundraising?id=0061300001FVSTZAA5
(If you see the total fundraising goal and feel confused, it’s because we broke down the goal into 3 parts so that it didn’t look so intimidating)!
Any questions about this opportunity can be directed at me via email, text message, phone call, Facebook, carrier pigeon, etc. I’ll walk to your home or place of business to pick up a check if I have to.
Finally, to close, I want to add a note about my own belief in them, a current dilemma I’m facing in my life, and a way I am trying to marry both of these things in a way that is meaningful and necessary:
This year, if my family and friends asks me what I want for Christmas, I will be responding with “I want my 7 students to see the world, serve the world, and recognize they have value that then inspires others to follow in their footsteps.”
I’m not doing Christmas presents this year. In other words, mom, if you’re reading this, I really won’t accept gifts. (This is my personal dilemma). You see, I have been increasingly aware of my materialism over the past few months. For me personally, materialism affects my ability to love fully. I believe the “things” I have, blind me from my desire to be Christ-Like. They blind me, currently, from loving other people completely. I’m too concerned with STUFF.
Now, don’t consider me some kind of weird, attention-seeking do-gooder. I’m laughing at the thought of me, put on some pedestal. (And I’m still feeling self-conscious as I type this for fear of what people might think about this decision). I’m definitely not burning my clothes and bashing in my guitar. I’m only making this call because I felt like it was necessary for me this year, not because I seek applause. Technically, I’m not even happy about the idea of NOT getting new boots for Christmas. But, I’m really trying to remember the life of Jesus, and remember that there are things happening in our world that deserve my attention more than the gifts under the tree come December.
As I was deciding how to share this Christmas decision, I felt like my friends and family might roll their eyes and think, “well, we HAVE to get you something” and then proceed to go shopping, regardless of my wishes. A nice compromise I found, then, was to say “do not buy me scarves, help me buy plane seats and food and safe lodging for these awesome kids who want to go volunteer!’
If you were going to spend $5 on me this Christmas, just click that link above, and make a $5 donation. It is for wonderful students. Trust me, they deserve nothing but the best and I guess I am asking for so much money because I believe in them so much. They’ve forever changed my life, and if I could pay for each one of them, I would in a heartbeat. And yet, I’m a teacher, and can’t even pay my phone bill sometimes (shout out to you, DAD)…so here we are.
Finally, one last request of ALL OF YOU. If you feel comfortable and willing, SHARE THIS POST. Share my kids. Share their passion and motivation. Help me help them help others. They will find, I believe, that life is even brighter when you invest in another person, lifting them out of whatever temporary haze is dimming their light.
With love, appreciation, and gratitude,
Halie
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
After L.A., we headed East to Las Vegas. I was nervous about this experience, to be honest. My foot had been bothering me for a couple days, and I didn’t really think I was in the mood for Sin City. I’ve never been a huge partier, and I certainly don’t know my way around a slot machine. I lost five dollars instantly, just by looking at the machine. However, I was really shocked by how laid back Las Vegas was. Granted, we were there on a Tuesday night right after a holiday, but the place kinda felt like a ghost town.
haliewanders 