By Joan
Prior to volunteering at Taller de José in August, 2010, I had taught Spanish, Italian and Etymology for 38 years at the high school level. I was so blessed during my life to have a career that I enjoyed so much. It was hard to leave but I just knew it was the right decision. I had decided that in retirement, I wanted to spend time with the Hispanic community because of my love for the language, culture and people. I was aware, after a few months, that I had made the right choice. My admiration for the people grew as they gently, with confidence, shared their stories with me with the hope that I might ease any doubts or pain or suffering that they were experiencing at the time. I fell in love with the staff as I watched them selflessly, listen, search for answers and accompany our clients.
Last summer I went to lunch at a former colleague’s house to reunite with one of our German teachers who was now living and teaching in Germany. There were other teachers there and one of them was a friend who was teaching Spanish. I had heard she was pregnant and I knew the school was looking for someone to cover her maternity leave. When she saw me, she expressed her desire for me to come and take her classes. I told her I would think about it but I really did not want to leave Taller for 12 weeks. Did I still have it? Was I still capable of putting up with Freshmen and Sophomores for such an extended period of time? Could I leave Little Village and the staff? Why was I even considering this? My retired friends thought I was a bit crazy.
I did do it. I often say that Taller serves as a bridge between the people and the services available to them. We sit, we listen and we walk with them wherever they have to go. I was still a bridge for those 12 weeks but it was between the young people I was in daily contact with and the community I try to serve. I not only taught them the language and the importance of being bilingual, I introduced them to a whole new world not that far away from where they live. I shared stories of my clients, their daily struggles and their hopes for the future. I was someone they saw as their Spanish teacher but also someone who had contact with real Spanish speaking people…as awkward as that sounds. I know what I said had an impact on some of them because when I saw their parents at conferences or in the community, they told me that their child had shared something I had said about Taller. I spoke to the Spanish Club and they donated the proceeds from their time in the concession stands at basketball games to our organization.
I missed Taller and my clients very much but I do feel that my time spent back in high school was where I was supposed to be. “Bloom where you are planted.” Maybe, just maybe I sprinkled a few seeds about shared humanity in those young, fertile minds and they will think about lives of service in their futures.
Well written, Joan!
Sometimes, the connections we make return to “haunt” us in the most positive ways. One day, you may find that the stories you shared with those students motivated one of them or one of their parents to become involved with Taller.
Great article/blog! “Bloom where you are planted!” Any place we are, is a great place to make connections! The HS kids got their horizons expanded through your experiences, and the Taller folks probably came to appreciate you even more, once you returned! Thanks, Joan! You edify and challenge me! ‘So grateful!