From Buenos Aires to Tallahatchie County and Everywhere in Between

"Be Prepared."
Most of you can equate this phrase with the scouting movement in America, and as an Eagle Scout, it is a phrase I always try my best to live by. I didn't realize it at first, but I was more prepared for this job than I really thought I was. From the moment I decided to serve a two-year mission to Argentina, I knew that the experiences that I would have would be beneficial to me at some point down the line. It was an investment of my time, putting in two years of my life, primarily for the benefit of the great, humble people of Argentina that I grew to know, understand, and love. Nevertheless, it was also, to a lesser extent, an investment for myself. A smart investor is able to make a return on just about any kind of investment. Now, by no means do I consider myself an expert investor, but I'll have to go on record and say that I will NEVER make a better investment again during my time on Earth than when I served in Argentina...the profits are rolling in already. I can say with an absolute belief that my work in Argentina has prepared me for the arduous, grueling grind that we call the teaching profession. Does it make me a better teacher than those who have not had the same experiences? Absolutely not. But has it prepared me for this type of physically and mentally draining work? Without a doubt. Is the work now hard? Yes, but not as hard as in Argentina. Am I tired? Yes, but not as tired as I was after walking the streets in Buenos Aires for 10-12 hours EVERY DAY. Do the kids try my nerves? Of course, but that's nothing compared to the daily harassment (both physical and verbal) we faced from some of the people on the streets of Argentina.

Not only did it help prepare me for the trials of teaching (not just in a critical needs area, but teaching in general), but it also prepared me for the priceless rewards that teachers hopefully receive after tirelessly working long hours into the Mississippi autumnal darkness. I can still remember the looks of humble gratitude on the faces of all those people that I was able to help in Argentina, and I have started to get the same looks from some of my students whose trust I have been able to gain and have let their guard down to let me in as more than just another teacher.

I am so very grateful for the preparation that I received through my mission to Argentina. The rewards are endless, and I am reminded of that everyday I am in the classroom.