I am a Lawrence alumnus and currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting at Shenandoah University. I recently spent three weeks in Jacmel, Haiti at the Ecole de Musique Dessaix Baptiste teaching music with Professor Janet Anthony. I made the decision to volunteer there this year after political unrest prevented my travel during the summer of 2005. Since returning to the U.S., I have had the opportunity to consider what I learned and thought it important that I share some reflections with you.
My responsibilities at the school were primarily to teach percussion lessons, to lead sectionals, and to conduct the orchestra and band. This kept me very busy and gave me ample opportunity to hone my skills as a teacher and conductor. I found the students and the Haitian population in general to be talented, energetic, and eager learners as well as beautiful human beings.
Living conditions were not always ideal, which is to be expected in the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. At times we would be without electricity, running water and it was difficult to sleep in the high heat and humidity. Most of the Americans had some sort of malady or another in conjunction with these other difficulties. However, we were never without shelter, something to eat and the company of our friends. And whether buying us some delicious food when we had missed dinner, showing us the best money exchanges in town, or patiently finding the right word in Creole (for those of us with limited language skills), the Haitians were never too busy to help. I realize now looking back, that such trying times only made my fortitude and character that much stronger and adaptable.
Extracurricular activities broadened my perspective on Haiti beyond the days of teaching and provided diversions from the sometimes stressful conditions. We traveled to some of the most breathtaking beaches and waterfall oases I have ever seen. Weekends (usually three-day) provided numerous and varied opportunities for these sort of outings.
While it was inspiring to see such beauty and enthusiasm for music amidst devastating poverty, and professionally rewarding as a musician, it was also frustrating and heartbreaking to witness the conditions of equipment and facilities. I sometimes wondered how the students learned what they did in often highly chaotic practice and rehearsal situations.
I think it is a life-changing experience to live and teach in a third-world country. It is perhaps even more important for liberal arts-educated individuals than for anyone to volunteer in such situations; because of what we can share with a broad, multidisciplinary knowledge base; to further our professional development through teaching experience; and to gain personal, first-hand knowledge of how many other global societies live.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize how valuable this experience was for me. It provided me with varied professional credentials I could not find by remaining in the United States alone. I formed many personal and professional connections which will undoubtedly further my growth as a lifelong learner, and I gained a new perspective on life and humanity in general. I have also been inspired to possibly teach a class Spring Semester 2008 covering Haitian culture and language, in hopes of recruiting more volunteers from Shenandoah.
Seeing the joy on the Haitian students’ faces when they played that one phrase a little better or understood a concept after struggling was unbelievably rewarding. I hope that any future Lawrentian who is so inspired will have the opportunity to share their gifts and receive many in this amazing country.
