When I was in school, these were words I loved to hear - school. is. out. Freedom! Lately, however, I find myself liking these words less and less. Let me explain.
The Liberian school year is broken up into 6 marking periods. Typically, a period consists of 5 weeks of instruction and then one week of testing (kind of like high school exam week we would have at the end of the semester). This is how the first two periods went. Third period, however, is quite different. Because of when the school year started and when Christmas break falls, Period 3 ends of getting the short end of the stick; to be precise, we only have 3 weeks of teaching before our week of testing in the third period. That means 15 days. Fifteen days to give 4 homework assignments, 3 quizzes, and prepare for a cumulative exam. And most of my classes only meet 3 days each week anyway... so yes, that means 9 days to do all this.
You can imagine my frustration when, preparing to sprint-teach my way through nine days in each class, I found out school was canceled. Last Tuesday Montserrado County had run-offs for the senatorial election, so school was canceled county wide. Down to 8 days in some classes. Then last week we found out that today, Monday the 30th would be a day off as well - President Tubman's birthday. That's right - I'm down to 7 days in some of my classes... for the whole period! It's nuts!!
Let's be honest - I still love a day off. Sleeping in, doing some leisurely reading, updating my blog... all good things. But I'm also discovering that a day off of school can be a little frustrating from the teacher perspective, especially when it is unplanned! But for now we're just going with the flow and trying to do as much as we can in the days we have left.
I would ask that your thoughts and prayers be with the students - it is a busy semester for them indeed! Pray that my math students would have increasingly more confidence and motivation as the year goes on. Math is a clear least favorite subject for many students, and I can tell that many of them have given up on the idea that they could ever succeed in math... pray that they won't give up. Pray for my students in Bible class as we move into talking more directly about sex and the choices they have. Pray that they will know that they DO have choices when it comes to sex, and pray that they will trust themselves enough to make good choices with their futures in mind. Pray for Ricks in general, that the school would continue to grow and improve each day as they work to bring hope to Liberia by giving each student unique and wonderful opportunities. I love the school motto; it reads, "Not for self, but for others." Pray that I will be able to live this out in my life each day.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Birthdays Aren't The Only Things That Can Be Belated
So Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to you all! I had wonderful intentions for a cliche Thanksgiving blog in which I wrote in length about all the things I am thankful for and included a few sentimental notes about all of you. However, lack of internet yesterday precluded any such blog from ever being written. And now that it's the day after Thanksgiving, I couldn't possibly say thank you to anyone... ;)
In all seriousness, I admit that Thanksgiving day was a bit lack-luster for me. Like anyone else living outside of the States experienced, Thanksgiving was just another day. I went to school, taught classes, gave quizzes, graded, tried to use the internet, ate some bread and nuts for dinner, and had an all-around ordinary day. I have been battling a cold for the last week-ish, so I spent most of the day just trying to get some rest and feel better. I did get to call home and talk to everyone who went to my house for Thanksgiving, so that was fun. Otherwise it was an average day.
But what is Thanksgiving really supposed to be about? I admit that I have never conducted a thorough study of the first Thanksgiving and don't claim any historical fact to what I am about to say. But my understanding of Thanksgiving is that it was a day when two groups of people, formerly enemies, set aside their differences - at least for one day - to come together and celebrate that which they both needed and received... food from the harvest. I imagine, like many Thanksgivings all across America, there were akward moments at the dinner table. I imagine there were some people who didn't get as much corn as they wanted, or whose favorite kind of pie was gone by the time they got through the serving line. Perhaps some people wished they could be present for the meal but were kept away for one reason or another.
I certainly missed Thanksgiving, and missed being with my friends and family (and delicious food) on this special Thursday. But maybe it's a good reason for me to think about what really makes Thanksgiving day a day of thanks. If it is about setting aside differences and finding common ground with people, perhaps I'm celebrating Thanksgiving each day I am here in Liberia. If it is about being grateful for what you have been given even in the absence of things you wish you had, this is a lesson I am being taught daily. If Thanksgiving is an occasion to look for the goodness in others and celebrate possible alliances, shouldn't we all be celebrating every day?
I miss turkey, and mashed potatoes, and stuffing, and green beans, and warm rolls and pie... but maybe this year will help to make Thanksgiving each year to come a bit more meaningful and help me to remember the true spirit of Thanksgiving every day in between.
In all seriousness, I admit that Thanksgiving day was a bit lack-luster for me. Like anyone else living outside of the States experienced, Thanksgiving was just another day. I went to school, taught classes, gave quizzes, graded, tried to use the internet, ate some bread and nuts for dinner, and had an all-around ordinary day. I have been battling a cold for the last week-ish, so I spent most of the day just trying to get some rest and feel better. I did get to call home and talk to everyone who went to my house for Thanksgiving, so that was fun. Otherwise it was an average day.
But what is Thanksgiving really supposed to be about? I admit that I have never conducted a thorough study of the first Thanksgiving and don't claim any historical fact to what I am about to say. But my understanding of Thanksgiving is that it was a day when two groups of people, formerly enemies, set aside their differences - at least for one day - to come together and celebrate that which they both needed and received... food from the harvest. I imagine, like many Thanksgivings all across America, there were akward moments at the dinner table. I imagine there were some people who didn't get as much corn as they wanted, or whose favorite kind of pie was gone by the time they got through the serving line. Perhaps some people wished they could be present for the meal but were kept away for one reason or another.
I certainly missed Thanksgiving, and missed being with my friends and family (and delicious food) on this special Thursday. But maybe it's a good reason for me to think about what really makes Thanksgiving day a day of thanks. If it is about setting aside differences and finding common ground with people, perhaps I'm celebrating Thanksgiving each day I am here in Liberia. If it is about being grateful for what you have been given even in the absence of things you wish you had, this is a lesson I am being taught daily. If Thanksgiving is an occasion to look for the goodness in others and celebrate possible alliances, shouldn't we all be celebrating every day?
I miss turkey, and mashed potatoes, and stuffing, and green beans, and warm rolls and pie... but maybe this year will help to make Thanksgiving each year to come a bit more meaningful and help me to remember the true spirit of Thanksgiving every day in between.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Applying Myself
Pausing from updates about my Liberian adventure for a moment, I wanted to update you all on another part of my life that has been on my mind quite a bit lately... what happens after Liberia. Many people hesitate to ask me the "what comes after Liberia?" question for fear that I have no idea and will be stressed out by this question. But fear not, I have an answer!! This plan has actually been in the works since before I found out I was even coming to Liberia.
Here's the plan: I'm going back to school... "because I want to know what the 19th grade is like." I knew when I entered the Master's program at Wake Forest that getting my PhD would be the next step; it was just a matter of figuring out where I wanted to go and what exactly I wanted to do. I'm happy to say that I did get this "all figured out" during graduate school, so my decision to take a year off and come to Liberia instead of continuing on to school immediately was a hard decision to make. I know I did the right thing, and know that Liberia is where I am supposed to be right now. But, I also feel confident that being back in school is where I need to be next year.
Sadly, going back to school is not as easy as just deciding to go. It seems you actually have to apply to go back and then hope someone actually accepts you... go figure ;) Right now I am in the midst of the application process... I am applying to nine schools and have completed 5 applications. Over the half way point! At times I really enjoy the application process - it's fun to think about all the different places I could end up next year and the various things I could be doing. At other times, however, the process drives me crazy, as it does everyone who goes through it. Between application fees (ouch!), internet outages, and endless writing and re-writing of personal statements, it can be a bit stressful. Thankfully I have my mom back home helping me mail all of my "hard copy" materials (thanks mom!). But thankfully the light at the end of the tunnel is growing closer and closer... then it's time to let the waiting begin!
At this point you may be asking, "OK, so what do you want to do?" I am applying to community psychology and applied research programs. Basically, community psychology goes beyond the individual level to examine more contextual factors - cultural, economic, political, environmental, etc. - and to attempt to address social problems and promote positive development through working with individuals, organizations, communities, governments, etc. So in my future career, I could take an issue such as poverty, conduct research to answer questions about poverty (what puts people in poverty, what keeps people in poverty, how can people get out of poverty, what effect does living in poverty have on individuals) and then apply the knowledge I gain from research to actually help people and try to alleviate poverty and its detrimental effects. I could work in a government, social service, or even public policy setting. I know, it's pretty exciting!!
As far as the schools I am applying to go, here's the rundown: University of Virginia, Georgetown, University of Michigan, New York University, Michigan State University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Vanderbilt, NC State, and Penn State. I have some favorites in there, but I would be happy to go to any of those schools! So, although I certainly have a plan of sorts for next year, I have no idea where in the world I'll end up. Applications due dates range from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15, and then I should start hearing back sometime late February or March. I love where I am right now, but am also excited to see what the future holds. I will keep you all posted as I begin to hear back from schools and make some big decisions!
Here's the plan: I'm going back to school... "because I want to know what the 19th grade is like." I knew when I entered the Master's program at Wake Forest that getting my PhD would be the next step; it was just a matter of figuring out where I wanted to go and what exactly I wanted to do. I'm happy to say that I did get this "all figured out" during graduate school, so my decision to take a year off and come to Liberia instead of continuing on to school immediately was a hard decision to make. I know I did the right thing, and know that Liberia is where I am supposed to be right now. But, I also feel confident that being back in school is where I need to be next year.
Sadly, going back to school is not as easy as just deciding to go. It seems you actually have to apply to go back and then hope someone actually accepts you... go figure ;) Right now I am in the midst of the application process... I am applying to nine schools and have completed 5 applications. Over the half way point! At times I really enjoy the application process - it's fun to think about all the different places I could end up next year and the various things I could be doing. At other times, however, the process drives me crazy, as it does everyone who goes through it. Between application fees (ouch!), internet outages, and endless writing and re-writing of personal statements, it can be a bit stressful. Thankfully I have my mom back home helping me mail all of my "hard copy" materials (thanks mom!). But thankfully the light at the end of the tunnel is growing closer and closer... then it's time to let the waiting begin!
At this point you may be asking, "OK, so what do you want to do?" I am applying to community psychology and applied research programs. Basically, community psychology goes beyond the individual level to examine more contextual factors - cultural, economic, political, environmental, etc. - and to attempt to address social problems and promote positive development through working with individuals, organizations, communities, governments, etc. So in my future career, I could take an issue such as poverty, conduct research to answer questions about poverty (what puts people in poverty, what keeps people in poverty, how can people get out of poverty, what effect does living in poverty have on individuals) and then apply the knowledge I gain from research to actually help people and try to alleviate poverty and its detrimental effects. I could work in a government, social service, or even public policy setting. I know, it's pretty exciting!!
As far as the schools I am applying to go, here's the rundown: University of Virginia, Georgetown, University of Michigan, New York University, Michigan State University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Vanderbilt, NC State, and Penn State. I have some favorites in there, but I would be happy to go to any of those schools! So, although I certainly have a plan of sorts for next year, I have no idea where in the world I'll end up. Applications due dates range from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15, and then I should start hearing back sometime late February or March. I love where I am right now, but am also excited to see what the future holds. I will keep you all posted as I begin to hear back from schools and make some big decisions!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Chill Bumps
Also known as goose bumps. They happen when you get cold. And I had them today, for the first time in a long time :)
Today has been a busy day already, and it's only 3:30! The morning started out with my final two periods of teaching before we go into second period testing next week, so I was trying to cram about 2-3 days worth of material into 40 minutes. Whew! As soon as class ended, I headed to the van and we left to go into Monrovia for a town hall meeting at the US Embassy.
Before beginning our trip, Ann Elizabeth and I both registered our stay with the US State Department, so we occasionally get emails with information about events, etc., in Liberia. A few weeks ago, we received an email about this town hall meeting - open to all American citizens, used as a forum to get information and ask questions. We decided it would be good to go, at least to see the Embassy (we had not been there before). So this morning we were able to see the US Ambassador to Liberia for the first time. I really enjoyed hearing Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, her passion for US-Liberian relations, and her firm conviction that Americans will never again have to be evacuated from Liberia (all non-essential Americans were evacuated during the civil war in the late 1990s). US personnel in Liberia are working hard to support the Liberian government, help them in being a democratic state, and reducing the problems of the past (corruption, etc.) that sent the country into violence time after time. After the Ambassador spoke, we heard from the Head of Consular Services, Mr. Steven Harper. His role, at least as portrayed in the meeting, is to help with relations between the Embassy and Americans in Liberia. He was also very friendly and welcoming. Although we didn't meet too many people at the meeting, it was fun to go to the Embassy, hear from the Ambassador, and feel like we were part of yet another community here in Liberia.
After the meeting, we decided we needed to take advantage of our time in town. We had someone from Ricks drop us off before the meeting started, and he's not picking us up until later this afternoon, so we decided to walk down the road to a hotel we had dinner at once and treat ourselves to a delicious lunch. As I type this, I feel totally full (and happy!) after having a cheeseburger, french fries, a cup of coffee (yes, another one!), and a chocolate dessert of some kind. Mmmm-mm!
Now Ann Elizabeth and I are both sitting on big comfy couches in the hotel in the air conditioning. The chill bumps happened while we were at the Embassy this afternoon, but it's nice and cool in here too :) It has been fun to just take a day to relax and enjoy ourselves. This is also the first time we have gone anywhere without someone from Ricks with us, which somehow makes the whole experience feel more "normal" and like something that could happen any day at home. It was been another wonderful day; another chance to experience more of Liberia and appreciate another amazing and unique day.
Today has been a busy day already, and it's only 3:30! The morning started out with my final two periods of teaching before we go into second period testing next week, so I was trying to cram about 2-3 days worth of material into 40 minutes. Whew! As soon as class ended, I headed to the van and we left to go into Monrovia for a town hall meeting at the US Embassy.
Before beginning our trip, Ann Elizabeth and I both registered our stay with the US State Department, so we occasionally get emails with information about events, etc., in Liberia. A few weeks ago, we received an email about this town hall meeting - open to all American citizens, used as a forum to get information and ask questions. We decided it would be good to go, at least to see the Embassy (we had not been there before). So this morning we were able to see the US Ambassador to Liberia for the first time. I really enjoyed hearing Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, her passion for US-Liberian relations, and her firm conviction that Americans will never again have to be evacuated from Liberia (all non-essential Americans were evacuated during the civil war in the late 1990s). US personnel in Liberia are working hard to support the Liberian government, help them in being a democratic state, and reducing the problems of the past (corruption, etc.) that sent the country into violence time after time. After the Ambassador spoke, we heard from the Head of Consular Services, Mr. Steven Harper. His role, at least as portrayed in the meeting, is to help with relations between the Embassy and Americans in Liberia. He was also very friendly and welcoming. Although we didn't meet too many people at the meeting, it was fun to go to the Embassy, hear from the Ambassador, and feel like we were part of yet another community here in Liberia.
After the meeting, we decided we needed to take advantage of our time in town. We had someone from Ricks drop us off before the meeting started, and he's not picking us up until later this afternoon, so we decided to walk down the road to a hotel we had dinner at once and treat ourselves to a delicious lunch. As I type this, I feel totally full (and happy!) after having a cheeseburger, french fries, a cup of coffee (yes, another one!), and a chocolate dessert of some kind. Mmmm-mm!
Now Ann Elizabeth and I are both sitting on big comfy couches in the hotel in the air conditioning. The chill bumps happened while we were at the Embassy this afternoon, but it's nice and cool in here too :) It has been fun to just take a day to relax and enjoy ourselves. This is also the first time we have gone anywhere without someone from Ricks with us, which somehow makes the whole experience feel more "normal" and like something that could happen any day at home. It was been another wonderful day; another chance to experience more of Liberia and appreciate another amazing and unique day.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Best Part of Waking Up...
Is Starbucks in my cup!!
This morning, for the first time in about 2.5 months, Ann Elizabeth and I each enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee. We both became fairly addicted to coffee within the last couple years (me because of graduate school, Ann Elizabeth because of early teaching mornings), but had not had the opportunity to have any since we arrived in Liberia. Yes, there is a coffee maker in our house, but I've heard rumor that using it is apt to trip the power for multiple locations on campus, so we'd rather not use it than take that risk! In any case, it's good to have a reason to kick the habit... although I'm sure I will pick it up again when I'm back in the States :)
This week has marked the first arrival of another group from the US at Ricks since our arrival; 4 men from El Dorado, Kansas. They arrived at Ricks late Wednesday night, left early Thursday morning to travel to another county, returned early Sunday morning (just in time to go to 2 church services after a sleepless night on the road!), and will be here until Wednesday afternoon. They certainly have a busy schedule while they are here, but we were able to have lunch with them on Sunday afternoon. While we were eating, they presented us each with a gift - Starbucks instant coffee mix (enough for 3 cups!!), jellybeans, and some hand sanitizer/lotion from Bath & Body Works. These small gifts made a big impact, and it was nice to have a little taste of home (literally!).
After buying some sugar and milk at the store yesterday, we woke up this morning, boiled some water, and each made a cup of coffee. We didn't have school today (county-wide holiday for the Montserrado county senator elections), so we were able to have a leisurely morning, sipping coffee and just sitting in bed. It was lovely. It's the little things that help us feel connected to home and brighten our days!
I can't believe I just wrote an entire blog post about a cup of coffee.
This morning, for the first time in about 2.5 months, Ann Elizabeth and I each enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee. We both became fairly addicted to coffee within the last couple years (me because of graduate school, Ann Elizabeth because of early teaching mornings), but had not had the opportunity to have any since we arrived in Liberia. Yes, there is a coffee maker in our house, but I've heard rumor that using it is apt to trip the power for multiple locations on campus, so we'd rather not use it than take that risk! In any case, it's good to have a reason to kick the habit... although I'm sure I will pick it up again when I'm back in the States :)
This week has marked the first arrival of another group from the US at Ricks since our arrival; 4 men from El Dorado, Kansas. They arrived at Ricks late Wednesday night, left early Thursday morning to travel to another county, returned early Sunday morning (just in time to go to 2 church services after a sleepless night on the road!), and will be here until Wednesday afternoon. They certainly have a busy schedule while they are here, but we were able to have lunch with them on Sunday afternoon. While we were eating, they presented us each with a gift - Starbucks instant coffee mix (enough for 3 cups!!), jellybeans, and some hand sanitizer/lotion from Bath & Body Works. These small gifts made a big impact, and it was nice to have a little taste of home (literally!).
After buying some sugar and milk at the store yesterday, we woke up this morning, boiled some water, and each made a cup of coffee. We didn't have school today (county-wide holiday for the Montserrado county senator elections), so we were able to have a leisurely morning, sipping coffee and just sitting in bed. It was lovely. It's the little things that help us feel connected to home and brighten our days!
I can't believe I just wrote an entire blog post about a cup of coffee.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Hitting the Trail
I like to consider myself a runner. Although more avid runners might disagree with that title, I tend to think that I have run for enough years and with a decent amount of consistency to label myself a "runner." Hey, I even subscribed to Runner's World for 2 years... that's automatic entry into "runners' club" right? I ran competitively for 3 years in high school and have run for fun ever since, sometimes signing up for races, but mostly just getting out and getting moving because I love it, it makes me feel good and stress-free, and it's a darn good workout. There have certainly been lulls in the 10 or so years since I started running, sometimes due to injury, sometimes due to the craziness of my schedule, and sometimes because I just didn't have anywhere to run. But in every place I have lived, I have run: Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even the Netherlands. Running is a definite stress relief for me; I feel more like myself when I am running regularly.
When I moved to Liberia, I didn't know if I would be able to run. I wasn't sure if I would have a place to go or if it would be too weird - do people just run for fun and exercise in Liberia? For about the first month I was here, I lived in a no-running phase of life. I started to feel quite out of shape and was frustrated when I was winded after climbing a flight of stairs. But then basketball season started, and I had a chance to begin running again... but this time in the dark at 5am, and only for about 10 minutes total. Although it felt good to have some running in my life, it just wasn't enough to get me that "runner's high" I was missing. I wanted to run, but there were some things stopping me. First, the heat. When you're sweating most of the day every day, it's hard to convince yourself to go for a run and raise your body temperature even more. Well, the heat is really my main excuse... I came up with others too, but in the end I was just hot and tired.
In the last month and a half or so, however, I decided that I needed to be like Nike and just do it. I've now been on about 4 decent runs (20 minutes or more) in my time here. It's always hard to motivate myself to go, but each time I do it I am so glad I did. First, it makes me feel better. I feel normal and happy when I am out running, and I feel a pleasant tiredness in my body when I am done. It also keeps me in shape... I ran three suicides (sprints on the basketball court) with the team on Friday, and I thought I might fall over by the end, a wake up call that I need to keep myself in better shape! Running is fun, and rather than feeling weird and estranged when I do it, it actually makes me feel somehow connected with the people around campus.
But I think my favorite thing about running is the little interactions I have with people while I am out. People's reactions are mixed when they see me. Some look at me like I'm a little crazy. Some encourage me. Some smile and wave. Some ask, "are you taking exercise?" and say "fine!" when I tell them I am. Some just say "thank you." Almost everyone waves. Some come and run along side me. One day I ran past a soccer game in progress and one player just left the field and started jogging with me for about 5 minutes. Today I had two little running buddies. One, Blamah, lives in the village back behind Ricks and is one of the boys who regularly hangs out by the dining hall, hoping to have the chance to help out in exchange for a little food. Blamah ran with me for about 10 minutes total - I was in my nice, hot pink Aasics... he was wearing one sock and no shoes. He kept up, and talked to me the whole way... I kept telling him how strong he was, and he would say, "oh yes." My other friend Leah (I think Leah's about 10 years old) came and ran with me for about 5 minutes too... Leah was wearing plastic flip-flops. We ran all the way back to my house and then we walked together about halfway back to where they had joined me on my run when it started to rain. We parted ways and said we would all run together again soon.
If staying in shape and feeling good aren't reasons enough to keep running, I hope that having the chance to run alongside kids like Blamah and Leah will be. I wish each of you could come and run with me - it really is a special experience.
When I moved to Liberia, I didn't know if I would be able to run. I wasn't sure if I would have a place to go or if it would be too weird - do people just run for fun and exercise in Liberia? For about the first month I was here, I lived in a no-running phase of life. I started to feel quite out of shape and was frustrated when I was winded after climbing a flight of stairs. But then basketball season started, and I had a chance to begin running again... but this time in the dark at 5am, and only for about 10 minutes total. Although it felt good to have some running in my life, it just wasn't enough to get me that "runner's high" I was missing. I wanted to run, but there were some things stopping me. First, the heat. When you're sweating most of the day every day, it's hard to convince yourself to go for a run and raise your body temperature even more. Well, the heat is really my main excuse... I came up with others too, but in the end I was just hot and tired.
In the last month and a half or so, however, I decided that I needed to be like Nike and just do it. I've now been on about 4 decent runs (20 minutes or more) in my time here. It's always hard to motivate myself to go, but each time I do it I am so glad I did. First, it makes me feel better. I feel normal and happy when I am out running, and I feel a pleasant tiredness in my body when I am done. It also keeps me in shape... I ran three suicides (sprints on the basketball court) with the team on Friday, and I thought I might fall over by the end, a wake up call that I need to keep myself in better shape! Running is fun, and rather than feeling weird and estranged when I do it, it actually makes me feel somehow connected with the people around campus.
But I think my favorite thing about running is the little interactions I have with people while I am out. People's reactions are mixed when they see me. Some look at me like I'm a little crazy. Some encourage me. Some smile and wave. Some ask, "are you taking exercise?" and say "fine!" when I tell them I am. Some just say "thank you." Almost everyone waves. Some come and run along side me. One day I ran past a soccer game in progress and one player just left the field and started jogging with me for about 5 minutes. Today I had two little running buddies. One, Blamah, lives in the village back behind Ricks and is one of the boys who regularly hangs out by the dining hall, hoping to have the chance to help out in exchange for a little food. Blamah ran with me for about 10 minutes total - I was in my nice, hot pink Aasics... he was wearing one sock and no shoes. He kept up, and talked to me the whole way... I kept telling him how strong he was, and he would say, "oh yes." My other friend Leah (I think Leah's about 10 years old) came and ran with me for about 5 minutes too... Leah was wearing plastic flip-flops. We ran all the way back to my house and then we walked together about halfway back to where they had joined me on my run when it started to rain. We parted ways and said we would all run together again soon.
If staying in shape and feeling good aren't reasons enough to keep running, I hope that having the chance to run alongside kids like Blamah and Leah will be. I wish each of you could come and run with me - it really is a special experience.
The Super Cup is Coming to Ricks!
That's right... our girls' basketball team won the Super Cup Championship yesterday!! But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself...
Ever since our win last Tuesday, we have been practicing as much as possible. The Super Cup was all the girls could talk about. Last year they lost by about 10 points to Don Bosco Technical High School (a local Catholic school) in the Super Cup finals, and we knew that is who we would be facing again; there was a lot of anticipation, excitement, and nervous energy leading up to the big re-match.
Thursday we had one final practice and then invited the girls to come up to the school that evening to make some posters for the game the next day and have a chat via Skype with their coach from last year (and my friend from Passport) James, who is now in college in the U.S. It was a fun night of hanging out with the girls and re-living the excitement I used to feel with my teammates as we anticipated a big softball game or cross country meet. We also spent a good bit of time helping the girls set up email addresses and Facebook accounts. It is fun to see them learning how to use the computer and getting used to all the fun social tools of the internet! After making lots of signs and hats (little paper hats the fans wear during the game), we said goodnight and awaited game time the next day.
After an inauguration ceremony at the school on Friday morning for the newly elected student council president, the girls all got dressed in their uniforms and loaded up in the vans (this time only about 18 people in a 12 passenger van... haha). We arrived at the Sports Complex and waited for Don Bosco's arrival and the starting whistle. While we waited the school was able to provide snacks and drinks for the girls this time - juice and... mayonaise sandwiches. No lie. Bread with just mayonaise. As a mayo-lover, this was fine for me, but I had to laugh as I ate my mayonaise sandwich at how many of my friends would find it totally gross. Hey, the bread was very good and fresh (more like a hoagie roll) and the mayo gave it just a little bit of flavor :)
Around 2:30 the game finally began. I have to admit, the girls were not looking their best at the beginning... it felt like our offense was off and Don Bosco kept getting around our defenders to take an early lead. But our girls never gave up... they kept playing hard all the way to the end. At the end of the first half, we were down by 2 baskets - not a big deficit at all. By the last 3 minutes of our second 15 minute half, we had finally tied the game and then taken the lead - now we were the ones up by two baskets! Unfortunately, Don Bosco rallied and came back to tie up the score. When time expired, we were tied, 36-36.
Overtime. We had 5 minutes... and what an exciting five minutes! Don Bosco scored, then we scored, then they got some foul shots, then we scored... until finally we took the lead. We were up 41-39 with about a minute left... Don Bosco almost made another basket, but then our defense took over, recovered the ball, and we scored again. When the buzzer sounded, we were the winners, 43 - 39!!! All of our fans rushed the court and everyone was jumping up and down and yelling and hugging and singing and taking pictures. Members of the press were running over to try to get pictures and interviews. The girls were so happy!! We even sang the school ode with more gusto than I've ever heard it sung during our morning routine!
Don Bosco was a tough team, but our girls played hard and had a lot of heart. It feels good to have helped lead them to Super Cup victory, although the win is definitely all theirs! It was certainly an exciting day in the history of lady dragon basketball... winning a super cup championship in only their third season of play.
I'll conclude with the cheer we do just before the beginning of each game; "Dragons! Dragons! 1, 2, 3, 4... fire!"
Ever since our win last Tuesday, we have been practicing as much as possible. The Super Cup was all the girls could talk about. Last year they lost by about 10 points to Don Bosco Technical High School (a local Catholic school) in the Super Cup finals, and we knew that is who we would be facing again; there was a lot of anticipation, excitement, and nervous energy leading up to the big re-match.
Thursday we had one final practice and then invited the girls to come up to the school that evening to make some posters for the game the next day and have a chat via Skype with their coach from last year (and my friend from Passport) James, who is now in college in the U.S. It was a fun night of hanging out with the girls and re-living the excitement I used to feel with my teammates as we anticipated a big softball game or cross country meet. We also spent a good bit of time helping the girls set up email addresses and Facebook accounts. It is fun to see them learning how to use the computer and getting used to all the fun social tools of the internet! After making lots of signs and hats (little paper hats the fans wear during the game), we said goodnight and awaited game time the next day.
After an inauguration ceremony at the school on Friday morning for the newly elected student council president, the girls all got dressed in their uniforms and loaded up in the vans (this time only about 18 people in a 12 passenger van... haha). We arrived at the Sports Complex and waited for Don Bosco's arrival and the starting whistle. While we waited the school was able to provide snacks and drinks for the girls this time - juice and... mayonaise sandwiches. No lie. Bread with just mayonaise. As a mayo-lover, this was fine for me, but I had to laugh as I ate my mayonaise sandwich at how many of my friends would find it totally gross. Hey, the bread was very good and fresh (more like a hoagie roll) and the mayo gave it just a little bit of flavor :)
Around 2:30 the game finally began. I have to admit, the girls were not looking their best at the beginning... it felt like our offense was off and Don Bosco kept getting around our defenders to take an early lead. But our girls never gave up... they kept playing hard all the way to the end. At the end of the first half, we were down by 2 baskets - not a big deficit at all. By the last 3 minutes of our second 15 minute half, we had finally tied the game and then taken the lead - now we were the ones up by two baskets! Unfortunately, Don Bosco rallied and came back to tie up the score. When time expired, we were tied, 36-36.
Overtime. We had 5 minutes... and what an exciting five minutes! Don Bosco scored, then we scored, then they got some foul shots, then we scored... until finally we took the lead. We were up 41-39 with about a minute left... Don Bosco almost made another basket, but then our defense took over, recovered the ball, and we scored again. When the buzzer sounded, we were the winners, 43 - 39!!! All of our fans rushed the court and everyone was jumping up and down and yelling and hugging and singing and taking pictures. Members of the press were running over to try to get pictures and interviews. The girls were so happy!! We even sang the school ode with more gusto than I've ever heard it sung during our morning routine!
Don Bosco was a tough team, but our girls played hard and had a lot of heart. It feels good to have helped lead them to Super Cup victory, although the win is definitely all theirs! It was certainly an exciting day in the history of lady dragon basketball... winning a super cup championship in only their third season of play.
I'll conclude with the cheer we do just before the beginning of each game; "Dragons! Dragons! 1, 2, 3, 4... fire!"
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