“In high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduation. Three of my teachers (Mr. Carey, Mrs. Makarczyk, and Mrs. Marshall), encouraged me to become a teacher. I felt going away to college was the “cool” thing to do, and I was all set to go to Kutztown University. My dad moved me into my dorm on a Saturday, and I was so homesick that I ended up coming home on Monday night and applying for LCCC. After graduating, I went on to Bloomsburg University, and when it came time to complete my practicum, I was presented with the opportunity to teach in Africa. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think of going to Africa; however, the memory of not being able to make it to Kutztown still haunted me, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could be away from home. So, I got on a plane, and then spent 35 days in Cameroon, Africa, teaching in a public and private school. I visited a rainforest, climbed a mountain, ate cultural foods, and bonded with 25 other students who will always hold a special place in my heart.
Africa was an eye-opening experience. It taught me that here, in America, we need to slow down. The people there were so generous, even though they had next to nothing; they were always dressed up, and always greeted us with a smile. Their schools focused on the basics of life, practical skills, and teamwork. Every student had a job, from sweeping the floors before the bell, cutting the grass, and tending to the school’s garden. Their classrooms were concrete buildings with no doors or windows, and forget about a bathroom! Before school, they were either helping on the farm or walking down to the river with buckets to get their water for the day. I was simply amazed by how they lived, and yet they were the happiest people I’ve ever met. I went there to teach, but Cameroon taught me to live simply and love everyone.
In addition to teaching, I love volunteering. I started going to the Plymouth Rotary with my dad when I was about fourteen. The Rotary is a service organization that looks for problems in our communities and makes a commitment to try to help out. They hold annual fundraisers for special projects, like Kids at Kristmas, where the club donates to around 125 children during the holiday season. We also donate to other organizations, like the Girl Scouts and local fire departments, and hold dinners for Dan Flood residents.
I have always been so happy and grateful to teach in my hometown, at the schools that I went to. When you are born a Trojan, you are always a Trojan, and I’m proud to say that GNA has a lot of goodhearted people who will help whenever needed. GNA is newsworthy: we have so many people who have done amazing work and have so many accomplishments, people who have struggled and proven that you can turn yourself around. And, GNA is abundant: we are rich with great educators. Life is what you make of it; if you want to succeed and you want a good education, you can definitely get it here, but you have to put the work in.”
Karie Yefko Lukowski
5th Grade Teacher, Greater Nanticoke Area
