SARAH
Elementary Education
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SARAH
Elementary Education
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“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” -Gustav Flaubert Waiting to board a flight from Washington D.C. to Frankfurt I saw this quote as I was sitting in the baggage claim with Molly (my fellow student teacher) and Patty (our supervisor) at 2AM this morning. Our flight had been delayed, and delayed again, and again, and eventually cancelled. Even then, when my mind was foggy, my eyes sagging, this quote struck me. Every time I travel, I find myself completely humbled, but also filled with a renewed sense of self-confidence. This time has been no different. I’m totally humbled by the sheer amount of people we come into contact with. I can’t help but imagine their stories. Where are they coming from? Where are they going? Each individual has a story. As I’m learning the stories of the two incredible women with whom I’m traveling, I realize how unique, but intertwined our human stories are. To quote the eloquent Tanvi Misra, staff writer for CityLab and author of the weekly newsletter, Navigator, “I love the anonymity and time-warping quality of the space (airports); but also enjoy observing human moments that appear particularly stark against the sterility.” We’ve been existing in this paradoxical airport environment for just about 28 hours now. Maybe I’m a bit abnormal, but I’m enjoying it so much. Airports are built to move people. They’re highly orchestrated productions of loading and unloading, moving, organizing, and categorizing of people, luggage, and goods. And yet, airports are filled with the most human emotions: anticipation of the trip to come, the sorrow of parting with a loved one and the excitement of a coming reunion, frustration when our plans go awry and relief when everything comes together at last. Like Tanvi, I can’t help but love the microcosm of human society we find on display at the airport.
1 Comment
Patty
4/5/2019 03:30:20 pm
Sarah, I absolutely love this! Our experience in the airport could certainly be described in many ways, but your way is incredibly insightful and poetic. You have not only a gift for words but for seeing beauty where most people would not. Thank you for sharing this perspective!
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AuthorHello! Ciao! I'm originally from the rural Finger Lakes region of New York state, but I've lived in Michigan, Japan, South Korea, and now, Siena! I originally got into the field of education after teaching English in South Korea. I've continued to study education because kid-brains never cease to astound me. Apart from spending lots of classroom time with young children, I really love to run. I am excited to explore the gorgeous Tuscan hills on foot. Hopefully all the hiking will balance out the ridiculous amounts of pasta and cheese I am sure to consume. Thanks for following along! Archives
May 2019
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