Garcia Forbes Davis

Meet Garcia Forbes Davis from Jamaica

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What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

My most memorable experience was seeing how excited and curious my students were to learn about my culture through music. I played Bob Marley songs, and their reactions highlighted the power of cultural exchange in fostering mutual respect and understanding. I was surprised to see most of my students singing along, as I didn't know they were familiar with Bob Marley. They became eager for me to play music almost every day. This was a win-win situation, as listening to the music helped them stay focused and complete their assignments.

What has been your favorite part about living in the US?

For my summer break, I went to Maryland, and my most memorable moment was visiting St. Michaels. This charming small town on the Eastern Shore in Talbot County is renowned for its picturesque waterfront, historic buildings, and laid-back coastal atmosphere. We traveled to the island by boat, and the breathtaking ride reminded me of Jamaica. Exploring the antique shops and interacting with the friendly locals was a highlight of the trip. It was the perfect reset I needed for the upcoming school year.

What has been the most challenging?

I don’t have access to a metro system where I live, which makes transportation a challenge. I often relied on Uber to get around, especially since my husband was not working. Fortunately, one of my coworkers lives about five minutes away, so I was able to carpool with him to and from work. Additionally, adjusting to the local food has been difficult. The nearest international store is about twenty minutes away, making it challenging to find Jamaican ingredients, especially without private transportation.

Do you have tips for your fellow J-1 teachers?

1. Cultural exchange environment is different from our home country.  Therefore, we need to be adaptable and open to changes in schedules, teaching methods, or classroom dynamics. This means that we should embrace flexibility.
2. Remember that  we're not just teaching, we are also learning. Participation in school’s  events is pivotal to growing personally and professionally.
3. build strong connections with students, colleagues, and community members. These relationships can provide support, cultural insights, and make the experience more rewarding. For example, during the initial stage of my first year, I felt I wasn't connecting with my students and thought building rapport would be impossible. However, I continued to work on developing relationships with them. At the end of the year, they surprised me with gifts. I noticed a group approaching and initially thought they were just coming over to greet me, but to my surprise, one student in the middle was holding the gifts.
4. Cultural misconception may arise, practice patience and use these moments as opportunities to deepen your understanding of cultural differences.
5. Proceed toward every situation with a positive mindset and readiness to learn, even if things don’t go as planned. This will help you make the most of the experience.

What has been your student's favorite cultural exchange activity so far?

My students’ favorite cultural exchange activity is learning my native language. I check in with them by asking, “Wat ah gwan?” and they respond with, “Mi ire.” We practice this dialogue every day, and they genuinely look forward to it. Each day, they ask me to teach them more of my language, and they practice it among themselves and with their families. It warms my heart to hear them speaking my native language.

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