Virginiah Onyara

Meet Virginiah from Kenya

‍What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

My most memorable cultural experience has been participating in the local community's Fourth of July celebrations. The sense of patriotism, the fireworks, and the various festivities were unlike anything I had experienced before. It was a wonderful way to connect with the community and learn more about American traditions. Another memorable experience was attending a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. The warmth and hospitality, coupled with the delicious feast of turkey, stuffing, and various sides, made it a truly unique experience. It was heartwarming to see how family and friends come together to express gratitude and share stories, making it a celebration of both food and togetherness. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of American customs and the importance of family bonds.

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

The most recent award I received from my school district is the highlight of my experience here in the US. Although I hoped to one day receive the Teacher of the Year Award, I didn't expect it to happen so soon. I am thrilled that it did and consider it the best thing that has happened to me.

Another beautiful part of living in the US has been the diversity and inclusivity of the people. I have met individuals from various backgrounds, each with their unique stories and perspectives. This melting pot of cultures has enriched my own understanding and appreciation of different traditions and ways of life. For example, apart from my American friends, my best friends are from Cameroon, Morocco, Pakistan, India, Brazil, and the Philippines, while I come from Kenya. This mix of cultures requires an open mind when engaging with people. I love how everyone is proud of their culture and willing to share and learn from others. Being open to learning and appreciating people and their cultures helped me understand the American culture and teaching style very quickly.

What has been the most challenging?

The most challenging aspect has been adjusting to the different educational system and teaching methods. While it has been a learning experience, it required a lot of adaptation and flexibility to ensure I was meeting the expectations and needs of my students effectively. Fortunately, I had a very supportive administration that helped me navigate these challenges. I am grateful for the support from my family, students and their parents, my supervisor, principal, superintendent, and all the school leadership, which made it conducive for me and other J-1 teachers to thrive.

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

Absolutely! The United States is incredibly diverse, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are a few tips for fellow J-1 teachers:

1. Be open-minded and embrace differences and learn from them. Every experience is an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. Be ready and willing to learn.
2. Build Relationships and form connections with your colleagues, students, and community members. They can provide invaluable support and insights. Communicate your teaching style and classroom expectations consistently with parents and be an active team member.
3. Stay Organized and keep track of your documentation, deadlines, and requirements for the J-1 program to avoid any issues. Document your experiences, as you never know when it will be required.
4. Engage in school and community activities to fully immerse yourself in cultural exchange. Extracurricular activities can help you build stronger relationships with students outside the classroom.
5. When you don't understand something, ask. There are many people who are willing to help you. Building these relationships may take time, but once you do, you'll find people who are kind and willing to assist.

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

My students' favorite cultural exchange activity has been learning about and making Kenyan beads. I gave each student a bracelet from Kenya and taught them the traditional method of creating these beautiful pieces. It was a hands-on and engaging experience that allowed them to appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural significance of Kenyan beadwork. Through this process, I also taught them two important virtues: patience and resilience. They experienced the tedious process of making a bracelet from beads, which took a lot of time and effort. This helped them appreciate the dedication and hard work of the artisans who create these beautiful pieces of art.