Jayne Miner is a rising sophomore who is enrolled in the Global Studies program at Sewickley Academy. During Virtual School this past spring, she was able to have an enriching global experience through Outreach360 while sheltering at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jayne shared firsthand about her internship in the blog, I Am More of a Global Citizen, she wrote below for the organization.
My name is Jayne Miner. I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and just recently finished my freshman year of high school. This summer's remote internship was my first experience with Outreach360. I got involved with Outreach360 through my Global Studies teacher who recommended this internship as a great experience and learning opportunity to participate in while we were all sheltering at home. Tentatively, I signed up, unaware that this would be such an inspirational and eye-opening experience.
Not only was I fortunate enough to be a teacher to my students, but I was also able to be a student myself. Whether it was taking virtual tours and history lessons about the Dominican Republic, discussing serious global matters in Leadership and Social Change (LSC), or even learning fun traditions from my students, I learned so much.
Being a French student for nine years, the thought of trying to learn Spanish never occurred to me. However, thanks to this internship, I have a strong foundation to further learn Spanish. I was able to learn about the history of Monte Cristi and the Dominican Republic, as well as learning about their lifestyle and traditions (baseball, dominoes, cards, and more). This was one of my favorite parts because even though I have never been there before, I feel a little bit like I have. Through LSC, I was able to discuss current events and big issues going on in the world, as well as how I could help or become an ally. I really enjoyed this because I could speak about how I felt or ask serious questions, without feeling judged, thanks to the safe, friendly environment that was created. Another reason I really enjoyed this session was that I learned how to have respectful disagreements and conversations with others as well as how I can educate myself. When it comes to what I gained from teaching these students, I can't stress how much I learned. I learned the importance of patience, hard work, respect, gratitude, and so much more. Overall, I feel as if I am more of a global citizen than I was when I started this internship, and that is something I am really grateful for.
