Learning from our Elders

I had intended to post this on the day that it happened...but obviously that did not happen because I got a tad bit sidetracked, so here it is now.

During one of our teacher work days before school started, we had an absolutely AMAZING opportunity!  Our day was filled with lots of training, specifically for curriculum instruction, but after we had our break for lunch in the afternoon and were returning to our different training sessions, we were told that one of the elders wanted to speak to us.  So we all went back into the cafeteria to listen to him.

The elder is the oldest remaining elder that helped to start the school and make Chevak a one school district (as I understand it).  The entire school staff sat in the cafeteria and listened to his words of wisdom and advice for about an hour.  He actually probably only spoke for about 30 minutes or so, but he only spoke in Cup'ik, so one of the teachers from the village had to translate everything he said for us. 

The elder gave us advice about being teachers in the village and told us that this experience is going to be different from any we have ever had, and it will take time to learn just like in any other new job.  He told us that if we ever have any troubles, there is always someone to turn to for help.  He said that we are all here for the children.  He also told us that we should always remember that the students we are teaching are still just kids and we should not break their spirits.  There were several other words of wisdom that he gave, but those are the main ones that I remember.   

It was a truly amazing experience!  It was really neat to listen to him speak in Cup'ik, which is a very throaty and guttural language.  It was also neat to see how important it is to the community to listen to and respect the elders.  I have always heard that, but I have never actually witnessed it. 

Apparently, the elders of the village will come to the school quite frequently to see how things are going or to talk in different classrooms because they are very invested in the education of the children.  Already during the first week of school, when I would walk by the office I would often see one of the elders sitting by the front desk.  How cool is that?!

It was really awesome to get to see and experience that part of the culture, and to get to listen to someone who is so wise and knowledgeable.  What a unique opportunity!