Sara Lucid, Volunteer in Tanzania

Sara Lucid, 24 years old, Volunteer in 2011

What did you enjoy most about your Quest experience?

I enjoyed being with my students the most. They were the main reason I was in Tanzania and they made my experience unforgettable. I loved seeing them smile and enjoying learning. It was wonderful to see them understand a topic I was teaching and be excited about learning.

What was most challenging about your Quest experience?

The hardest part was getting used to living without the comforts of home. We often had no electricity and sometimes no running water. This, mixed with the extreme heat, was hard to cope with at first.

However, once I had some time to get used to the conditions I felt more comfortable.

Describe your volunteer work experience.

I taught English and Math to two second grade classes. I had total freedom to design my lessons and teach the students. I often incorporated games, songs, and dances to give the students a break and help them focus better after. I used different tools like books and flashcards to help my lessons come to life. 

My experience at the school was wonderful and the other teachers were so helpful and friendly. I really felt like a part of the family and like my work was appreciated.

Please provide a testimonial of your experience with as much detail as possible.

As a whole my experience was nothing short of excellent. I met so many wonderful people and had the opportunity to be touched by so many wonderful students. United Planet was always available to help me whenever I needed assistance and made me feel comfortable in my new environment. 

The school I was at welcoming and put total confidence in me to teach their students. My family took excellent care of me and really included me in their daily lives. I felt like I became a part of the culture and community while on my trip and this is exactly what I was hoping for.

The thing that made my experience though was teaching my second grade classes. They kept me going every day and touched me in a way I never thought possible. They helped me discover my love for teaching and left me with unforgettable memories