Jesuit Volunteer Corps

alumni feature, international service

Teaching, A Two Way Rhythm of Give and Take

By Michela Bryne

(Peru 2005-07)

JVC staff visit to Peru (2011)

I WAS INSPIRED TO MAKE EDUCATION MY FULL TIME CAREER through my two years serving as an international JV in Tacna, Peru. Though challenging, I found teaching to have a beautiful two way rhythm of give and take. I loved trying to tailor lessons to students who were struggling and I was inspired by students who took information I gave them and were hungry for more.

When in Peru, many students I taught lived without running water or electricity, some were eager to learn English and some were not. As much as I was initially confounded by how to teach, I began to be delighted by their varied personalities and willingness to teach me about themselves, their families, their culture and their country.

Now, my students in the US come from various backgrounds and poverty here looks different. Poverty here is two families crammed into a small apartment, it’s having to move schools when the rent runs out, it’s having to stay home from school to take care of your little sister so an adult can go to work. I love that teaching puts me in touch with students from all different backgrounds, allows me to know experiences that are different from my own in a personal way and gives me a direct opportunity to help.

I wouldn’t have considered teaching as a profession had I not been a JV. JVC’s international program gave me the confidence that I had something to offer students and continues to be both a foundation and a hope spring for what I do now.

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  • Note from homie at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles to a current Jesuit Volunteer (2019).

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    "Embarking on a yearlong journey that was completely new, there were naturally many uncertainties as we began. One of the only things that it felt like I knew as this year of service began was that it would not come again. No matter what it held -- highs and lows, growth and challenges -- it was all unique to this JV experience."

    Learn more about Caitlin's reminder to remain present while at Homeboy Industries
  • JVC staff visit to Peru (2011)

    alumni feature, international service

    "JVC's International PRogram gave me the confidence that I had something to offer students and continues to be both a foundation and a hope spring for what I do now."

    Learn more about Michela's time teaching in Peru become the catalyst for a career in education
  • Jesuit Volunteers onstage at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Arlington, VA. (2019)

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    "While IFTJ taught me endless lessons, brought me closer to my fellow JV’s, allowed me space to rekindle old friendships, and gave me hope—it also reminded me of the importance of knowing why you do the things you do. My JVC experience is a reminder of the fire that has been lit within our souls to fight for a better world. "

    Read more about Brianna's lesson from Sister Peggy at IFTJ

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    "The opportunity to see justice restored through hardworking individuals that labor tirelessly to break the cycle of oppression found in our criminal justice system, gives me an immense sense of hope and drive to continue this work."

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  • Tomy Christin (Belize City) headshot

    alumni feature, international service, community

    "The four core values of JVC can be and are lived out in each of our post-JVC lives in a multitude of ways. For me, life as a Dominican Sister is the way I’m choosing to be a woman for and with others as a contemplative in action."

    Learn more about Sr. Christin's relationship building on porches