In April 2017, I partnered with the Migratory Bird Center at the National Zoo for the "Bridging the Americas/Unidos por las Aves" Project, a cross-cultural environmental education program. This collaboration allowed me to travel to Nicaragua, where I taught my students in Virginia about migratory birds that travel to Isla de Ometepe during the winter months. My students had pen pals in Nicaragua, and they exchanged letters and artwork about migratory birds throughout the year. This exchange culminated in my visit to Nicaragua, where the children were able to Face time with their friends and ask questions about their daily lives at school. We also exchanged a mural, which was displayed at my school for many years as a reminder of our beautiful partnership.

Reflecting on this experience, I am filled with gratitude and joy. It was incredibly rewarding to see the students from both countries connect and learn from each other. The project not only enriched their understanding of migratory birds but also fostered a sense of global community and cultural appreciation. Witnessing the excitement and curiosity in the children's eyes as they interacted with their pen pals was truly heartwarming. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of education to bridge gaps and create meaningful connections across borders.

Smart, hardworking, and appreciative are just a few of the adjectives that describe the incredible students at the Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH) in Uganda. I had the privilege of spending two weeks teaching photography to Primary 5 students at AAH, and it was an experience I will never forget.

The students were extremely happy and grateful for this unique opportunity. Each day, I met with the class and taught them the same photography concepts that I teach to fourth graders at ATS. For most of the students at AAH, this was their first time holding a digital camera. Their eagerness and quick learning were truly inspiring. They mastered how to set the camera and take good pictures in no time.

The students were able to take pictures of their homes, school, animals, vegetation, classmates, family, and friends. They were very successful in capturing the beauty of Bumalakani and its people. One of the most fascinating aspects of this project was seeing the students' reactions to the photographs of their classmates and themselves. After taking tons of self-portraits, I quickly learned that many of the students at AAH didn't have access to mirrors, making this project particularly meaningful to them. It was no surprise that these students excelled in portraiture, capturing beautiful and expressive images.

We had a beautiful exhibit at the Arlington Arts Center, featuring photographs from each fourth grader at ATS and Primary 5 students at AAH. This was a unique opportunity where two sister schools worked together on an art project that benefited ATS, AAH, and their respective communities. The photographs were displayed at the AAH library for their first art show ever.

Impact on the Community

This photography project had a profound impact on both the ATS and AAH communities. It fostered a sense of global connection and cultural exchange, allowing students to learn about each other's lives and environments. The exhibit at the Arlington Arts Center brought together families, friends, and community members, celebrating the students' creativity and the beauty of Bumalakani. The project also provided the students at AAH with a new skill set, boosting their confidence and inspiring them to explore their artistic talents further. The first art show at the AAH library was a milestone event, highlighting the importance of art and education in building bridges between communities.

Reflecting on this experience, I am filled with admiration for the students at AAH. Their enthusiasm and dedication to learning were remarkable. This project not only provided them with new skills but also boosted their confidence and creativity. It was a joy to witness their growth and to be a part of their journey in discovering the art of photography.