Bridging the Americas/Unidos por las aves

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.