Teaching at The Dream School in the Dominican Republic

Mercedes Hopkins Start Date: Apr 12, 2024 - End Date: Jun 25, 2024
  • Dominican Republic

My Travel Story

by: Mercedes Hopkins Start Date: Apr 12, 2024 - End Date: Jun 25, 2024
Hello, my name is Mercedes Hopkins and I am a second grade teacher in rural North Carolina. I have been teaching for eight years and I'm so happy and overjoyed to have been accepted to teach in the Dominican Republic at The DREAM Project nonprofit summer school for five weeks in Cabarete. Educating students is my life passion. I feel that all students no matter where they are born, their race, or their social standing are deserving of a robust education that not only up lifts them, but encourages them to achieve their dreams. As I have been so lucky to have been born in the United States, attend college and serve students here, I am fully aware of the disparities that occur in other countries. It is for that reason that I have felt the pull in my heart to continue serving students in other countries, to share my knowledge and to engage in thoughtful discussion that will continue to uplift the children of this world. This opportunity is special for me because I am the granddaughter of a Dominican immigrant. My abuela, whose name was Gladys Aurora, moved to America to better her life for herself and for her future children and for me. I have never been able to spend time in the country of my Abuela. To be able to spend time in my family's home country would be an experience that would completely change who I am not only as a person, but as an educator. I would be able to speak more confidently to my students in my classroom who come from different backgrounds on the importance of engaging, caring for and sharing your own families cultural practices. I have created this page to assist me in the cost of flights, food and other personal items needed to live and work for five weeks in the Dominican Republic. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this description. I would appreciate anything that could be donated or a share to someone who might be able to. Thank you and have a great day!
  • Dominican Republic