Sushania Pryce
This was my third summer coming to Maine but it was the first with CCI. This summer I can safely say, it was very different from the other two.
Not only did I work two jobs but I also found the time to volunteer as a member of CCI Greenheart Club. In deed my summer ‘took flight’ this year. I was excited to work at Federal Jacks but I think I was even more excited to volunteer! I had a wonderful time working at Federal Jacks and met some wonderful people who were very interested in my country and culture as I was in theirs. I taught them how to speak the Jamaican Creole as well as educating them on our unique dishes which some of them had the opportunity to taste.
Many of them were surprised when I told them that English was our first language. I was even able to volunteer with my manager at an annual event that Feds always sponsors. Truly I had an amazing time working there. My volunteer experience at the Louis T Graves Memorial library was just as wonderful. Once a week I’d go to the library to help out some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met in Kennebunkport.
I felt truly welcomed and anticipated each Wednesday afternoon. They were so kind to me and made me feel welcomed. It was delightful to talk to them about where I came from and what I loved to eat. I told them about my country’s national dish, ackee and salt fish and they researched it on the internet as they had never heard of it before. I never felt like an outsider and enjoyed every minute being there. I honestly had an amazing time this summer. From working two jobs, volunteering, meeting new people, sharing my culture as well as learning more about the American culture.