talpha

About talpha

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far talpha has created 5 entries.

Back to Jamaica

by Talpha Everette

Going Back

While in the States, I received numerous calls, texts and pictures requesting my presence back in Jamaica, so cutting my 3 week vacation in the states short, I boarded my plane and headed back. Staring at the clouds, I wondered would my upcoming experience be the same, better or worse. Upon arrival, I realized it would be better. I was greated with hugs and smiles all around and a big “welcome home!” from someone that I didn’t even know. That’s when I realized, Jamaica is really my second home.

One Love

In Jamaica, there is a country wide sense of community, no one is a stranger. The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” applies strongly here. I observe how the taxi drivers take extra care of children being dropped off from school or how they will go out of their way to make sure a […]

By |February 18th, 2016|Gappers in the Field|
Read More

Portland Rehab Management Homeless Shelter

by Talpha Everette

November 11, 2015

The Residents
Here in Jamaica, I am working at a homeless shelter. At the shelter, the resident cases and life stories vary. Some residents have walked across the island to get here while other were born and raised not 20 miles from it. Others were deported from the States, and some are mentally ill. Most are unemployed which is one of the major causes of homelessness in Jamaica. The shelter is the only shelter on the East side of Jamaica so it covers a large area. To these people who no longer have a home or family, the shelter serves as just that.

The Shelter
The shelter houses up to 15 males and 15 females. We provide the residents 3 meals a day, clothes, night shelter and medical services by connecting with workers in the community who volunteer their time and services. These options excluding night shelter are […]

By |November 11th, 2015|Gappers in the Field|
Read More

Blue Tights, Quicksand, and Memorable First Impressions

by Talpha Everette

A few days ago, I was in a staff meeting regarding the production of current events and personal goals. I decided that one of my personal goals would be to master Español. Of course, my team thought this to be a great idea since I was in a Spanish speaking country, and that would be the only way that I would be able to survive.

Within a matter of minutes, my first Spanish lesson appointment was set up, and within a matter of seconds, I was told it was to take place in less than 30 minutes!

As I rushed to pack my things, directions on how to get where I needed to go were being instructed to me. I guess the program manager saw my face of confusion because she offered to give me a ride there…of course I happily accepted!

So we hopped in the truck, and “¡vamos!” […]

By |September 6th, 2015|Gappers in the Field|
Read More

What Is Sleep?

by Talpha Everette

Going, going, going. That’s all that I’ve seem to have been doing lately.

With no breaks, I begin to think “what is sleep?” It is a non-existent luxury.

But I must keep pressing: I have to get my gap year proposal done, and it has to be perfect.

I write a list of things that I must accomplish for the day. I write it, then re-write it again. Every re-write brings a new addition to the list.

The date of departure lingers, the date approaches with quick leisure, and the days count down: there are too many but then again not enough.

A new life-changing experience ahead: it’s exhilarating, enchanting, exciting!

So much to do, so much to plan, so much, so much….

By |July 3rd, 2015|Pre-departure|
Read More

The Call

by Talpha Everette

I was standing outside of the store on vacation in Hawaii waiting tirelessly for my mom to get out of the shoe section when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I reached for it casually and then noticed a missed call notification followed by a voicemail.

I began to listen to the voicemail, and within 5 seconds I let out my first scream. It was a call from the UNC Global Gap Year Fellowship Office saying that I was accepted as a Global Gap Finalist! However as the call got more in-depth, the caller was explaining to me that he had been trying to get in contact with me for the past several days, and not only that but that the deadline to follow up with him was less than 48 hours way!

My heart started to pound: I was having a meltdown in the middle of […]

By |May 11th, 2015|GGYF Orientation|
Read More