Over the past three weeks, I’ve been fortunate to visit over a dozen of Field of Hope’s partner schools. Each visit has offered new insights, and I’ve been soaking up lessons everywhere I go. Here are just a few that have stuck with me:
- A lesson in role models
What makes a great teacher?
When I think back to the best teachers from my childhood (some of whom I’m lucky to still call mentors) they were always encouraging, engaging, and passionate about sharing their knowledge. They didn’t just teach a subject; they inspired us to care about its application in the world.
This week, I was filled with joy watching classrooms of up to 200 students light up with excitement about agriculture. Hands shot into the air to answer questions, all because their teachers had made the subject come alive. I mean, how could you not enjoy learning when you get to experience rearing a cow, and eventually eat it as part of your education?
I never had the chance to study agriculture in high school, but watching students here in Uganda made me feel like I was back in school again, learning all the things I missed out on as a kid.
As I walked into each school, a mix of nervousness and excitement overwhelmed me. I think about what I’ll say, whether my message will resonate with the students, and if they’ll understand my funny American accent. But more than that, I ask myself: What do I have to offer these bright students, many of whom already know more about agriculture, and maybe life, than I did at their age?
Maybe they see us as role models based on the brief stories we share about how agriculture has touched our lives. But to me, there’s no greater role model than these young people who are curious, inspired, eager to learn, and holding onto hope for the future.
- A lesson in work ethic
“Why do Americans love to work so much?”
At Field of Hope, I’ve been amazed by how committed the staff are, not just to their jobs, but to the communities they serve. They show up with joy, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Watching them, I was reminded of that old saying: When you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
One week on the road had me exhausted enough to sleep for an entire day. So imagine my shock when Annie casually mentioned she’d been traveling nonstop for three weeks! And yet, she and the rest of the team continued to show up for us fellows with warmth and generosity, even with a million other responsibilities on their plates.
Their unwavering commitment reminded me that the most powerful community development work is the kind that’s led from within the community. And it made me reflect on my own work ethic. I hope that one day I can serve with the same energy, purpose, and heart.
- A lesson in communication
One of my favorite parts of traveling is the opportunity to learn something new. So far, I’ve picked up bits of a new language (Langi) and I’ve loved trying to use it as a small way to connect and show respect.
But Uganda is beautifully diverse, and just when I was getting the hang of greetings in the north, we headed to Kampala, where none of my new phrases applied!
Beyond language, every long, bumpy van ride offered its own lessons. Deep conversations and debates revealed insights about Uganda that no surface-level trip could provide. We’ve talked about everything from the cost of education to marriage customs and gender roles, and I’ve discovered that Annie just might be the funniest person I’ve ever met.
These moments remind me that human connection transcends language. Despite our differences, we are all more alike than we think. And the simplest and most powerful way to understand each other is by listening.
Nia McLean, Fellow ’25
