Mr. Rob Visits

Karina & Mr. Clint 

future pharmacist and engineer

One of the many things I have done during my life here in Denmark was work as a teacher at Copenhagen Euro School. It's a school in Vesterbro - and when I first walked into that school about 11 years ago - I fell in love with it. It didn't matter that the school was small, or that the building looked like it was about to fall to the ground. No. What mattered were the kids - a lively bunch of diversity and love and challenges. I had always wanted to teach there and was delighted when some years later, on the recommendation of a teacher there, I was headhunted to teach Middle School English. I taught English to 5th, 6th and 7th graders - and it was not only one of the most challenging jobs I have ever had - but the most rewarding.
I left teaching a couple of years ago, about the same time that the leader of the school at the time, Robert Barrett decided to end his 16 year tenure there. Rob is originally from Canada - and he taught 8th and 9th grade English there.

Since leaving Rob did what many other expats dream of doing - he went back to his home country.  Many wish to do so but whether it's due to children or a sense of not knowing, many decide to stay. I too dream of returning to the States, or Trinidad even. But as of this moment - like so many others with children - I know in my heart that this is the place for me to be. This doesn't mean that it's not without its challenges, but I've been blessed with a pretty cool network of folks - from Danes to other expats and not to mention my former students. Denmark has its challenges and I'm determined to be a part of the solution - my son is Danish - and I want to do all that I can to help create a stronger Denmark.
Part of creating this stronger Denmark are the students of this school. This past weekend I held an open house - Rob is in town visiting after a year and a half abroad - and it was heartwarming to see them. Some are still in High School, others studying medicine, law, sports journalism. Some are becoming politically active, while others are flexing their pens to become an even stronger, more empowered presence here in Denmark.

Lea, Kristine and Juana - all former students of mine shining their light out into the world. 

Listening attentively to Mr. Rob. 

In America if you are born there you are American. In Denmark this is not necessarily the perceived case. Many of these kids are born here - even their parents, but they are still referred to hyphenated Danes. When and if they return to the country of their or their parents' birth - they are however Danish. I have always encouraged my students to see the strength in this - of seeing both from the outside in - and using their voices and talents in hammering home the diversity that Denmark is.  I don't see these kids represented in the dominant narrative here - but it is my sincerest hope that by their sheer presence and intelligence that this begins to change.
It's akin to Black representation in the States although personally, I think there is more room for advancement in the States - for all the crippling racial issues that are present.  A comparison however is perhaps not valid here - but hopefully it gives some sort of idea of what these young adults are up against.

future doctors in the house! 

What inspires me the most are their attitudes. They are hopeful and work hard. They see themselves as being a part of this society - and having a right to pursuing a high quality of life just as many others. Many left Copenhagen Euro school to go on to  Danish schools and have expressed the cultural shock (Copenhagen Euro School was an oasis of sorts, where difference was a part of the landscape) - and for me to hear their heroic stories of how they chose to rise above these challenges is  inspiring.
Here are some pictures that will give you an idea of what the face of Denmark includes.