Mr Grech Answers Some Questions

In the autumn term of 2007, Mr John Grech, a teacher from El Molino taught in Magherafelt High School.  It was part of the Fulbright Teacher Exchange, organised and administered in the UK by the British Council. 

Three students decided to send a few questions to Mr Grech to find out what he is doing now, and the following is his reply.  

Dear Morery, Joanne and Terri,

Thank you for your life-exploring questions. I have been home from Northern Ireland for 26 months and it is a perfect time for me to try to articulate my many reflections on that wonderful semester abroad. First, I especially miss so many of the people I came to know there. Rather than list the dozens of people that touched my life, I will just say that I feel the sadness of distance because of all the kindness, energy, curiosity, and generosity I experienced in "Norn Iron." I don't know if that makes sense but when I spend real time with people and come to know them as real individuals with  histories, values and dreams, I leave a bit of my soul with them so I always feel connected and wish I could have tea with them once in a while to discuss life and the world and exchange a bit of "craic" about football or the weather or some jokes. I miss many of the students (not all) I worked with every day. Classes were very exciting for me, believe it or not. I had fun being the different guy and being a source of interest just for my accent or peculiar discipline like when I sprinted through the fence and caught smokers. One guy said, "Okay fine...can I just finish this one?" Yeah, fair enough and we had a chat. I also miss the MHS cafeteria. The ladies that work in there make such wonderful food that, compared to school here, I can't believe the difference. And when they made a special Thanksgiving lunch for me and my family, I felt truly touched by such generosity of spirit. I also miss students taking such interest in U.S. History. That John F. Kennedy unit was great fun for me. Talking about my country, outside of its borders, is a thoughtful experience. I enjoyed  being a guest in other classes to discuss the American death penalty or Hollywood. I miss the esprit de corps of the teacher's room. We have nothing like that here nor the sense of camaraderie that I felt with other teachers. Oh, I miss the sport of rugby...absolutely loved it. Here it is absent for the much slower paced American football.

I also miss specific things that I never really considered before. Driving to school each morning under big puffy clouds unique to N.I. with all the flights going from the States to London streaking the sky five at a time was neat. Walking up and down Corkhill Road after the rain stopped was very peaceful, as was that little lake north of Cookstown (Lough Fea?)...I loved it there. I miss the lush green all around and the rolling hills. I miss talking politics as your country moves further from "the Troubles," which as a history guy, I found so sad yet so fascinating. People there were always willing to talk about it with a visitor like me more so than I think Americans are willing (or able) to talk about the tragedies of our past that we're still dealing with (racism comes to mind).

My goodness, I could write pages on just your first few questions. Suffice it to say, I have been longing to return to Northern Ireland ever since I left. I'm constantly looking at airfares and figuring out how I could make it back for a visit. I'm always thinking about which classes are going to complete their studies and which are still at MHS with whom to have a reunion. Despite five months there, I did not have time to explore so many places, perfect for a summer visit, like County Down and County Fermanagh. They were so beautiful and I was only able to drive through them. The motorcycle ride through County Down was unforgettable.

I also fervently wish some of you could visit my world. As the California economy collapses, I consider the silver lining to be that it may be cheaper for my faraway friends to visit me. I love giving tours here and sharing the beauty of San Francisco, the rocky shores, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

Well, I am going to save other questions for another letter. Zavier has been waiting to go to the park on this sunny day so I'll end for now but I have some thoughts on more questions and I look forward to answering them very soon...perhaps tomorrow. Thank you for remembering me. I hope I will see you again possibly this summer.

Sincerely,
John Grech

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