France: The Yew Tree
Citizen of the World
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Ava McKendry, Ty Jordan, Nick Geddes
The world is a dangerous place. We see it in pointless wars and hopeless tragedies, and in rising hatred and bigotry. We see it in a rising wave of misguided nationalism, and in callous disregard for others based on the location of their birth, or the differences in their culture. We see it in the uncaring ignorance of powerful people toward those with less. Sometimes, it’s all we see. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming. In a world so filled with negativity, it is vitally important to remind ourselves that there is so much more to reality, and to the people in it, than just the negative. It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, our differences are never insurmountable, and that good is everywhere, so long as we’re willing to understand it.
G’s life is an example of this, and shows us that there is meaning and purpose in a life dedicated to education. She has never stopped learning, nor has she stopped teaching, and her travels have taken her from her homeland of France to Italy, Iran, Tanzania, and finally to America. Her life is one lived without fear or prejudice, a life with an endless curiosity and enthusiasm for the diversity the world has to offer. She is, by her own admission, a “citizen of the world.” Her experiences reflect that, and that is a lesson we all should take to heart.
G was born in Brittany, France, into modest means and artistic parents. From the very beginning, education was an important and integral part of her life. Her education brought her to Italy for University, but after university is when her adventure truly began. She moved to Iran in hopes to become a traveling journalist; soon, though, she found a niche for herself as an elementary school teacher to Iranian girls. Adjusting to a new culture and a new country was difficult. At first, G struggled to find a place for herself. Although she soon established herself as a member of the community, the strict Iranian government regarded outsiders with suspicion. G often felt as though she was being followed, and at one point, authorities took away her passport. She couldn’t travel or do anything without first going to the police station to get her passport. Despite the difficulties, she still cherishes the country, and the people she met there.
After her solo mission in Iran, she traveled to Tanzania, Africa. There she was a French teacher at an international school. It was there where she met her Husband, at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Together they moved to the United States and started a family. America was a surprise for G because of the different cuisine and consumer culture. Even though she was well-practiced at teaching she still had to go back to college for teaching courses. G has called Idaho her home since 1980, raising her family here ever since. She is a member of a church and spends her time helping refugees assimilate to the United States.
G’s story is one that should be listened to because it teaches us that through education, there is adventure, along with fulfillment, and connection with others. G has lived a life different than most and has seen more places than most people ever will. She’s been a stranger in foreign lands, but the one thing that she’s learned is that “we’re all citizens of the world.” That idea is what rings through her story. That we may be separated from one another by different continents, and cultures but we are all inhabitants of the same world. An interconnected community of people, living different lives but similar in the human experience.
We all want to adventure outside of our own lives. To travel and wander into unknown places, in our hearts and in the streets. The thing is, people are scared. Thoughts fly around until they bump into the wall, stuck about what is going to happen if we leave our home, our country, the only place we have known? We think, "Will I be safe? What if I don’t know the language?” These thoughts are what builds together and creates barriers. It bleeds into our perspectives of people, countries, and culture, ultimately affecting how we see the world and ourselves.
If G were to think in this mindset, everything in her world would be completely different. She wouldn’t have met her husband and she would not have moved to the United States. If it were not for the curiosity bubbling in G’s heart, she would not have lived the life she has. Curiosity is valuable because it makes us interested in more than what’s just around us. As we grow older each day, we start to get accustomed to our life, to our surroundings, and most importantly, our comfortability. We start to see our lives as “mundane.” One could say G was naive, however, if it weren’t for her innocence about the world, she would have never been where she is today. “I didn’t know what dangers I was exposing myself to. I was only curious,” said G. Having just a bit of curiosity can kick out unwanted thoughts that have the ability to stunt personal growth.
G’s narrative embodies a profound absence of fear, supported by an insatiable curiosity that has shaped the trajectory of her life. Her firm commitment to pedagogy, driven by an innate desire to both teach and learn new languages, defied society’s conventional boundaries. When Gleft the confines of France, she embarked on a transformative journey to another country in pursuit of educational enlightenment and adventure. Embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for growth, she seized opportunities that others might shy away from, demonstrating a sensitivity to discern when to pay attention in moments of uncertainty and when to forge ahead regardless. “It was difficult outside of school, because I got the impression that I was being followed everywhere. If I went to a restaurant or cafe, I thought someone was eavesdropping on my conversation or following me in the street.” G notes. Her decision to teach in Tehran, Iran, stands as a testament to her resilience and open-mindedness. Western governments and media have great influence, and often work to sustain prejudices that affect real people. As a result of their countries labeled as “war torn,” “dangerous,” and “evil,” people from countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Syria struggle with unfair treatment around the world as these characterizations extend to them. If people were to listen to their curiosity like G, things would be different. People would have the chance to create impact and learn about other worlds separate from their own. Rather than seeing each other by how we’re different, we could understand each other through our similarities.
While in Tehran, G shared her passion for the French language with her students. At the same time, she was immersing herself in the culture of Iran and the Farsi language. “I learned a little Farsi too to be able to finally do my shopping, talk to people, to travel, and to be accepted. It is important to know the language of the country, and at the same time I liked it.” G says. Yet, amidst the challenges she faced in Iran, G remained attuned to the struggles of the local population, practicing ethical awareness and empathy in her interactions. Her reflections show a profound acknowledgment of privilege contrasting and comparing harsh realities endured by others. “It was during the time of the Shah, but life in Iran, for me, was a bit difficult.” she says. “But for most Iranians, it was even more difficult because they were very poor and there were some rich people.” Traveling helps remove the barriers internally. It changes your perspectives, opening you up to new knowledge and cultural growth. Ultimately, G’s experiences show the transformative power of travel, fostering not only personal growth but also a broader understanding of humanity's shared experiences and interconnectedness.
In a world that seems more dangerous, more frightening, more cold and unhappy and cruel, it’s important to remember the ways in which we’re connected. Despite our differences, we’re so similar. This is a lesson not enough of us learn, but it’s one that G has never forgotten. It’s one of many lessons she’s spent her life teaching. It can be easy to get caught up in the negative, to become distrustful in a world so tuned to the channel of fear. G’s life is a lesson against such complacency and is a reminder of the incredible value that can be gleaned from understanding other places and other people. Throughout our lives, it’s important to remember that despite our differences, and the distance between us, we are all citizens of the world. That is a lesson that’s truly invaluable.