Vinicius Freitas

Program Intern 2023

With a tray of seashells and coral in my hands, I walked over to Maria. I could tell by her expression that she was both curious and skeptical about what I had to offer. I asked if it was ok for me to show her the oceanic trinkets I had with me. As our conversation progressed, I ended up learning a lot more about her. What I’ve come to learn while visiting these nursing homes and care facilities is that a quiet stance doesn’t always tell the whole story behind someone. 

Maria was an elementary school teacher back in her home country, Brazil. Living in the landlocked countryside, she had to travel quite a distance to the nearest body of water in order to find objects that were reminiscent of the sea. She did all this for her students, the majority who had never seen the ocean in person. She told me the glee and joy the classroom got from the artifacts she would bring back from her trip was worth it. She worked to learn the most that she could about marine life and all it encompassed in order to teach her pupils.  

Maria continued to tell me about the different ocean plants and wildlife she encountered throughout the years. It was clear as day that her love of teaching was very much intact and ready to come out.  

*The names of participants have been changed and program location withheld to preserve participant privacy.