Meet Nadine Thompson, a Jamaican living and teaching in China.
I was called to be a teacher. I taught Spanish and English Literature to high school students in Jamaica. I started my journey as an ESL/EFL teacher in 2006 when I went to Japan on the JET programme. I am presently living and working in China where I am a PYP (Primary Years Programme) Teacher as part of the IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization).
Seeing the word “encounters”, people might quickly think of sexual encounters, but that is not what this book is about. Encounters, in this instance, refer to the interaction between people and places, people and emotional connections. Encounters with love and loss and spirituality/positivity.
My book is divided into four sections that deal with one aspect of encounters. In the section “Encounters with Places”, the poems are influenced by living in Jamaica, Japan, China, Cambridge and places I have visited. Another section that I want to mention is, “Encounters with positive light”. There are only four poems here, celebrating new beginnings in “First of June” and “I am a woman rising”, which I will discuss in more details.
on Women
As women we carry much on our shoulders in being caregivers, burden-bearers and nurturers. COVID-19, with lockdowns, job uncertainties and stresses from children and spouses might have us feeling down. “I am a woman rising” is encouraging us to be strong, continue to reach for our dreams and practice self-care. Too many times we women become selfless givers without realising that it is taking a heavy toll on us and we need to pause and take better care of our health and mental well-being. I learned this lesson during the uncertain days of lockdown; STOP, BREATHE, BE CALM, BE SILENT. I recommend using the acronym SAVERS—(Silence, Affirmation, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing) for 10 minutes every day to focus on your goals and stay positive.
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Support Nadine by purchasing a copy of her book titled Encounters.
Follow Nadine on IG @afrosensei10
