Goodbye Da Vinci, Until We Meet Again!

The path to which life takes us is at times impossible to understand. The twists and turns, the detours and the time we spend off the beaten path can be challenging, bringing a growth that no cookie cutter life could ever provide. When I made my decision to come to Brazil and work with the children of Leonardo da Vinci, I was a little weary to exactly what I was getting myself into. The responsibility of caring for twenty, 5 and 6 year olds is no small feat, and surely nothing to take lightly. Throughout my two years here at school I have been able to follow the lives of some really amazing children as they have grown not only in terms of education, but also in terms of their social and emotional maturity. From the very first moment they would arrive in Infantil IV in early February, biting and scratching, to witnessing their maturity in solving problems through their words, has brought about a feeling of gratification and accomplishment that truly is unique to being a teacher. Every frustrating moment that I have gone through splitting up a fight has been redeemed by a moment of newfound respect and kindness the children have learned to show for one another. Whether we admit it or not, we play a very important role in the lives of these children.


What I have ultimately brought from my experience here with the children of Leonardo da Vinci is just how important an adult’s presence in a child’s life is. The needs children have are limitless, requiring constant attention. “Frank water, Frank bathroom please, Frank my foot, arm, head, tooth, chin…hurts/itches/feels funny. I don’t know how many times I heard these words, taking my children for the literal meaning and misunderstanding what they were really trying to tell me. “Frank..I need a role model to show me, to help me and to guide me in this crazy and at times complicated world” More than being an English teacher, I hope I was able to bring a bit of confidence, care and most importantly, an insatiable hunger for learning to the children’s lives. I hope this hunger will help the children navigate their own twists, turns and detours, and to come out of their own challenges better people. The children of Infantile IV may never remember me once they have grown up, but I am sure a little piece of me will always be with them as I was given the privilege of sharing such an important part of their upbringing. As for myself, I will continue on that path of self discovery being glad I was able to stop here for a while at Leonard da Vinci and take with me a life worth of lesson that I am forever grateful for.

A big hug, kiss and thank you to everyone who made my time here what it was.

With Love,
Frank Ehrenfried

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