July 2, 2009

By Amy Farnum Novin
NCAA.com

Saint Michael’s College women’s soccer standout Teal Bryan was so touched by her experience volunteering an orphanage in Ghana last year that she knew she had to return.

The rising sophomore from Cumberland, Maine, made her way back to the Eugemot Orphanage a few weeks ago, and is more immersed in the care of the children than ever as she is staying at the facility.  Last year, Bryan traveled to Ghana with Cross-Cultural Solutions, a non-profit organization, and taught at the orphanage, but made her own arrangements this summer.

The orphanage has no running water and very limited electricity, and Bryan shares bunk beds with the children, who have no sheets or pillows.   Bryan, who taught math, English, history and social studies to the children ages 8 to 13, says that most children from last year are still at the 50-person orphanage, in addition to five new ones.

“They were all extremely ecstatic to see hear that I would be with them for the pretty much the entire summer,” said Bryan. “They remember everything about me, even outfits that I wore when I was here last. It is quite impressive. Besides the few inches and few pounds they may have put on, they all are the same as I remembered them.”

Bryan, who taught fourth-grade level students last year, was asked by the same students to lead the group in “Class 5”, and she was honored to do so.

“Their school is very unstructured, but just since last year they have made some good changes, such as having set class periods with various teachers,” said Bryan. “Last week during that class period, rather than teach them about America, I allowed them to ask me any questions they had about our lifestyle and what it is like there. It was really interesting to hear what was on their minds.”

Bryan led the Purple Knights with six goals and was named to the Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team in 2008, and also shares her love of the game with the children at the orphanage, organizing games despite a playing field with two net-less goals.

Last year’s trip was rewarding for the children, as well as Bryan, who was struck by one example of the children’s appreciation for her time.

"One of the most touching moments occurred when one of my students, Derrick, whom I formed a good relationship with, asked if I would adopt him,” said Bryan. “Although it was heartbreaking to tell him I wasn't able to, it meant the world to me to know that I had such an impact on him."
 
Bryan, who volunteers with special needs students at a local elementary school during the school year, is once again enjoying helping the children at the Eugemot Orphanage, where she will continue to work until she returns to the United States on Aug. 4.

“Ever since I left Ghana last year and returned home I had been dying to see the children and interact with them,” said Bryan. “There are so many aspects of living in a third world country that are rewarding -- it is hard to narrow it down to one. I would definitely say seeing the children’s smiles and actually making them laugh is the most rewarding. The children don't receive much affection or devoted attention when living at the orphanage, and knowing I provide that for them is an amazing feeling.”

In addition to her vast volunteerism and athletic accomplishments, Bryan earned Dean’s List honors last spring.