В заключительной статье этого лета наш учитель Александр Фосу a.k.a Rock расскажет про свои впечатления о лете, проведенном в ММЦ. Сложности, первые успехи и награда за нелегкий труд.
My name is Fosu Alexander, though at MMC Camp almost everyone knows me simply as Rock. In Russia, Alexander is a very common name, often shortened to “Sasha” or “Sanya,” but here at camp “Rock” has become my true identity—called out with warmth, joy, and excitement wherever I go. It has become more than a nickname; it is a bond between me and the children.
This summer marked final session at MMC Camp. I first came here through the encouragement of old friends from my university days in Ghana. When I first arrived, I carried both excitement and fear. It was my first time working in a camp like this, in a new country and with a language I did not understand. I wondered how I would be received, whether I could connect with the children, and if I could truly be of value here. Lesson planning was my greatest challenge. I spent many nights awake, trying to prepare engaging lessons that would spark interest and make the kids enjoy learning English. Thankfully, Elijah, our head teacher, guided me patiently, offering constructive feedback that helped me grow with every session. Over time, my uncertainty faded. I discovered not just students, but friendships, laughter, and countless beautiful memories. I began to feel at home.
As a native English speaker from Ghana, I don’t speak Russian, but that became the very reason my presence was so impactful. The children quickly understood that the only way to communicate with me was through English—and they embraced the challenge. I watched them grow in confidence, learn new vocabulary, and improve their fluency in ways that surprised even themselves. Our connections stretched beyond words. We laughed, played, made videos, decorated shirts, and took countless photos together. Ivan, one of my students, once told me: “Rock, I have had such a good time with you. My English has improved so much here.” Those kinds of words—spoken by many children—are what make this journey unforgettable.
For me, teaching has never been limited to the classroom. I ate with the kids, played table tennis, basketball, volleyball, and joined them for swimming, competitions, and English stations. During floorball, I often joined the younger ones on the Yellow Team, and those moments remain some of my happiest. Everywhere I go in camp, I hear: “Hi, Rock!” accompanied by hugs, high-fives, or wide smiles. Even when they see me with my backpack, the children rush to ask: “Rock, where are you going? Are you leaving us?” That innocent fear shows just how deeply we have bonded.
This last session of the summer was no different in its joy, but it carried a special weight, knowing it would be the closing chapter of the season. Once again, I met wonderful children from all the teams, but I must make special mention of my Red Team students. They were remarkably respectful, mature, and dedicated. After every lesson, they would thank me sincerely, showing me how much they valued our time together. It was truly a privilege to teach them. My Yellow and Green Team kids also made this session unforgettable. Although it was my first time meeting many of them, our bond quickly felt as though we had known each other for years. After lessons and activities, many came to me with gratitude in their eyes, saying: “Rock, we hope to see you again next summer.”
One particularly fun memory came when I was wearing a bandana. By coincidence, I resembled a character from the series “Stranger Things”, Lucas Sinclair. Some of my Green Team kids noticed, and suddenly we were singing a song in this series and laughing together because they have watched it too, sharing stories and memories from the show. That small, unexpected moment was overwhelming in the best way—it showed how easily connections form when hearts are open.
And of course, the kindness of the children continues to touch me deeply. Just as in past sessions, I received heartfelt gifts, including chocolates, accompanied by words like: “Rock, you are the best teacher we’ve ever had.” These tokens of love remind me that my presence here has made a difference.
Every session ends with Lipsinc Night, our final evening of performances. It is always an emotional time. Children sing, dance, and share words of gratitude. They often come up to me with hugs and tell me how much they will miss me. This last Lipsinc Night felt even more powerful, as it was not just the close of a session, but the end of the entire summer. Listening to their heartfelt words, I could not help but feel both proud and humbled.
The children of MMC Camp have taught me so much. They have been my students, but also my teachers—showing me the beauty of resilience, curiosity, and kindness. They have made me laugh, sometimes frustrated me, but always filled my heart with joy.
From my nervous first steps to now, I have grown from being an outsider into someone they call Rock—a name that echoes with love and connection throughout the camp. Though this summer must end, I will always carry these memories with me. And I believe the children will too, because so many of them said:
“Rock, please come back next year.”
