The Editor, Sir:

I read in The Gleaner that Jamaican teachers are being recruited by an agency to work in the United States of America.

I was a teacher for 15 years in Jamaica, and I migrated to America thinking that life would be better. I left my marriage and my children.

I was in for a rude awakening.

Teaching in America is way different from in Jamaica. Some of the children here sport guns and knives on a daily basis, even bombs in some cases.

I would suggest to the teachers who think that the grass is greener on the other side and are giving up on their families, country and job, to reconsider their decision.

Think again

It is not all about the money but peace of mind and freedom. These are priceless. America is not as it used to be. They say it is a free country, but not so from my experience.

To all teachers in Jamaica who think that coming to America is a 'pot of gold', think again. Do not let the dollars blind your eyes.

Underneath the pot of gold is destruction of homes, families and even lives. For the love of God, stay in Jamaica. Give back to your country, be content with what you have.

Nothing can replace a broken marriage, a broken home, a broken relationship, the hearts of hurt children and broken lives.

The Bible says, "What shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his soul?"

From a teacher who is paying dearly from making that mistake.

I am, etc .,

SAMANTHA SIMPSON

sammyj2008@yahoo.com