1 down, 1 to go

On July 10th, my liceo had an acto (assembly) to celebrate the end of the first semester. (For those of you wondering how I remember the date so clearly, it's because I looked at the date stamp on the photos I took. Clever, I know).

Before I even begin, I need to state that this was the best assembly I have been to yet! It was well-organized and well-executed. It was not too long or too short. It had an appropriate mix of business protocol (awards, announcements, etc) and performances. Also, as everyone walked in, there was movie soundtrack music playing. I walked in feeling literally like a super hero. Epic!

The director (principal) gave a speech. Like always, he told a story from his childhood, in order to relate to the students...He is young and he is new at this leadership role, but he is a fantastic writer. I normally find his discourses enjoyable, but this one knocked all others out of the park! He spoke about finding inspiration and focusing on your values in order to make decisions and he spoke about working hard to achieve your goals. He articulated the importance of education in one's journey to success, noting that it is something one can always carry with them. I almost cried by the time he finished speaking. What impacted me more than his actual words, however, was the complete reflection and focus shared by all. As I looked around, there was not a single student poking a friend or giggling at a classmate. Literally everyone in the school was listening to what the director had to say. An entire gymnasium filled with teenagers 7th through 12th grade. That's impressive!

Later, awards were distributed to the top students in each curso (class) for the semester and to the most esforzado (most hard-working students). I was asked to give the esforzado award to the 7º y 8º students. They were so nervous when I handed them the award with a hug and the traditional beso. They awkwardly walked away as my host mom tried to take a picture, which I later discovered was too dark to even salvage...It was a nice feeling to be part of the ceremony in that way.

Among the student performances was a group of my kids playing a cover of a Victor Heredía song "Razón de vivir" (it's a beautiful song and I actually think I like their version better than the original), and one of my 1ºA girls singing "Someone Like You" by Adele. There were a few pronunciation errors, but overall she sounded great. I was overwhelmed with emotion, due to pride in my students' accomplishments over the semester and the fact that my freshman was singing in English in front of the school...I almost cried. Again.

That evening, we came back to the liceo to give a shortened version of the assembly for the parents. But instead of students getting awarded, the parents got awards for being involved and for participating in their version of the PTA.

Since I don't do a lot with the parents at the school, I took the opportunity to bond more with the music kids who were there to perform. They were so excited for me to take photos of them with their instruments. A former band-geek, myself, it was comforting to relate to them in a way outside of "everyday" school activities. I know that they enjoyed this connection as well, especially since their music teacher isn't the most progressive or educational soul... I helped them take apart the drum set and the microphones and we talked. I realized then how much I miss making music. It was such a big part of my life growing up, and it's been so long since I've played. I don't miss clarinet, however. I feel strangely disconnected from it now. I need to find another instrument. I need to be a part of a musical group again.

What can we gain from this post? A realization of how quickly time passes. I have been here for half of an academic year and the second half will pass even quicker (with holidays in every month). I have no time to waste. I have to make the most of what time I have. This doesn't apply solely to me. This goes for everyone, doing everything. Take pride in what you do and embrace what's around you. If you can't, something needs to be changed.

 (this is a what a typical convivencia looks like...leave it to the kids to bring "dishes to pass")

 (they push together all their desks and cover them with table cloths, like one giant table to share at)

 (at the acto after the convivencia...teachers and students waiting for the show to begin)

 (there was a dance number performed by several of the liceo's finest dancing chicas)

 (all of the students and the director with their awards)

 (several of the teachers and I looking fancy in our assembly attire...my host mom found her niece's old dress pants in the closet and insisted that I wear them because it is necessary to wear dress pants when you present an award. also, the two teachers on the end are notably pale. by comparison, I look like a sack of flour)

 (trying to take an artsy picture of David, but this other kid kept messing it up)

 (los guitaristas)

 (Brayam on the drums)

 (the guitar is almost as big as he is)

 (Jorge on the piano...your classic Schroeder)

 (didn't know him before this evening, but he is now one of my biggest fans)

(a big friendly bear of a sophomore...such a kind soul)

(the song I mentioned above...performed at the acto for the students...sorry about the bad lighting situation)

4th of July

My liceo in Chile is not as American as some of the schools where other volunteers work. As such, I was not able to have a fantastic patriotic extravaganza like I originally had hoped for. Entonces...I worked with what I had.

I wore red, white, and blue. Because there is no excuse not to wear at least one of those colors on the 4th of July. No matter where in the world you are. Also, it was a justification to wear my red pants to school (which surely breaks some sort of dress code).

I made a mini US flag, which I waved around all day in the hallways. I printed out a coloring page, filled it in using crayons, and taped it to a marker. Because I'm resourceful like that...

In my classes, I gave a powerpoint presentation about the history and traditions we practice on our Independence Day. We discussed the important things like food, music, games and fireworks. Then we compared the similarities and differences between Chile's and the United States' fiestas patrias.

(I will discuss September 18, Chile's equivalent, after I experience the actual event.)

After a while, I decided to do what I wanted. In other words, I just took pictures of students holding my make-shift American flag. They enjoyed it. And it made me happy...In the afternoon, one of my co-teachers randomly decided to create an exhibition of student projects. So instead of having class, the students set things up in the hallway outside of the English rooms and made a few signs saying "Happy 4 of July"...It was worthwhile, however, because the reaction to this display was incredible. The students loved seeing their work displayed and other teachers were able to see them get excited about participating in English!

Throughout the day, teachers and students came up to me and shook my hand, saying "¡Feliz día!" and telling me that they hoped I was enjoying "my" day. Students drew me pictures on the board and asked me to take photos of them...or appeased me by letting me take a photo after I handed them the flag sin explicación. When I returned home after school, my host mom bought pie de limón for us to enjoy during once (dinner) and we toasted to The United States with the left-ofter mango sour we had from Father's Day. When my neighbor stopped by, she also toasted to the day and they both hugged me. This is significant because my host mom is extremely proud of her country.

Although the day was fairly anti-climatic by comparison to normal American standards and I missed the traditional festivities back home, the day ended with a very warm and genuine sentiment. I was able to display my pride for the freedoms and opportunities my country represents and I felt loved and supported by the people sharing their country with me.   

Happy 4th of July from Chile!!!

Concepción

During the last weekend of June, I met up with a group of other US volunteers in Concepción. Many of us had a 4-day weekend due to the primary elections (which were held on a Sunday), and decided that it would be a nice opportunity to reunite (several of us had not seen each other since our program orientation in March) and celebrate the 4th of July American-style. In addition, of course, to exploring more of this beautiful country!

During elections in Chile, the majority of voting polls are located in the public schools of a city. Therefore, classes are canceled on the days surrounding the elections, in order to set things up prior to the weekend and then to clean the building afterward...This meant that classes at my liceo ended early on Thursday and were canceled for Friday and the following Monday. Everything was locked up and the computers and printers in the sala de profesores were taken out of the building completely. In one of the hallways, a stack of mattresses laid against the wall. Supposedly the building needed to be prepared on Friday, so that the carabineros (police) could keep guard of the building on Saturday...

I expressed my annoyance with the excessiveness of the preparations involved. I assumed that like most "official" things in Chile, it was just an unnecessary over-complication of a process that could be made much more efficient. That's when my host mom told me that people are still really uncomfortable during elections....since Pinochet. Sometimes people are shady and sometimes people fight. Also, due to the poverty in our area, theft is not uncommon.

That put things into perspective.

So...taking advantage of the occasion, I hopped on the early morning bus that passed through my town. The same bus that two volunteers south of me were on. They slept through the majority of the nearly 7 hour journey, while I conversed with the woman seated beside me. At one of the stops, Kiera (one of the volunteers I was with) and I got off the bus to buy some crackers. We were almost left behind.

When we arrived in Concepción, Nick (the volunteer there) and his host mom picked us up and drove us to the apartment where we stayed for the weekend.  That evening we ate Thai food and drank borgoña (red wine with ripe strawberries and sugar) at Café Neruda, a tiny bar with a really chill and eclectic vibe.

While the weather cooperated, we walked around the campus of the Universidad de Concepción (the most recognized of the universities in Conce) and visited the mural inside the art building, before finding our way back to base where we enjoyed each other's company for the rest of the night.

Before I continue, I must take a moment to emphasize the magnificence of this mural, commissioned by Mexican artist Jorge González Camarena. It's huge and it's breath-taking. Named "Presencia de América Latina," it symbolizes the creation of Latin America and celebrates the unity and brotherhood among all the nations.

Check out the following links to see the painting and to learn more about the symbolism behind the images:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presencia_de_Am%C3%A9rica_Latina

http://www2.udec.cl/pinacoteca/index-2.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arteurbano/5162842394/
 

The following day, several other volunteers met up with us. We explored the plaza and an old abandoned theater among other things. Then we huddled, created a game plan, and divided into teams in order to shop efficiently in the Jumbo (a huge super market chain in Chile...which is overwhelming compared to the tiny stores we small-town residents are accustomed to).

Then the 4th of July festivities commenced. We had an asado that included grilled vegetables and pineapple, chips, guacamole, crackers, cheese, fruit, so many things...We listened to music and played games and made s'mores. We made s'mores! And in the morning, after a cold night sleeping on the floor (there were 10 of us crammed into a tiny apartment), we made brunch. It was marvelous.

 (Alex and Nick grillin' and chillin')

(Eunice, girl Alex, Kiera, and Dominique ready to play American games) 

 (Sierra roasting marshmallows on the "fire")

(Ainsley and I beyond thrilled to finally get s'mores in this place) 

(Proud to be an American) 

(the gang along for the ride)

On Sunday afternoon, Nick led us to the micro (city bus) that would take us into town and closer to the bus terminal. He hugged us all and waved nostalgically as the bus pulled away. And a man on the bus began playing his guitar and singing a song about the struggles that innocent people are forced to overcome each day. "Sobreviviendo." It was raw and it was beautiful. It perfectly captured the sentiment of the moment.

When we got to the bus station, we struggled to find tickets to get home. Eventually, after talking to people at literally every window (there are at least 20 different bus lines to take, traveling throughout the country), we found a round-about way to get home. Requiring us to wait several hours and then transferring bus stations at one point, I finally arrived in Loncoche at 3:45AM the following morning. Besides physical exhaustion, I felt guilty because my host mom and neighbor insisted on picking me up from the bus station. I'm sure I would have survived the 6 blocks between my house and the bus terminal, but as all Chilean adults insist, Chile is full of hoodlums...

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my friends that weekend, but more importantly, I made a realization about my future travel plans. I have been taking my homeland for granted. The United States is filled with so many treasures and I have yet to see most of them. I am going to make this a priority, especially now that I have friends located across the nation. When I return, I will make it my mission to explore and embrace my own country.




*Photos taken by Nicole...I didn't have my camera out.

   

We Tripantü

What is We Tripantü?

We Tripantü = la nueva salida del sol  (Mapuche New Year)

On June 24th, my school celebrated We Tripantü, the Mapuche New Year. There were displays placed in the hallways with artwork and traditional items and there was an acto (assembly) in the afternoon.

It was well planned and well received by all. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the Mapuche culture and its traditions. It was like museum day in middle school!

Who are the Mapuche?

Mapuche = people of the earth (in Mapundungun, the native language)

The Mapuche are an ancient indigenous civilization that still exists today in Southern Chile. They have a strong history of defending and fighting for their independence. They lived primarily in the fertile valley regions of Chile, south of the Bío Bío River (aka where I live in Region IX). Work distribution among clans was evenly distributed, and men and women alike had important roles. They were hunters and gatherers, and the dishes they created are still common in the region today.

The Mapuche lived in small groups, which was a blessing and a curse. The physical separation among the people proved to be a major aid in their defenses against the Spaniards during the time of the Inquisition; however, this separation also prevented them from developing and progressing further as a civilization. The conflict between the Mapuche and the Spaniards lasted over 300 years!

Today, the Mapuche make up approximately 4% of the Chilean population, although, the majority of Chileans have some Mapuche ancestry (the creation of the Chilean race was a mix of Spanish and Mapuche blood….although today there is actually a huge Western European influence, especially German in the South).

There remains a huge political struggle for the Mapuche in Chile. The Mapuche want to maintain their own land, but as they continue to lose it, they are forced to live in impoverished conditions. There is also an internal struggle in many Mapuche people as they try to preserve their ancient rituals and traditions in a society that is constantly changing and progressing.

Society’s view on the Mapuche people is very divided, depending on the area in which you go. Where I live, for example, the people are very proud of their connection to the Mapuche. In other areas, even areas nearby, however, people marginalize the Mapuche and view them as a lazy culture. For this reason, the term “Mapuche” when referring to an individual rather than to the ancient civilization as a whole, is a very sensitive one....I personally see many similarities to the same marginalization that exists for the Native Americans living in the United States (the difference being how well-known the struggle is throughout general society).    

In the South of Chile, Mapuche influence can be seen everywhere. The names of many cities are actually words in Mapundungun (the name of my home city, Loncoche, means “head of a man” in Mapundungun) and there are signs in some places that are written in Spanish and Mapundungun (near Temuco…not everywhere).

In terms of cultural artifacts, the Mapuche are commonly recognized for their handcrafted silver jewelry, their wooden carvings, and their wool goods (especially ponchos and blankets in natural colors rather than bright dyes). Everything they create has designs that signify important values they hold. Nothing they do is unintentional.

Below are a few photos and videos that I took at the acto. The director took photos of the displays in the hallways, but I do not currently have access to those...

(There are lots of traditional Mapuche dishes consumed on this day. Most consist of wheat or seeds.)

(The backdrop made for the acto. There is always a backdrop like this at our assemblies.)

(The director and one of the PE teachers playing a Mapuche game similar to field hockey.)

(The director and a Mapuche woman from the community who came to celebrate.)

(A dance tribute choreographed in similar style to traditional Mapuche dances.)

(A musical tribute to honor the pride and struggles of the Mapuche people...I think it's a Violeta Parra song.)

An epic poem about the Mapuche.

My host mom informed me that there is a famous epic poem about the enduring battle between the Mapuche and the Spanish conquistadors written by a Spaniard. She says it's a powerful work worth reading. It is called 'La Araucana' by Alonso de Ercilla. 

Additional Resources:

Here is a list of links for anyone interested in reading more about the Mapuche people.

http://www.mapuche.nl/english/mapuche.htm

http://eatingchile.blogspot.com/2011/01/mapuche-wheat.html

http://www.southamerica.cl/Chile/Mapuche.htm

http://www.interpatagonia.com/mapuche/index_i.html

Campeones

Last Thursday night, while conversing with my host mom and neighbor in the comfort of our little home, we were interrupted by a loud noise. There was a snare drum and there was shouting. My host mom went outside to investigate, and found her curso (she is a profesora jefe...like a home-room teacher or class sponsor) calling her name in excitement. They had just won the fútbol championship at the liceo (basically an equivalent to intramural soccer) and they decided that they needed nothing more than to run to our house to share the news with their beloved profe.

It was a moment filled with sheer joy and pride by all involved. Certainly the neighbors were irritated by all the commotion in the street at 9:30PM on a school night, but it did not matter. This class, containing significantly more males than females, may not be considered a particularly intellectual bunch, but they are fanatics of fútbol. Love is an understatement. They are passionate about fútbol and this was their night.

I took a photo to commemorate the occasion. The next morning at school, my host mom shared the photo with her students. They immediately hung it on the wall with decorations declaring their victory. I would bet anything in the world that these kids will not forget this night. And neither will we.

4ºC campeones de fútbol 2013

A letter to my parents

I refuse to say that I love my parents more and more with age, since my love for them has always existed. I do, however, have a growing appreciation for them, that I believe will continue to evolve the more I grow and the more I experience life's trials and triumphs.

This is a letter for them...


Dear Mom and Dad,

As I observe other parents around the world, I realize how blessed I am not only to have both of my parents alive and together, but to have been raised by such a strong team of individuals. Over the years, I've learned to appreciate different things about you. 

Mom, as a child I appreciated how affectionate you were. As a teenager I appreciated how you pushed me to do my best. In college I appreciated how you supported my decisions and I realized how fortunate I am to have a constant presence in my life. And now that I am a world away fulfilling my dreams, I appreciate your strength in letting me go...You are the butt of our jokes, our scapegoat when something goes wrong, and our doorman when we unload all of our frustrations. Never once have you lead us to believe that you didn't love being a mother and never once have you lead us to believe that you love one of us more than the others. Thank you for all that you do.

Dad, I appreciate you more than you will know. For encouraging me to be curious. For supporting me in pursuing my dreams. For teaching me to analyze my surroundings and to do my research before making decisions. For showing me the importance of education, both formal and informal. For demonstrating to me the values of honesty and hard work. For teaching me to help others. For taking a genuine interest in my life. And most importantly, for instilling in me and in all young women, the belief that we can and must become strong and independent and that we do not need the support of men to accomplish our goals. Thank you for dedicating your life your family. 

Mom and Dad, you both work so hard. In your careers and at home. And the only reward you receive is personal satisfaction, which I know you rarely feel, since you are always striving for improvement. When I tire of after long days, I look to you both and wonder how you do it after so many years. When I look at the family situations around me, I realize that the overwhelming majority of people I know do not have both of their birth parents in their lives, living and working together as a functional unit. I have always taken this granted. I appreciate how you always find a way to communicate and resolve conflicts, but I know that I will not truly understand the difficulty of this until I have a family of my own. 

Mom and Dad, I recognize that you are not perfect. No human is perfect. But I also recognize how fortunate I am to have parents who accept and support their children for all of their imperfections.

Mom and Dad, you are an inspiration to me. You work for your four children, but you have impacted so many more lives, directly and indirectly. Other parents look to you as an example and other children look to you for encouragement (many of my friends among them). Don't ever think that you aren't doing enough. You have done more than you know. Thank you for everything that you have done, are doing, and will do.

Gracias mis queridos padres. Os quiero mucho. 

Your Loving Daughter,

Holly          

Orgullo

I love all of my students. I honestly do. I care about each and every one of them. The ones who give me a beso every time they enter and exit the classroom. The ones who try to steal my stamps when I leave them unattended.  The ones who beg me to give them more vocabulary words. The ones who eat salt as a snack. The ones who subtly drop swear words in English, just to see if I react. The ones who correct my spelling. The ones who spill red dye all over their desks and then try to clean it with perfume. The ones who shout and wave at me from across the hall. The ones who come to class without pants on because they got soaking wet from the rain. The ones who cheer on their classmates when they do well. The ones who shove desks across the room out of rage. The ones who tell me I have beautiful eyes. The ones who refuse to participate unless a game is being played. The ones who fistfight during recreo over a girl they both like. The ones who I only know by face, as they look up at me cheerfully, hoping for a warm smile.

Everyone has his or her own story. Every action demonstrates something deeper. Good or bad. The more I learn about people, the more I realize how difficult it is to truly hate someone, as we are all products of our circumstances. That being said, I believe it is possible to overcome our obstacles, if we believe that we can. Those of us who are aware of our fortune have a moral duty, not to help others economically, but to offer support and advice. To provide others with a sense of hope that there is more to the world than what they know. Than what any of us know.

It is only logical that you become closer to the people you spend more time with.  In terms of students, this would be my debate team. Although I do not actually teach any of them in class, I meet with them to practice more often than I meet with any of my classes. And with 5 of them, as opposed to 40, we are able to get to know one another.  

This group is composed of some of the strongest students in the liceo. They began with a relatively high level of English. But the improvements they have made in the past month and a half are remarkable. Their pronunciations are outstanding and their presence radiates genuine interest.  They are not only hard working students, but they are incredible individuals. They all have the capability and talent to do great things. I truly wish the best for them all.

After their dedication in the first round, we advanced to Round 2. Our pronunciations were the best of any team, and judges, teachers, and other native-speaking volunteers were sure to let us know this! We scored third; however, the teams in front of us were both semi-private. The winning team selects their students and they begin teaching English in kindergarten (we begin in 5^th grade). The second place team is also one that has more resources and money.  Our liceo has some of the poorest students in the region. We accept any and everyone.  Watching my team compete was like being in a classic Disney film where the underdogs have to fight their way to the top and their passion is what drives them to succeed.  As I gave them my final words before they competed for the first time, they looked at me and said, “Don’t cry.” I did not cry, although I came close when they finished speaking. They did so well.

I am honestly so proud of these kids. For all that they’ve done and for what they overcome each day. As we prepare for the next round, and face yet more challenges, I have complete confidence that my team will put up an even stronger fight this time around.   

(the damas)

(the caballeros)

(the crazy coach)

(the serious coach)

(I love my boys)

(pensive)

(typical)

(a few opening remarks from the famous George Thomas)

(collaborating before the final speaker)

(a photo with George)

(I'm fun like the students. The other adults are serious. I'm cooler.)