presence

Last night, I had a wonderful conversation with my host mom. Among the plethora of topics, we discussed the vicious cycle of poverty and the power of education. We shared ideas on ways that we can promote active learning and parent involvement, as well as ways that we can incorporate technology into the classrooms at our school. We agreed that it would be difficult to implement in the beginning, but as soon as a system is in place, it would be easy to use. I've decided that I want to push this at our liceo. We must embrace modern technology and use it constructively, or be doomed to fall behind in an ever-progressing society...

Then my host mom asked me if I was sad...I explained to her how I sometimes get discouraged when I can't express myself clearly to others because of the language barrier. This is especially true in the sala de profesores at the liceo, when there is an overwhelming amount of conversations taking place at the same time.  I told her that I think most of the teachers at the liceo find my disposition pleasant, but that there is so much more to my personality that no one knows yet, because I can't communicate all of my ideas. She then told me that there are teachers who have been at the liceo for years, who don't participate and don't enjoy the coffee breaks with everyone. She said that my presence is more known, sitting quietly among the group, than that of the teachers who hide in their rooms. She assured me that I am getting better and that I understand a lot. It just takes time to get to know people and I have not been here for long.

These words, coming from her, meant so much. She is an honest soul and a woman who has experienced a great deal in her lifetime. Knowing that I have her genuine support encourages me to speak my mind and to continue trying my best to overcome these small barriers that I am faced with. I feel truly blessed to be here and times like this remind me that everything happens for a reason. We are living together, helping one another, in more ways than either one of us will ever know.

mi identidad

Before choosing to participate in this program, I considered the potential impact I could have in Chile. It’s easy to forget this, however, while consumed by life’s happenings.  Each day is filled with trials and triumphs. Going through the motions sometimes feels more machine than human.  As a culture, we tend to focus more on the goal than the journey, which is unfortunate because appreciating those steps along the way is what reminds us of our original intentions and motivates us to continue down the appropriate path.  This week I realized the significance of my role here.  And what a week this has been.     

There are a few class periods during which I have a break, but since I’d rather not go home and return quickly after, I stay at the liceo to help my co-teachers.  On Monday, while helping in the 4ºA class (I’ll explain the school/course level system later), a student asked me the significance of the “N” word.  This is such a sensitive subject in our culture, but I had to remind myself that these students have no background knowledge or history to associate with the word and that tip-toeing around a description in order to make it politically correct would not provide them with an answer. So I answered honestly. To the best of my ability.  And I gave thanks to the fact that the small group of students who asked me was among the “best” in the school, and where mature enough to understand. 

The following day, I went to school feeling down.  Partially as a result of the news I had been reading (which I think we can all agree was especially depressing this past week…the conflict in North Korea, the bombings in Boston, floods in the Midwest, the Chilean Minister of Education being impeached…), partially because of the weather, and partially because I was feeling discouraged about the language barrier I face every day… I walked to my classroom feeling sluggish, but as soon as my students walked into the room full of energy, and started reciting the date and singing the alphabet in English, without my help, I was suddenly revived.  They were making remarkable improvements and it was evident now more than ever!  These students are more excited about English and they are trying and they are learning! 

At English Club this week, I was excited to find that the attendance had climbed yet again. From 13, to 18, to 20 students! For an academic-related after-school activity at the high school level, I may say this is impressive. In honor of La semana de la convivencia escolar, we decided to make posters with inspirational quotes in English to post in the hallways.  The crowd favorite was one from Salvador Dalí:

“Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.”

 they love coloring

 working hard, as always

 they look tougher than they are

an example of their finished products

On Wednesday afternoon, my head teacher and I traveled to another city for an English Teacher Network meeting. It was nice to meet other teachers in the area who are excited to share ideas on methodology and motivating students. They asked me to give a mini workshop on teaching techniques and classroom activities at our meeting next month. I can’t wait to share my ideas and tips!

Thursday was an exciting day at the liceo. We had our second annual cicletada (bike-a-thon…we toured the city recreationally on our bicycles).  Students and teachers who signed up to participate got out of class at 3:30pm to ride their bikes around town on a designated route. The P.E. teachers organized the event to promote recreational fitness activity.  There were around 100 participants, including 5 teachers and 1 lunch lady.  I had a lot of fun discovering more of the city and speaking with students that I don’t have the opportunity to work with in class.

 getting ready to begin

I met with my English debate team after school. I was worried because we have such little time to prepare, but these students are strong and they have a passion for learning. I am confident that these individuals will succeed in their endeavors after they graduate this year and I plan to keep in contact with them. I want to win, so they have something to show for their efforts. And I hope that I don’t let the down.

Friday was El día de la convivencia esolar, a day in which we celebrate the school’s values and students promote good citizenship. What this means for teachers is that class ends at 11:30am and the students go to their home-room where they complete activities organized by their head teacher. I was invited to 4ºD to discuss the topic “bullying.”  I had anxiety all week in anticipation for this moment—excitement for the opportunity to speak on that I am passionate about, but fear for not being able to clearly present my message in Spanish…after the designated activities, I wandered around the school taking photos of students, teachers, and their work.

 artwork from the students in 1º medio

 teachers collaborating 

 artwork from 7º básico

 Miss Elizabeth (my head teacher) and I pulled a student into our photo because he was nearby

 the liceo 

the banner that 4º medio made for the day

After school, I went to the Registro Civil (Chile’s version of a DMV) to pick up my carnet de identidad. The woman knew my name and was so excited to give me my card (because I am the first ever foreigner in Loncoche to have a carnet de identidad) that I didn’t even have to wait in line! Leaving the office, students began shouting to me from the plaza. Naturally, I then felt compelled to go talk to them. I showed my new ID and they were equally as happy for me as I was. 

At home, I explained to my host mom that I had been invited to go out of town with one of the other teachers for the evening.  I asked her what she was going to do without me and she responded saying that she is now accustomed to me being here so she would probably cry in my absence.  She then told me that she needs to find me a Chilean boyfriend so I can get married and stay here. The problem with this is that I know she’s serious. haha…

This week I was reminded of how much I have to do and how much I have already done. I discovered the importance of my role here and feel driven to fulfill my duty to this community.  

Because I'm special...

Several noteworthy things happened at the liceo today.

1.  One of the inspectors asked me if I was eating okay because I looked thin.

2.  My 2ºA class (sophomore level) did a listening activity with Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”...

3.  We talked about the similarities and differences between omelets in Spain, Chile and the US one of my classes. Also, I taught them the abbreviation OJ for jugo de naranja.

4.  I somehow got stuck sitting through a sex-ed class…again.

5.   At the 9:30AM break, I tried “pajaritos” a typical Chilean sweet. It’s basically a sweet roll topped with sugary icing. I asked about the name, and was told the while making the pastry, the dough is spread out like a bird’s wings (pajarito = baby/little bird).

6.  A group of 1ºB (freshman level) students told me that they like my accent in Spanish.

7.  A girl sang to me. It was beautiful.

8.  Two of my male students (well, one of them was a student and I’m not sure if I actually have the other in class) in 3º gave me a flower bouquet made out of candy wrappers. They explained that it was a gift for me especially from them to show me that they think I’m “nice and special.”

9.   For lunch, we ate empanadas de loco (a type of shellfish). Ariela and I joked that they were “crazy empanadas.”

10.  Random translation of the day: “Call of Duty.” Thank you video games for teaching our children English.

Living the dream

It’s been two full weeks since I moved to Loncoche, but it feels like I’ve been here for ages. I absolutely love what I’m doing, and can’t imagine anything more fulfilling at this point in my life. Going to the liceo every day reaffirms my decision to become a teacher and to pursue my passion for studying Spanish and Hispanic cultures. People seem both pleased and confused by my cheerful disposition, but the truth is simply that I am content.

I love the excitement in my students’ faces when they earn an “awesome” stamp for participating in English, the comfort they seem to feel after being encouraged by their peers, the confusion in their eyes when I explain to them that we will be playing a game similar to musical chairs, and the laughter that fills the room when I dance around to emphasize a point. I love drinking coffee and joking around with the other teachers at our 9:30 break and feeling like I’m part of a team. And of course I love hearing “Hello Miss” coming from every which direction as I walk down the hall. Our workdays are long and right now the only people I know are associated with the school. During the week, my life is at the liceo, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

On the weekends, I am able to explore. And explore is exactly what I did this weekend.

On Friday night, my host mom and I were invited to an asado (Chilean BBQ) with a “special” group of teachers at the liceo. They all happened to teach night classes, so the asado didn’t get started until after 8pm. As we started to get things set up, I had a nice conversation with the nighttime English teacher, Pablito (-ito because he’s small in stature). He speaks very well and is muy amable. While looking for things to start the fire, we found a puppy in the storage shed attached to the building. This puppy had obviously been put there because she was in a box with a blanket and there was a bowl of food next to her. She was small and precious and not yet tainted by life on the streets like the other strays. She was adorable. I loved her and she loved me. We played and bonded. The following day, I continued to think about her and the possibility of adopting her…I even decided on a name. Gabriela Mistral (a famous Chilean poet and diplomat). Gabi for short. I honestly weighed all of my options and decided that I could make it happen, but that I shouldn’t. I’m slowly getting over it…

I grew increasingly excited as more people began to show up, because they were all of my favorite teachers (I like everyone, but this was a group of people that I find especially interesting and that I have more in common with…plus a lot of them are younger). There is so much meat involved in an asado, it’s not even funny. There are also side salads, however. At one point, everyone started shouting something and I had no idea what was going on. Then, they started passing out sausages on buns! They were delicious.

Several things did not going according to plans, which caused for an interesting experience. Primarily, the shortage of silverware. As a result, my host mom had to eat with her hands, Rodolfo had a spoon, and I had a spoon and a giant chef’s knife.

At one point, people started telling jokes. I understood the majority of them because they were clean. The kind of jokes your history teacher tells during class and gets sympathy laughs for…which is actually exactly what happened (P.S. I’ve come to the conclusion that teachers are the same everywhere, personality-wise. You can tell who’s a math teacher vs. a history teacher vs. a PE teacher, etc.).

Joke:

¿Qué dijo el pollo al otro pollo?

¡Necesito apoyo!    

Every so often someone would say something and then everyone would look at me to see if I understood. That’s always a fun moment. I long for the day that doesn’t happen.

At the end of the night, we were all happy and in good company. I’d say my first asado, although untraditional, was a success. I am thrilled to call these people my friends and look forward to future asados. I’ve decided that I want to make them an American brunch one weekend. It’s going to be unforgettable, I’m sure of it.

*          *          *

Saturday morning I woke up early to catch a bus to Villarrica, where I was going to take another bus to Pucón. Pucón is a tourist city about an hour away from where I live, but there are no direct buses, so I had to transfer in Villarrica. Since Alice, another EOD volunteer, lives in Villarrica, we planned to meet up and travel the rest of the way together. There are national parks and hiking trails galore in Pucón. Our plan for the day, however, was to go horseback riding. Alice loves riding back in the states, so she researched some places and convinced a group of us to go (not that it took much convincing).

I may or may not have missed my bus…so I took the next one (which of course was running a bit behind schedule). Since the smaller buses here will pick up anyone on the side of the road and allow them to just pay what the driver thinks is a reasonable price to get to their desired destination (along the bus route), it is easy to get behind schedule…Long story short, I was running late, but it didn’t matter because the tour guide with the horseback riding company was also late.

Horseback Riding = hacer cabalgata

The woman from the cabalgata company picked us up at the bus station in her jeep. We randomly stopped at a fish place along the way. No one has any idea why. After several stops and sidetracks (she forgot something because the cat distracted her at one place, so we had to turn around), we arrived at the ranch. There were horses and a couple dogs happily running around.  When the owners/guides got us all set up in half chaps and ponchos, we got super nervous. Why? Because we had no real experience riding horses and we were going to be riding in the Andes Mountains on a difficult trail (because the ground was wet and the horses would be slipping)…What?!

As we rode along, we were in complete awe of the natural beauty before us. Could this life even be real? We were horseback riding in the Andes Mountains and stopping off to hike around secret lakes that the horses couldn’t reach! When we returned to the house, we snacked on coconut cookies and maté, an herbal tea popular in Argentina (it is commonly put in a mug and sipped through a metal straw that strains the loose leaves of the tea, which is passed around kind of like a peace pipe). We then got a ride back to a random bus stop from another person who was on the horseback riding adventure with us (he’s apparently friends with the owners). There, we became those random people who flag down a bus to catch a ride into town.

The remainder of the day was spent walking around Pucón, enjoying the sites and making plans for future visits. On my bus ride back to Loncoche, I just happened to be seated next to a custodian at the liceo and his son, one of my students. I find that I am not surprised by much here. I’m proactive where I need to be and the rest of the time, I just go with the flow. And you know, everything works out.    

Weekends like this remind me how blessed I am to be alive and to be living out my dreams. I am reminded of what is possible with effort and what exists with open eyes. I only pray that eight months is enough time to instill the passion in my community that will drive them to these places, where they can fulfill their dreams.   

Matthew (volunteer from Wales) peering off into the distance at Lake Villarrica 

Lake Villarrica...it was too cloudy to see the volcano, but we swear it exists 

the man and the sea

 Getting ready to hit the trails...in our dementor ponchos (Harry Potter reference)

 Alex and I on our horses...one of the owners/trail guides in the back

 A lake hidden in the mountains. No man has ever disturbed this habitat. Note the dog that tagged along...

 Hard to capture the beauty of this place in a photo.

Serenity Now

Así es la vida

On Friday, I set out to complete the dreaded mission of registering my visa to get my Carnet de identidad (Chilean Identification Card). Since my small city does not have its own PDI* (Policia de Investigaciones de Chile), I had to travel to the nearest city that does: Villarrica.

*Side Note: As a foreigner, you have to go through the PDI (so until you get your carnet de identidad). This is standard, but any Chilean citizen associates the PDI with serious crimes, so expect them to be shocked when you tell them where you are going.

My co-workers at the liceo are all very supportive of one another. It’s such a positive work environment that I get excited to go everyday. That, and I have nothing else to do during the day if I’m not there...While discussing bus tickets yesterday after school in the teachers’ lounge, one of the teachers offered to take me to purchase my ticket and drop me off at home. As we approached the window, he took care of everything. He purchased my ticket (a chivalry thing), asked about all the bus stops to see if I could wait closer to my house, and then showed me where the other bus stop was. It was so kind!

Then my Internet went down. I was mildly terrified because I had no idea how to get to the PDI from the bus station in Villarrica and the EOD volunteer there couldn’t meet me in the morning due to her teaching schedule. I needed Google Maps and I was stranded in my house staring at my computer screen, waiting for the WIFI to work.

When it came back on at 11:45PM, I quickly did my research so as not to miss my window of opportunity.

This morning, I left the house with just enough time to get to the bus station. I didn’t want to admit to anyone that I was planning to walk twice as far as I needed to because I was too afraid to wait at the random bus stop on the street. I mean, what if it didn’t stop like it was supposed to? More security at the terminal, in my mind.

After about 5 blocks, the bus decided to break down. The driver tried everything he could, but it kept stalling. When we made it to the next bus stop, we pulled over and waited for the next bus. This bus was smaller and was packed with 2 busloads of people. I did not have to stand long, however, since many people got off on stops along the way and emptied seats. I enjoyed watching who would get on and off at various campos and towns.

In Villarrica, I quickly discovered that I was destined to get lost. Only major streets had street signs, and even with those, I couldn’t locate where Google told me I needed to go…As I walked around in the rain, sin umbrella (which, of course, my host mom told me to bring), I asked a few people where to go. They pointed me in every different direction. Then, a girl around my age asked me for directions...I explained to her that I was not from the city either, and that I was looking for the PDI. Of all people in that town, she was the one who knew the correct way! I was relieved to arrive at the building, but felt like a wet dog. I just hoped that I had all of the information that I needed.

From that point on, everything went smoothly. After registering my visa, I met up with my friend, the volunteer there, and she showed me around town. We saw the lake and the location of the volcano. The volcano itself was completely hidden behind the fog. What I saw was beautiful, though. We got lunch and chatted about our experiences so far. It was so nice to not only get a dose of veggies, but to speak to another person in English and to share what we were going through with another person who was going through the same thing.

Despite the rain, I returned home in Loncoche feeling refreshed and content. I opened the door to find my host mom cleaning. She had a fire warming the house, with incense added to create a comforting environment. My wet boots and socks were placed near the fire to dry and she asked me about my day. As the teachers joke at school, she is beginning to take on a motherly role with me. As for me, I’m completely okay with.