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
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.
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
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.
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