El Camino

Things are picking up with school here- I'm finally beginning to get a feel for Spanish public education and getting to know my students. I must say, the first week or so, I felt completely out of place. Going from teacher social time to class with the two english teachers, Fran and Maria Jose, I was exhausted by the end. One day, I almost burst into tears when I didn't understand one of the activities Maria Jose wanted me to do with the kids. I felt like if I heard one more word in Spanish I would simultaneously throw something across the room and punch the wall.

But as I sit here, drinking my Estrella Galicia Artesana (a better version of the most popular beer in Galica). I can't help thinking how much I have to be thankful for...

For one thing, I am actually seeing a difference with the kids and beginning to build relationships. I am past operating at survival mode and actually settling into my role as English teacher. The children could not be more sweet, or smart! Some classes are harder than others, just like in the U.S. And sometimes I do get frustrated with the teaching styles. For instance, Spain has recently begun to merge Exceptional children (i.e. children with learning disabilities) with non-disabled children in the classroom. Apparently, most of the teachers are in favor of this, and I am as well. I think it's important for children with difficulties to not feel any more different than they already do, and to become socially aware. But this comes with its share of issues. We have one boy named Alex in a wheelchair, who is in 5th grade., Who knows how old he is. He is a sweet boy, always with a smile, and while he can't say much, he is trying so hard- always making noises as if he is trying to participate. But it breaks my heart to think that he will probably repeat this class Lord know how many times. A few other kids have learning difficulties, and Fran has made sure to tell me repeatedly, which i find freaking annoying to be honest. Reiterating the fact that things are harder for them does not make things better. They need to be treated as any other student, with some discrete supplementary help. I try really hard to give these kids extra attention without calling the attention of the other students to this. One boy, Borja, is the most adorable boy you could ever meet. He has long brown hair and the cutest round face. Every time he sees me, he says "Ello Teacher." He tried to hold my hand during a game today, but one of the girls pushed him away (I couldn't say that I would rather hold Borja's hand haha).

Also, Maria Jose had taken me under her wing. She is always asking how I'm doing and told me today that if I need anything, I can call her and she'll at my apartment in 5 minutes. You just don't find many people so willing to drop what they're doing to help you! She spent 45 minutes showing me all the different parts of Galicia and Spain, and telling me all the good places to go. She also plans to have me over for dinner and to take a long walk with her family on a famous mountain. I cannot wait! She has two boys- her oldest, Sergio, is in my 6th grade class and gets teased for having Justin Bieber hair. These people are the salt of the earth.

And my last big announcement- I have connected with some awesome auxiliars. As much as I love Spanish language and culture, some days I would kill for a Poptart and some friends who speak English.... prayer answered! At the program orientation last week, I met up with another English teacher in Boiro, an Irish girl named Ashleigh. She is bubbly and talkative and looks just like Emma Stone. I am not kidding- and I have always wanted to be friends with Emma Stone! Anyways, we met up with another Irish girl named Nicole, Sean from Seattle, Sarah from, get this, Raleigh, Matt and Rachel from the UK...and I think that's all the important ones. We ended up going to Santiago this past weekend and exploring together, and it was just what the doctor ordered! But I will tell you more about that later, I'm off to have a cervecita with the other profes. Talk to you soon!