Ask Me to Share

Has the past year been a dream? As I now sit comfortably at home in Ohio, my experience in South America seems surreal. 

Memories flash before my mind, eliciting a smile or a tear and confirming that this was a real experience, a year in Colombia. 

I recall the fresh fruits, happy giggles, blazing sun, broken Spanish, bumpy bus rides, and the list goes on...

Ask me to share about my time teaching and traveling on the Caribbean coast. Some stories are heartwarming, while others are scary. Even still, more are funny, adventurous, and joyous. Some stories are almost unbelievable without understanding of the cultural context, but I will do my best to accurately convey the reality of this wildly beautiful experience. 

Now, all I can express is gratitude. "Muchas gracias" to strangers, students, fellow volunteers, family, and friends who supported me on this journey if only for a moment. Because of you, my year in Colombia was a priceless opportunity. 

Here's to the next adventure. 

Musings from a Pizzería

On a breezy Monday night in Barranquilla, some were walking their dogs. Others were taking a trip to the tienda to buy beans and rice for the next day's meal. Others still were catching a bus home from work, stuck in the maze of traffic that so often plagues the streets during the evening. I, however, sat in a pizzería, sipping a maracuya juice and fighting the tears that were forming in my eyes.

Less than three weeks remain until I return to the States. 

Saying goodbye to the life that I've built over the past year is overwhelming. While being a challenge at many times, I am in awe of the overall beauty of this experience. With each obstacle overcome, I gained a new and profound fondness for the many many unique parts of this culture that have become the norm for my life. Here, underneath the squelching Caribbean sun, I unveiled a strength and grace of which I never knew.

I think of where I started. I think of where I ended. Every person that crossed my path this year was placed at the moment in my life for a reason. My student Ashley who so sweetly embraced my arrival to school, presenting me with a seashell and invitation to dinner. The quirky personalities that I met on the bike route who helped me integrate into the community. The strangers from all over the world who offered me friendship and assistance if only for a minute. 

As I sat in the pizzería with the gentle buzz of the Spanish language surrounding me, I attempted to control the overpowering nostalgia that suddenly captured my heart. Without a doubt, I stand in eager anticipation of life's next adventure; but, I struggle with parting from the vibrant color that Barranquilla has added to my life. 

Recently, I recalled a passage that I memorized in my high-school Spanish class. I am certain that I memorized these 16 words exactly so that I could reflect on them in this moment of my life six years later. Mateo 6:27: "¿Y quién de ustedes podrá, por mucho que se afane, añadir a su estatura un codo?" 

Simply, this means, "Don't worry." With the bittersweet departure from

Barranquilla that approaches, I can find peace in the unknown and appreciate the beauty and growth of what evolved to be an incredibly short year in Colombia. 

By the Numbers: TEFL Certification

With one click of a button, hundreds of hours of work are behind me. I submitted my last assignment for my Teaching English as a Second Language (TEFL) certification. Completing all the components of this certification is a gratifying accomplishment, not to mention an enormous feat.

This lifelong certification equips me with the knowledge and experience to effectively teach English-learners from any country and background. If I choose to pursue a volunteer opportunity teaching basic English to young immigrants or a weekend job tutoring advanced adults at the university level, TEFL certification makes me a more qualified candidate.

By the numbers, my certification with WorldTeach through the organization ACCREDITAT looks like this:

400 hours of teaching in the classroom
350 dollars to enroll in the program
135 hours of orientation and pre-training
25 hours of experience teaching English before the program
20 classroom-related readings and written reflections
18 lesson-plan submissions and written reflections
9 self-designed assessments and written reflections
2 25-minute video recordings of my class with written reflections
2 self-written case studies
1 co-teaching and cross-cultural communication workshop 
1 field-staff visit and constructive feedback

Among the most notable portions of the bimonthly submissions are lesson plans designed to a specific formula. During orientation in January, WorldTeach field staff taught volunteers how to design a lesson plan in five steps using: an opening, introduction to new material, group practice, individual practice, and closing. As creating lesson plans requires a resourceful mentality, I always enjoyed this portion of the certification, being able to incorporate songs, motions, occasional readings, and games into the classroom to be most effective.

The biggest component of the certification is filming a 25-minute video of class to send to the home office in Cambridge, Massachusetts for feedback. This seemingly easy task is trickier than it may seem. For my second video submission, I  succeeded in obtaining a recording only on my third attempt. My first attempt was foiled by a lack of water at the school. My second attempt failed due to a teacher leaving school early for personal reasons. My third attempt finally succeeded. As a safety precaution, I do not prefer to take my phone to school every day; therefore, special planning for this project is essential. When I was finally able to submit this video (my last assignment), I rejoiced in achieving this victory .

Although completing these assignments is a bittersweet reminder that my time in the Barranquilla is concluding, earning the TEFL certification is a fruit of my labors with lifelong implications. My experiences teaching in the unpredictable, warm, and dynamic "costeño" environment gives me a better opportunity to help English learners in the future.

From a professional development standpoint, it also helped me hone my skills to be a out-of-the-box problem solver and innovative, flexible thinker. Being able to use this training to assess my work with constructive criticism allowed me to stay focused on my goals and make daily progress.

Now, I officially offer my services to you. Do you know anyone wanting to improve his or her English-speaking skills? I can help!

Variety is the Spice of Life

Two-hundred and ninety-five days I have lived in Colombia. Many of these days have been spent in the classroom, while others are spent traveling cheaply along the coast or exploring the hidden gems of Barranquilla. To think that only eight days in the classroom remain in unbelievable.

Each day is a unique adventure, filled with unexpected twists and turns; therefore, describing a typical day is nearly impossible, but most days until recently usually followed a pattern that looked something like this:

The night before class: 

9:00 p.m.: In order to prepare for the following day, I set aside $3,400 pesos for the bus ride to school and $2,000 pesos for my breakfast of two bananas and a package of nuts. That's just under the equivalent of $2 USD. I fill my water bottle, pack my bag, and decide what to wear for the following day. With the excessive heat and exhaustion of speaking a second language, I sleep at least eight hours a night. Before falling asleep, I make sure to lightly spray my sheets with bug repellent so that the mosquitoes don't bite me during the night!  
The day of class:

6:05 a.m.: Off sounds my alarm! After washing my face, I usually dress in a pair of breezy pants and a tank top. I braid my hair or wrap it in a bun secured with a banana clip...a very popular fashion trend on the coast.

6:30 a.m.: Time to catch the bus. Even before 7 o'clock, I'm already sweating as I walk several blocks to the street where my bus passes. Some days I wait five minutes for the bus. Other days, I wait for 20 minutes. There are no bus stops; rather, when you see your bus approaching, you wave your hand in the street as signal for it to stop. The mornings are relatively quiet in Barranquilla, although many men along the street are already selling "tinto" (a small plastic cup of strong, bitter coffee) and "arepas de huevo" (eggs fried inside of a corn crust).

7:00 a.m.: Once I get off my bus, I walk into a "tienda" (a small store filled with a plethora of groceries and household items) to buy breakfast. As I walk several blocks to my school, I eat my bananas and wave to the students that I see en route to school with their parents. While some students walk, others ride on the back of a motorcycle. As I enter school, I greet the "portera" (the guard who stands at the entrance of the gated school) and make my way to my first class.

7:15 a.m.: Although class starts at 7 o'clock, students continue to arrive at school up to 30 or 40 minutes late. I begin class with songs...a favorite activity among Colombian students. Classroom activities also include chants with hand motions and completing activities in a textbook. Most rooms have air conditioning, which helps combat the heat.

10:00 a.m.: Descansa! During a brief recess period, students play soccer in an outdoor area in the center of the school. These resourceful students use an empty soda bottle when a soccer ball is unavailable. Others munch on chips and cookies from a small snack stand inside of the school. Being able to converse with my students during recess is my favorite part of the day. We often play hand games, like "thumb wars" or "rock, paper, scissors." The second-grade girls also love taking selfies on my cell phone.

10:30 a.m.: Back to class! During the last hour and a half of school, students are usually restless after recess, but we continue with our normal routine, sometimes consisting of group work or a dreaded exam.

12:00 p.m.: School's out! As I catch the bus home, salesmen jump aboard, selling everything from candy to coloring books. Sometimes a man representing a political party jumps onto the bus to distribute pamphlets about the upcoming election, while others will sing a salsa song or share a brief message about Catholicism. Ultimately, they are all looking for spare change in exchange for what they offer. The ride home from school in the afternoon is always much livelier than the ride to school.

1:00 p.m.: At lunchtime, I love cooking with eggs, quinoa, oats, lentils, and fresh fruits and vegetables. I usually go to a tienda once a week, spending about $20,000 pesos (or around $7 USD) on my supplies. I make sure to drink an overabundance of water and usually talk to my host family about the day while watching a soccer game.

2:00 p.m.: After eating is a perfect time to take a nap or call my mom! Being able to stay connected to my family is incredibly important and I am thankful for the strength that their support provides.

3:00 - 9:00 p.m.: The afternoons and evenings are spent completing paperwork for my Teaching English as a Second Language (TEFL) certification, attending a small Spanish class, meeting friends for dinner, reading, or seeing a movie. On Wednesdays, a ticket to the movie theater costs $2 USD! Obviously, planning for my next lesson is an essential afternoon routine!

Why are no two days alike in Barranquilla? Many factors contribute to the unpredictably of a day on the coast. During the powerful, heavy rainstorms of September and October, deadly rushing water races through the streets and halts all activity. Furthermore, an outage of water or electricity can delay the start of a day. "Puentes" (three-day weekends) occur frequently as Colombians celebrate a national holiday. Even a national soccer game can cut a workday short as Colombians prepare to watch the game.

If variety is the spice of life, then Barranquilla is the place to be. 

Seven Lessons from Barranquilla

Living in a new place for a year is an invigorating and intimidating experience, each day providing a plethora of learning opportunities. As I reflect on the past ten months, I am overwhelmed by what Barranquilla has taught me as I begin to transition into the next stage of my journey: 

1. Be thankful and express gratitude. I am indebted to my family for the constant love that they showcase to me. In countless ways, the give me the strength to tackle any task...whether it's in the classroom or kitchen. Calling my mom multiple times a day is not uncommon, asking her questions about everything from job applications to cooking beans. I am incredibly thankful for and humbled by the emotional (and financial, at times) support that they provide, as it enables me to perform my duties in Barranquilla to my highest level. Thank you!

2. Seize tasks with selectivity. In other words, learn to say no. Colombians are very persuasive in their techniques when asking for a favor; however, in being selective in that tasks that I undertake, I am able to dedicate my energy to that which is most pertinent and where my skills can be best utilized. Furthermore, self-control, the discretion to determine whether something is absolutely necessary, is something that I have also developed during my time in Barranquilla. For example, shaved ice with a sugary topping is (sadly) not essential on a daily basis, from both a health and financial perspective.

3. Treat yo'self. In contrast, celebrating victories (both big and small) is an important part of life abroad. Having goals to achieve and small rewards for my accomplishments inspires me to stay invested into my personal and professional aspirations. After a rigorous month of teaching, I spent $22 on a simple hotel room where I could spend the night in air-conditioning and watch television in English. The fact that a treat like this is so rare makes it so much more enjoyable as I celebrate achievements.

4. Explore on your own. Sometimes the most peaceful, beautiful moments of self-reflection and self-growth are those that are spent solo. Taking a moment to be independent in the strong, community-orientated culture of Colombia is rejuvenating. To venture to the beach for a day or tour a museum alone builds confidence and creativity as I inadvertently stumble upon minor hiccups along the way.

5. Don't think about it too hard! Investing my energy into over-analyzing circumstances outside of my control is draining. Sometimes the line at the supermarket is long and slow. Sometimes I find worms in the tomatoes that I am cutting up for lunch. Sometimes strange, unfamiliar men on the street make comments about my "blonde" hair and pale skin. In these situations, I can only control my reaction and move forward positively. 

6. Be content without closure. Knowing the long-term outcome of my time in the classroom is impossible. Will my student be the future mayor of Barranquilla? Will my student be a successful adult of character and integrity?  Am I making a difference? Revel in uncertainty. Embrace the mystery. I may never understand why a student clings to my arm all day, but I know that I am offering that student the stability that she needs in that moment. Everything happens for a reason. 

7. Share in each others' joy and sorrow. Latin Americans make no hesitation in expressing their feelings. Although I cannot always understand what I being said, I can recognize non-verbal cues and match these expressions. If a child is crying at school, I hug them and sympathize with them. If a co-teacher offers a smile or laugh, I can do that same. Connecting to the emotions of others is vital!

Thank you, Barranquilla, for a challenging, rewarding past ten months. I can only imagine what the final two months hold.

"When you cough, it means it's going to rain..."

A wise Colombian recently told me, "When you cough, it means it's going to rain." With the current change in weather and my three-week battle with low energy, sinus problems, and a persistent cough, I believe her. 

Colombians refer to this illness as "la gripa" and recommend a variety of methods to combat its effects. Hot water with lemon is the most common, in addition to consuming an abundance of garlic and gargling with saltwater. A coworker, upon hearing my cough, offered to bring me vitamin C tablets. 

I am also advised not to walk from the direct heat outside into an air-conditioned building. A taxi driver kindly scolded me after noticing that I walked several blocks in the excessive heat before a thunderstorm. "That's how you get sick," he said. Indeed, as I have learned, la gripa and rain come hand-in-hand. 

Entering rainy season means that the streets flood frequently with rushing water. Because of the water's powerful force, cars pull off of the road and pedestrians scatter into nearby shops until the typically quick storms pass. Earlier in the year, a teenage girl died after falling into raging water. 

These rainstorms, in spite of their potential danger, are a soothing contrast to the strong, constant sunshine that Barranquilla experiences during most of the year. 

Rain or shine, school usually goes on, although arrival and departure times are sometimes delayed in the storms. Especially considering my being sick with la gripa, I'm thankful for a flexible schedule. In the recent weeks, school has been filled with celebrations and assemblies honoring el Día de Amor y Amistad and la Semana de Paz. We are learning adjectives, manners, and body parts. 

Only six weeks of class remain before I return home in December. This is a surreal moment as I recognize the time that has past and the time that still exists to make an impact in any way that I can. I will not let la gripa...or the rain...stop me from completing my obligations in Barranquilla. 

Eight Months Down and Four to Go

What a whirlwind the past month has been! In an effort to provide myself the safest experience and most peace of mind, I moved into a new neighborhood in the beginning of August. While the bus commute to my school is now longer, I feel more comfortable in my new neighborhood and look forward to finishing the next four months of my Colombian experience with energy and drive. 

Nothing could prepare me for the extreme highs and lows of living and teaching abroad. Each day is a mixture of experiences ranging from beautiful and joyous to terrifying and confusing. I am thankful for those with whom I can share this experience, both in Colombia and the United States. I find my strength from receiving the encouragement, understanding, and advice from those around me. 

Seeing my students in action is also inspiring. As they have physically grown over the past eight months, I have also noticed their educational development. I am most inspired by my kindergarteners who will not hesitate to belt the "E-I-E-I-O" lyrics of "Old MacDonald" or eagerly declare the correct answers to the questions that I ask them. 

Just over 100 days remain before I board a flight returning to the United States. This has been a lifechanging experience and I can only guess everything that will happen in the next three months. Each day is a priceless learning experience in so many ways.

A Bundle of Letters

A series of eager gasps followed by a moment of absolute silence filled the classroom. The students' attention was captivated by the bundle of letters that I held in my hands. These letters, written in English by students in the United States, traveled nearly two thousand miles to Barranquilla as part of a pen-pal project that I coordinated with family and organizations in my hometown of Circleville, Ohio. 

In June, the students at El Instituto Educativo Distrital para el Desarrollo del Talento Humano wrote their pen-pal letters at home as part of a special project. In July, they received a reply to their letter.

As I distributed the letters throughout the classroom, the Colombian students asked for special help opening the envelope without ripping it. These second-grader students took great care in meticulously opening their letter, written using simple vocabulary about family, weather, and greeting. 

Some letters even included photos, stickers, coins, pencils, and bracelets.

Other letters including colorful drawings and descriptions of life in Ohio.

Each child loved pouring over the contents of his or her letter. Seeing the joy in their spirit as we completed this project affirmed by purpose in Barranquilla. Not every day is easy, but this experience is beautiful in so many ways.

Living with Purpose

After spending three weeks in the United States with my family, I returned to Barranquilla to continue my journey with WorldTeach. Knowing that the next few months will pass quickly, I established a list of my personal and professional goals, as well as a "bucket list" of fun activities that I want to accomplish. 

My biggest goal is finding a full-time job in the United Statea before December, while other goals include reading a novel in Spanish and applying for a grant from the U.S. Embassy to obtain better technology in my classroom. 

Since improving my Spanish-speaking skills is an important goal, I have dedicated Tuesday afternoons to the library, reviewing my high-school Spanish textbooks and polishing my grammar skills. 

Included in my "bucket list" are fun and cultural experiences, such as running in a 5K, visiting the museum of modern art, and sampling several vegetarian restaurants in the north of the city. I also hope to attend an upcoming concert featuring famous Colombian Carlos Vives. 

Furthermore, each Monday is unofficially deemed a beach day to simply enjoy the Carribean sun and palm trees.

These goals motivate me as I begin to enter a new stage of life. I recognize that my opportunities to live and serve abroad can become more limited as I pursue a full-time career, so I want to capitalize on my time in Barranquilla. I desire that every moment is spent productively, passionately, creatively, and with adventure. 

Teaching and Learning

The classroom is just one place where I spend my time teaching. I am frequently asked by parents, shop owners, and neighbors if I teach private lessons outside of school. The answer is always, "Yes." While some Colombians tend not to follow up with beginning lessons, others do, like eight-year-old Valentina. 

Within my housing complex lives Valentina and her family. Each Monday, Valentina visits to practice her English and energetically chatter about her life. We practice English with the workbook that I use in my school, covering topics ranging from numbers and colors to animals and weather. We also practice reading with simple English books. 

While she initially spent consecutive afternoons with me for multiple hours a day, we narrowed down the time that we spend together to a fun and productive hour. Just as I teach her English, she loves teaching me new Spanish words. She once carefully explained the difference between "morado" and "violeta," two shades of purple. 

WorldTeach has also coordinated opportunities outside of the classroom to help volunteers gain more teaching knowledge and become more connected to the community. I attended a workshop on cross-cultural communication, as well as a press conference about bilingualism with the the mayor of Barranquilla Elsa Noguera. The other costal volunteers and I met in May to refocus our personal and professional goals for the year. 

Furthermore, as part of my certification for Teaching English in a Foreign Language, I am required to send regular lesson plans and case study reflections to the WorldTeach office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I also submit a video of myself within the classroom and a self-authored academic case study based on my experiences twice during the year. 

When I submitted my first 25-minute video of class in April, a fellow volunteer came to class to assist me with the project. During the class that she recorded, the CD player didn't work and a student threw up in class. We later laughed about the chaos. I've learned to adjust with the bumps and go with the flow. I will submit another video in November to assess my progress during the second half of the year. 

These components provide a multi-faceted learning experience that is challenging, but ultimately rewarding. I am pushed to the limit daily, but gain new strength with each experience.

As the first semester comes to a close, I eagerly anticipate spending a few weeks in the United States with my family this month. I already have a shopping bag full of costal treats to share with my family and friends. I also already have a shopping list of school supplies to bring with me when I return to the coast. 

I Spy.

Within the past six years, I have had the opportunity to travel, study, or serve within 5 countries: Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, Peru, and Colombia. 

When I first traveled to Costa Rica in 2010, my surroundings left me in awe. Me senses were alive to each detail of the adventure. I remember the bumpy bus rides over miles of unpaved rocky roads where houses stood tucked within the hills. I remember the taste of the exotic fruits we tried alongside the road. I remember the barefoot children laughing, playing, and chattering to me in a language foreign to my ears. I remember the embraces of people I had just met, yet who were still so connected to my soul. 

With each time I am abroad, I become more acclimated to the culture around me. I will always appreciate the vibrance of being in Latin America; however, I sometimes forget the richness of these experiences as the novelty of a new environment fades. 

In an effort to be more conscientious of my Latin-American surroundings, I crafted a list of 15 charming (and occasionally alarming) sights within my neighborhood in Barranquilla. 

1. Every morning, numerous men walk through the streets balancing giant bowls of ripe avocados on their heads and declare, "Agua, aguacate!" I usually buy a small one for around $1 USD. Sometimes I eat it with rice and beans. Other times I eat it in a salad of cilantro, tomato, onion, and vinegar. 

2. Seeing juicy orange mangos crushed in the street is not uncommon. They fall from the trees onto the sidewalks and streets. Sometimes they are gathered to eat or sell, while other times they are left to the mercy of the busses and cars that pass through the streets. 

3. Donkey-drawn carts are pulled through the streets, often carrying produce, construction supplies, or trash. I have seen small boys racing these donkeys and their carts down the street as fast as they could go. 

4. Massive speaker systems don many front porches as the tunes of famous salsa, vallenato and champeta music plays. Plastic chairs are scattered across gated lawns where families gather to listen to music and talk, especially on the weekends or special occasions. Music can usually always be heard from the small "tienda" stores or cars driving through the streets. 

5. Every child from preschool to secondary is required to wear a uniform to school. The styles of uniforms are vast. Most notably, some are denim, while others are burgundy and yellow plaid. Donning their school uniforms, these children often spend time at the mall after school eating ice cream or in the park playing soccer. I once saw a toddler who was wearing a pink gingham jumper. The sight of her clutching her father's hand and joyfully singing a song melted my heart. 

6. Colombia is a colorful country...even the busses maneuvering through the streets showcase a rainbow of color. One bus, painted in swirls of red, yellow, green, and blue, drives toward the beaches of Pradomar. Inside of the buses are fringed curtains and sometimes vivid illustrations of famous cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny. 

7. In the cool evenings, barefoot children play soccer in the less-trafficked side streets. They boisterously cheer upon scoring a goal, and are quick to pause their game at the sight of a car. Even the youngest of players adeptly steers the ball around boys of the opposing team. 

8. Outside of a corner tienda at all hours of the day, a large group of men play dominos. Their laughter roars, but their faces quickly turn serious in the deep competition of the game. They also play chess or card games with intense concentration. 

9. Litter is scattered across many sidewalks and streets. I imagine how much more beautiful Barranquilla would be without the pieces of plastic and paper cluttering the sidewalks. 

10. With "blonde" hair and fair skin, I am especially prone to  receive attention from men on the streets. Being called a princess, a doll, beautiful, or divine is a daily occurrence. Understanding that Colombia is a very vocal, expressive country helps provide context to these comments; however, even after five months, I still have not have not adjusted to hearing these harmless (yet annoying) noises. 

11. Moto taxis are a cheap, exhilarating, and sometimes dangerous mode of transportation. Motorcyclists guarantee a helmet and a fast ride to anyone who hails them off the street. A multitude of moto taxis are always on the streets. 

12. To fall victim to or witness a robbery is sadly not uncommon. Taking special precautions is essential. I never carry a purse or wear jewelry. I also walk with purpose to my destinations. Because I do not like to take technology outside of my house, I do not have many photos; but, I ultimately prefer to protect my belongings and myself. 

13. Laundry air drys outside the brightly-painted cinder-block homes, blowing in the cherished breezes. The heat of the Caribbean sun quickly drys the clothes. Costeños, or those living on the coast, usually wear vivid colors and bold patterns. Women usually always wear high-heeled wedges. 

14. Vendors sell a plethora of items on the streets outside of bigger grocery store. DVDs and CDs in thin plastic sleeves are less than $1 USD. I occasionally see a man sitting on sidewalks with an array of padlocks, while others sell nail files, or brooms. 

15. Within my neighborhood close to Parque Olaya, tree trunks and electric poles are often painted with thick red, yellow, and blue stripes at the bottom. Colombian pride is in abundance. These colors make even a cloudy day a little more cheerful. 

These are just 15 observations of my Colombian home. So many more people and places make Barranquilla a charmingly bold place to live. 

Monday: the Best Day of the Week

While Mondays can have a bad reputation, they happen to be my favorite day of the week. On Mondays, I spend four hours with my lively kindergarten classes. These students, some as young as four years old, eagerly express their affection with hugs and kisses as I enter the classroom. 

They are curious to learn new English words and I am regularly bombarded with the phrase, "¿Como se dice ________ en ingles?" Usually, I can readily provide the answers to their questions; however, I am sometimes stumped by their request to translate the occasional obscure word, such as "ceiling fan."

We have learned about shapes, colors, numbers, weather, and emotions. Some of the best tools in the classroom are the vocabulary flashcards that I make with computer paper and crayons. They love repeating the vocabulary words in different voices: high-pitched, low-pitched, fast, slow, quiet, and loud.

However, like most children, their favorite activities are hands-on and interactive. When we learned weather vocabulary, I brought a tote bag to class that was filled with various items ranging from an umbrella and scarf to sunscreen and rain boots. Students selected an item from the bag and placed it beneath a corresponding sign that depicted a weather condition. Students loved being able to grab an item from the bag and even wear it. The boys particularly enjoyed modeling a pair giant sunglasses.  

Considering the passion for rhythm and music in Latin America, students love listening to and learning new songs. We always open class with the same songs and "If You're Happy and You Know It" is a favorite.

No characteristic is more needed in the Colombian classroom than flexibility. I have yet to teach an entire week of class according to the schedule that we made at the beginning of the year. In the lesson that my friend helped me record as part of my TEFL certification, the CD player stopped working, one little girl threw up, and the janitorial staff came into the room to clean the mess. That same day, my classes were shortened by a surprise visit from a photographer who was taking class photos. Teaching in this environment always keeps me on my toes, but the experience is priceless. 

Medellín: What a View

What do you do when a teacher strike lasts nearly three weeks in Colombia? Travel, of course! In addition to spending time in coastal cities like Santa Marta and Cartagena, another volunteer and I flew into Medellín, a city tucked within the mountains of the interior of the country. 

Medellín, known for its springtime temperatures and picturesque views, gave us a much-needed break from the squelching heat of the coast. Medellín bustled with a diversity and urban flavor that can be rare to encounter in Barranquilla. 

From Pueblito Paisa, we could see for miles around the city. As the sun set, the landscape sparkled with the lights of the houses and cars beneath us. The view seemed surreal. 

At El Museo de Castillo, we learned about one of Medellín's wealthiest industrial families and toured the castle that they once called home. The house burst with collections of glass, art, books, and even hundreds of tiny spoons. 

At Barrío, a lively stop along the Metro, we saw works by the famous Boltero. Oversized bronze statues of men, women, and animals lined the park. 

We toured the Museo de Arte Moderno and caught a unique glimpse of Colombian architecture through its Utopia exhibit. 

Our visit to Medellín was impetuous...and one of the best experiences that I have had since coming to Barranquilla. Seeing a new place was energizing. Being surrounded by such lush, green scenery was rejuvenating.  The vegetarian food options were in abundance, especially in the Poblado district of the city. I am refreshed by this wealth of unexpected time that I had to see another side of Colombia...and ready to return to the classroom!

Momentos Especiales

Rather than spending last Sunday evening preparing English lessons for the week ahead, another volunteer and I went to a restaurant in a lively area of the city. With a continuing teacher strike that has indefinitely canceled classes, we found ourselves wanting to explore Barranquilla. 

After dining, we made our way to a wide, open expanse known as the Plaza de la Paz. This area bustled with people of all ages. While some practiced their skateboarding skills, others danced in front of a large speaker blaring music. Children scurried across the smooth pavement on their bicycles and roller blades.

The stained-glass windows of a massive cathedral sparkled under the street lights as busses and taxis moved through the streets. Men dressed in colorful uniforms maneuvered ice-cream carts around the playing children. 

My friend and I situated ourselves on a set of stairs where we could observe the energetic scene before us. We watched the dancers perform backflips and handstands among their dance moves. 

As the evening progressed, the action slowly dissipated. The music stopped, the crowd thinned, and my friend found herself wanting something from a food vendor. 

When one of the street dancers saw my friend motioning toward the vendor, he proceeded to buy both of us a sucker. He, along with a few of his friends, joined us on the steps. 

José Alberto immediately began sharing his story. He talked about his happiness, his struggles, and how he remains positive. The twenty-two year old Venezuelan is working temporary in Barranquilla and living with his mother, a Colombian, during that time. His father, who works on a ship, travels a lot and has children in multiple countries. 

Although only living in Barranquilla for a short time, he became friends with a group of street dancers who meet regularly in the plaza. Dancing is a creative outlet. 

"I have many problems, but when I dance, everything is good," he explained. His excitement for dancing and his ability to find joy in spending time in the plaza inspired me. 

I am thankful for my brief encounter with this man. Some people enter your life for an hour, others for just a few months, and others for years. These encounters, no matter how long their duration, happen for a reason. Each person has a story to share. Each person has the potential to brighten--even shape--another life. Being more conscientious of this fact is my goal as the next month progresses. I want, not only to listen and learn from those around me, but to also brighten the lives of those I encounter...even if it is merely through a smile. 

Vamos, Vamos, Tiburón

I could feel the ground trembling beneath me. I could hear the unfaltering roar of the crowd. Nothing have I ever experienced like this. 

This is Colombian soccer. 

Fans clad in red and white striped jerseys jumped from their seats, clinging to each other in passionate embraces. Others in the stadium boisterously shoved those around them, carelessly aware of only one thing. Junior scored a goal. 

Junior is one of twenty teams within the Liga Águila del Fútbol Profesional Colombiano. On my first day in Barranquilla, my host family eagerly declared their loyalty to Junior as we watched a game on television. Much to their approval, I embraced Junior as my team, too. 

Although our tickets specified exact seats, my Colombian friend and I arrived early enough to the game that we were able to actually choose where we wanted to sit. He merely shrugged his shoulders when I questioned if we needed to find the seats printed onto our tickets. 

We sat on the east side of the stadium, a relatively calm place to enjoy the game with a perfect view of the centerfield. This side of the stadium is referred to as the Barra Fuerza Tiburona, or literally, the Shark's Force Fan Section. 

Around the stadium hung colorful banners representing different neighborhoods in Barranquilla. The most clamorous fans occupied the south side of the stadium, chanting throughout the entire game. These fans are the Barra Frente Rojiblanco Sur, or literally, the Red and White Front.  

Minutes before the game began, diehard fans eagerly distributed red, white, and blue balloons among the crowd. These represented the colors of Junior. Others distributed plastic bags in the colors of Barranquilla's flag: red, yellow, and green.

I captured air inside of my yellow bag and held it high as the anthem of Barranquilla played. As the anthem ended, we left the bags and balloons to the wind, blowing freely in a colorful confetti to the lowest part of the stadium. 

Eighth-ranked Junior played second-ranked Independiente Santa Fe. To spot a Santa Fe fan in the crowd was impossible. When I asked my friend if Junior would win, he replied affirmatively. His answer needed to justification. Junior fans, through the good and the bad, are undyingly loyal to the tiburones, or sharks. 

His confidence was justified, as Junior claimed a 3-1 victory over the team from Bogotá. With each of the three goals, the stadium shook beneath my feet as the fans jumped and cheered. 

To not be completely engulfed within the sights and sounds was impossible. In such an amplified environment, feeling a part of the culture is not difficult. In these moments, at my very first soccer game, I never felt more at home.