Time for School

In true Colombian fashion, plans change at a moments notice. During the past two weeks, I transitioned from teaching at Hogar Mariano to another school: Instituto Distrital para el Desarrollo del Talento Humano (IDETH). This change provided the safest, most beneficial experience for both me and students. This co-ed school is less than 8 minutes on a bus from my house.

My first day at IDETH happened to be the day of the school's Carnaval celebration. While I assumed that I would be observing the festivities, the other teachers had different plans. Upon arriving to school, they declared me the Carnaval queen. While one teacher covered my eyelids in vivid eyeshadow, another rushed to a closet where she emerged with a bright pink and turquoise dress in a traditional "cumbia" style. Once the party began, the director of the school introduced me to the parents and students as I made an attempt to dance onstage.

This unexpected welcoming foreshadowed the inclusion and support that I have received. Parents are always greeting me and offering me advice on living on the coast. Telling them that I enjoy living in Barranquilla always brings a smile to their faces.

I have finally begun teaching, after a week of meetings, class observations, and several days of no school due to the Carnaval celebration. My students are in kindergarten, first, and second grades and especially enjoy singing songs in English.

While I create lesson plans and teach independently in kindergarten and second grade classes, I co-teach the first grade classes with Amparo.

Amparo has been a teacher for many years and speaks English well. With energy and enthusiasm, she does an amazing job teaching. After talking with some of her students from last year, I am impressed by the knowledge that they recall and their excitement for learning English. 

These children are eager to share their affection. Upon entering the classroom, I am greeted with countless hugs. Walking around the school, I often hear little voices exclaiming, "Teacher," accompanied by a smile and brisk wave. 

During snack break, the children love sharing their chips and cookies. While accepting the food from their sticky hands is not always the most appetizing, I am warmed by their desire to share. Not every moment is easy, but their smiling faces make every moment worthwhile!

Five Weeks, Five Insights

Within the past five weeks, I have gained a unique look on life in Colombia. Each day is unpredictable, yet energetically full of promise. Five things that I have learned in the past five weeks are: 

1. Patience and flexibility are essential for any American traveling in Colombia. Plans change at a moment's notice and time is free-flowing and debatably nonexistent. I am now in the process of transitioning from my initial placement school to a new school: Instituto Educativo Distrital para el Desarrollo del Talento Humano. My moving to a new school provides an overall better experience for both me and my students. With this change, I am perfecting the Latin American art of having a "cógela suave" attitude and going with the flow.  

2. Upon arriving in Colombia, one of my program directors said, "Don't underestimate the power of McDonald's." I unbelieving disregarded the comment, finding the fast food chain to be repulsive. However, after my short time in Barranquilla, I must admit that there is something soothing about the Golden Arches, the free wifi, and the greasy taste of cheap French fries being just a bus ride away. I have also acquired a new respect for fried yuca dipped in a mixture of mustard and mayonnaise. The common, potato-like root vegetable is delicious.

3. Although exact relations can be confusing, extended Colombian family members have become an integral part of my life. My cousin offered to take me to church and another invited me to spend Holy Week in another city. Last Friday, I spent the evening with two younger cousins and another volunteer playing card games and listening to music. I have also joined my aunt on bicycle rides throughout Barranquilla. I could continue to list the time I have spent with my family. Having such an inclusive family is sweet. 

4. The little things mean the most: sharing a smile, being given a sticker from an affectionate child, and conversing with a baker after buying a piece of bread that costs less than 20 cents. These simple acts make strong connections...and having these friendships is one of my happiest accomplishments in Barranquilla. Being greeted and conversing about merchandise in a local tienda undoubtedly means that I am slowly but surely integrating into my community.  

5. As Colombians need little reason for festivities, every day is a good day to celebrate. Seeing a car driving though town on a weeknight with giant speakers blaring salsa music through an open trunk is not uncommon. On Fridays, lawn chairs are set in a circle where neighbors and friends gather to revel in each other's company. When Miss Colombia--a Barranquilla native--won Miss Universe, endless excitement ensued. Simply put, Colombians enjoy the moment and the people in their life.