So...I know you've missed my updates miserably but, I swear it wasn't my fault!! My laptop charger decided that after FIVE years of love that it would die on me during my second week here!!! Imagine the frustrated that followed...especially considering the fact that there isn't a well established postal service here so mailing anything takes WEEKS!!!! Needless to say...I have to catch up for lost time and I have tons to share!!!
What am I going to be doing in the DR you all ask?? As of right now I am a 3rd grade teacher at a private bilingual school, English professor at PUCMM (private university in Santiago where I actually went to school in 2004), volunteering, taking a language courses (French and/or Spanish), and traveling throughout this amazing country.
Where shall I begin...school started last Monday and let's just say I miss my 4th graders in Austin. My students this year are a bit of a handful and possibly unconsciously disrespectful toward authority. They whistle or say pssss to get my attention, it takes me saying their name about 10 times before they acknowledge my presence and once I do have their attention they give me the hand (which means to wait)...hahahha!!! After day one I was truly mesmerized and didn't know how to respond to it all, but after many afternoons of reflection and a few jumbo Presidentes I have come to the realization that what I encounter and perceive to be disrespectful maybe be a superficial judgment. I constantly remind myself that I am in their culture...and not vice versa. For the most part they all come from an elite Dominican population where they are overstimulated by TV, PSP, and whatever else there little hearts desire. My kids take weekend trips to the US to shop and have Doñas (maids) waiting on them hand and foot.
With that being said, my goal for the year, or maybe just the week is to find a way to keep my voice at a tolerable level and establish a respectful environment in my classroom. I must discover a way to dig deep in my kids and instill an appreciation for life love and learning....
1 comment:
Hello My Friend!
I miss you lots. JUst to let you know, I have your blog saved on my favorites so I can check it at a click of a button. :) I am surviving my first year in primary, but I can't imagine what you are going through. La quiero mucho... PS: Send me post card. I collect 'em :)
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