Thursday, February 27, 2014

Mind of a 15 year old

It always feels like I haven't written anything for longer than it actually has been. For the record though, my last post I had actually written a couple weeks before during a break at school, and then finally posted it the 18th of February. It was mostly about the option of staying here for the summer as an au pair. After finding out it would cost a lot of money to change the date of my return flight to California, I probably won't stay here as an au pair. I still have to find out if any of the families are willing to pay for my flight change (often times, families fly people over from the U.S. to live and speak English with their families for a summer, so why not a flight change?)

The past two weeks have been filled with good bye parties, dinners, outings, events in general. As well as welcome events for the new Erasmus. A few really good friends will be leaving back to their countries in the next few days *tear* it's sad but kicks in the reality that this won't be home forever. On the bright side, I have more excuses to travel and visit them. So far that includes Canada (Montreal), Sweden, and Italy, not bad. Everyone I meet says they want to go to California, so I think I'll be hosting a lot of people in the near future, better get my own place or at least room in a place. I've had little time to rest, and do my own thing. Which after a while, you start missing. Those lazy days where you don't step outside your house or apartment. Stay inside reading, watching t.v., cooking, sleeping, planning adventures, looking up stuff to do with your life, etc.  There are just so many events here with the new program ISAC (International Students Association of Cartagena) which is an amazing group/association that creates events for all the international students here. Which prior to, nothing existed like that. From movie sundays to jam sessions, to trips to other cities, ISAC is making it big. They just started it up this past fall.

I prefer being in the classroom alone with students, it allows me to be my real teacher self. When I'm with another teacher, I feed off of their energy, if they're serious, so am I, if they're silly, so am I. But most of the time I find myself laughing at their ridiculous jokes, even when I should be a symbol of authority. But then again, I'm just the teaching assistant, i'm allowed to be ridiculous. But it makes me think about the age I actually act. There I am, laughing with the students at stupid jokes or ridiculous situations. I can relate to them, still, and they are no older than 15 or 16 years old! When will I mature to be that serious teacher who really shows authority and focuses on the lesson plan? Or do I even want to be that teacher? Are the best teachers the ones that can relate to the age of their students? I need to find a good balance. The classroom is a science experiment, which makes it interesting everyday. Although, in the elementary school, a lot of the times I find myself bored and constantly looking at the clock. They work directly from the book though, every, day….not very stimulating if you ask me.

Well, whether my mind is where it should be at a 23 year old level, or if its at a 15 year old level, seems to be working so far. I think…

Just found out one of my best friends might come to Spain!!!!! I really hope she does, that would be an experience. I haven't traveled for two months, and i'm getting antsy. Currently planning weekend trips to Valencia for Las Fallas, Bilbao in the north, to Cordoba and Malaga, and eventually want to fit in Berlin and Sweden. For Semana Santa we will be going to Morocco, and my last big trip will be to Italy and Greece, which I want to start planning for now because I'm so excited for it.

I'm not going to lie, I am a bit homesick. I miss California. It's awesome. I miss the essence of Berkeley and the Bay Area in general. I keep daydreaming about all the familiar spots I will go to when I get back. The more and more I travel, the more and more I see how great the Bay Area is. The diversity (in  people, food, music, culture, religion, etc). It is such an accepting culture. Hard to not miss it. I don't miss the north really, so much as the people. It's been 6 years since i've lived in the Bay Area, and i'm ready to live there again as a 20-something year old and go out and experience what it has to offer. Hopefully I can find a grad school program in that area.

I think I've covered everything I've wanted to say. This weekend is Carnaval, no idea what I'll dress up as. I'm thinking a cat, and orange, or a pirate. Until next time!

1 comment:

  1. B, it is incredible to read your writings when abroad. So much of what you have talked about, not just in this post but in various posts and your introduction hit home. It is so cool to read these reflections and glimpses of you of a time passed. I should have done this but never had the commitment like you did. I am very impressed in everything you reflect upon in these posts. I know I am lucky to have met you in this life.

    Working just from the book is totally un stimulating! It needs to be mixed up with projects, didfferent seatingarrangments, videos music..I think all that stuff!

    Before, I would not have known what to write in a post like this, but my passion as well is teaching so I have been totally hearing you out on everything you wrote!

    You are/have been living in the bay area now as a 20-something year old and in a masters program!

    2018 is going to a be a busy but fruitful finishing of the program and more work, but when you finish I know you will be happy you did it all! It will all be worth it!

    And then we can go travel and teach around the world together in love :)

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