I’m in my second week of teaching & 3rd week in Guatemala. I have 3 weeks left after this. I’m at that part of the trip where, you simulteously feel at home, and then realize how swiftly your trip is passing, and have an added urgency of making the most of it.
I’m really working hard on my Spanish, but I’m still quite clumsy. I will feel triumphant if I can emerge from these 6 weeks able to speak Spanish with someone while maintaining eye contact. Instead, I look up, deep into my brain, trying to find the right conjugations and phrases, as I stall with drawn out “uhhhs” and Spanish conjunctions. It’s not always a pretty site. But, to really learn the language, you need to speak it. So, whenever I find any Spanish speaker to humor me, I hablar their ear off. I don’t care how scrunched up my face gets.
It’s pretty ironic actually, the process I am involved in. I am learning Spanish. I have elementary skills, but am trying hard to advance to the next level. I’m like a 2nd grade student who can barely read “Curious George” books, but wants to read “Harry Potter.” When I taught 2nd grade, I had students just like this. We set reading goals together, so that they could improve in a realistic fashion. I’m doing the same thing with myself.
I also sort of feel like an elementary student. I’m working hard at my studies and a part of me always wants the approval and pat-on-the-back from my teacher (tutor). I do my best to “impress” her with my immaculately completed homework and usage of recently taught conjugations. I make her laugh quite a bit, so that’s a good sign.
All of this allows me to empathize with my elementary students in a way that is fresh and recent. I share in the frustration and celebration of learning.
