Learning how to be a non-academic-student

Soooooo, figuring out what to do with myself outside of work has proved surprisingly perplexing. I have spent much of the past 2 months or so looking for a job, looking for an apartment, getting accustomed to the different ¨jobs¨ I´m doing, getting moved into the apartment that I haven´t had much time for ¨chilling¨if you will. Well, I haven´t allowed myself the time is more like it. I´m used to having my schedule so packed (in typical Obie fashion), that I tried to do the same here. I stressed myself out for absolutely no reason. I have since changed my attitude thanks to a little enlightenment from Alvaro and some soul-searching.

I have decided to chill out more and not rush things that certainly do not need to be rushed. This change of mindset has made this last week of work significantly more bearable. Although I am certainly trying to do my best in my new environment, I am not getting worried when plans change every 5 minutes and my job description streches far beyond what I would have imagined originally. When I´m suddenly asked to teach 3rd grade math when I´m supposed to be teaching 11th grade English, I now can shrug my shoulders, go downstairs and teach away, well, at least try to (step one: find book, step 2: figure out what page they were on, step 3: figure out that I have the only book and they supposedly copy what I put on the board, step 4: explain whole fractions, step 5: sigh in relief when the seem to understand and move on to the next change of plans)

Some of what I have called disorganization comes from what is simply a Peruvian understanding of time clashing with my own American understanding of time. Another part is this particular case of my school. They are quite understaffed and not efficient with time, nor do they (and by they I mean the director) explain to the entire staff what changes happen so we are just as confused as the students. ¨what are we doing now, Miss¨?¨ Many times I just shrug my shoulders and start to teach them something in English for as long as I can until they are called out to do some activity that was apparently planned to happen 3 hours before but never got done.

I´ve learned a lot about how important time is to my life and that I simply have to change that in order to maintain my sanity. (Kirsten, I know you can relate). I am extremely happy right now knowing that even at age 22 when many of my habits are fairly set, I can still change something that I consider quite essential to my sense of self, being obsessively organized and obsessed with time. Although it can be good, it is certainly a vice in this situation.

Back to the chilling part, I have decided to take up some dance classes a few blocks away. I´m really excited to take some time to have some fun and hopefully meet some new people, more posts to come on that front. I also have taken up reading again! Finally! While I used to consider myself a voracious reader, I haven´t allowed myself much time to do so, but have made it a priority to just hang out instead of filling it up with job searching. I have one English and one Spanish book, one just for relaxing pleasure and another for advancement in my Spanish literacy which hopefully improves.

Basically, I feel like I´m definitely still a student, just a slightly different kind, one that doesn´t require tons of books and sitting in classrooms (well, I suppose as a teacher some of it is sitting in classrooms....), but still just as much thinking and sometimes a little bit more relaxing ;)

Bueno, I have more to say, but don´t want to overwhelm the post. Hugs and love to all! I miss you!

Hustlin' my gringo identity for cash

So quite a few weeks have past since my last post, but I feel like every time I have a spare moment I spend it taking a nap or trying to have a longer-than-5-minute conversation with a friend or family member. But yes, since I last post, I have found an apartment (which I should be moving into in the next few days), got contracted by 3 English-teaching agencies, made lesson plans for 9 different English classes (for my students who range from age 5-20...) and considered many a time about trying to have a social life (although the application of such thoughts have yet to be completely fulfilled).

Teaching English ain't no simple thang, lemme tell you. My main job (at a very small school that goes from inicial to secundaria, basically pre-school to high school) was a bit stressful the first week, and, although it continues to have its moments, I'm definitely more comfortable with it. Basically, I work from 7:30-3:30 (classes from 8-3) teaching English. I teach each grade 3-4 hours a week, and whatever extra classes that need to be covered if a teacher doesn't show up. Every class has its own challenges, since every student has their own strengths and weaknesses, but one of the hardest things was figuring out how to teach younger children.....

I have ZERO experience teaching small kids and trying to run a class with super hyper 6-7 year olds is a magnificent skill that I certainly have not mastered, but applaud heavily those who have. Most of the kids (up to primero de secundaria- which is basically 8th graders for us Americans) do not have the custom of sitting in their seats during class and must be reminded every minute or so that their job is to sit and not whack their fellow classmate upside the head. I have now drastically enhanced my reflexes and ability to hop from one end of classroom to another in nanoseconds in order to stop one whack from reaching its destination and another 5-year-old from escaping from the classroom and locking me in (who puts a lock on the outside of the door???!!!). With all its locuras (insanities) the school has grown on me and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work there.

The teachers all recognize the stresses of working with kids who have very little resources for school and many much less moral support at home. They are fabulous co-workers and its great to know that I'm not working at this on my own. There are about 4 other staff who are new and we all are learning about the dynamics of the Colegio. For what it may lack in academic formality, it certainly replaces in warmth and friendliness. Today is my birthday, and I think every single teacher and student gave me a hug and wished me the best. Given I know very few people in Lima, it was quite comforting to feel like I belong somewhere.

Bueno, moving on from the work scene, a short anecdote. Last weekend, Alvaro, his friend Kuni, Kuni's girlfriend Sandra and Kuni's family (brother, mother and father) and I all went to a paseo about an hour outside of Lima. Kuni's family is of Japanese descent and the family originally came from a province of sorts called Fukuoka. They belong to the "Fukuoka Club" which basically is like a fraternal organization for those Japanese Limenos who want to hang out with other Fukuokans (spelling?). Anyways, we arrived and found that we were the youngest people there by about 50 years and had neglected to bring cards or pictionary or anything to entertain ourselves. The first half an hour made us a bit worried, but after a while we started playing games and they were just far too hilarious to resist. The viejitos were in great spirits and really kept the energy going. The final game after lunch was Bingo, and the prizes consisted primarily of lovely household items (rice cooker, dishes and other knick-knacks). Alvaro and I were determined to get something as we currently have ourselves and our great personalities to contribute to our apartment, which doesn't exactly supplement cups and bowls. Despite not winning, Mikio, Kuni's brother, won a 20-piece kitchen set that he had absolutely no use for and graciously donated to our cause. I am very grateful for the donation and will forever be reminded of old, Japanese women playing bingo whenever we use them.

Well, this post is growing longer by the second and my fingers are growing a bit weary. Many hugs and love to all those I haven't seen and won't see for a while! :D