School is in Session

Classes are officially in session at IE Antonio José de Sucre, meaning that my role as an English teacher has begun as well. As I passed the security guard through the gates of school, I could already feel all eyes on me. Originally I was under the impression that my Italian features would make me blend in, but once I arrived it was obvious that "gringa" was stamped across my forehead. As I made it past the main corridor and into the hall, I was waved down by a man who will remain my mentor for the rest of the semester. Of course, the first words out of his mouth when spotting me were, "you must be our new fellow! It is so nice to finally meet you!" Once again it was proven that I stood out like a sore thumb.

As my mentor, I assumed Professor Polo was the only one expecting me other than the co-teachers I was meant to guide throughout the semester. This was not at all the case. When showing me around the school he went on about how all the students and teachers have been gossiping about my arrival for weeks. I was surprised to hear how everyone desired to meet the gringa from the United States. Only 10 minutes into my first day and I was officially nervous to start the classroom experience.

Teachers escorted me to each classroom to fulfill student's curiosity over my presence. I felt like a broken record when repeating my name, history, and reason for being in Colombia. In my introduction I had to deny a few date requests and justify my reasoning for being unavailable to eager 14-16 year old students. In each classroom, I could sense the underlying intentions behind the question of my age and whether or not I had a boyfriend back in the States.

The first teacher I worked with was the lovely Nayibe who might I add, exemplified the selflessness of Colombians. After a simple introduction she was already going out of her way to find me a better living situation for the rest of the year. To my surprise, she asked me to take over the lesson right at the beginning of my first classroom experience. With hesitation I agreed. One thing I have learned about Colombian culture is that using the word "no" is considered rude and rarely used. Lucky for me the lesson of the day was centered around the role of scouts in society. Being a girl scout for 14 years, I was more than prepared to guide students on the history of the movement and regular activities scouts carry out in an average setting. Clearly I did something right when entirely winging the lesson because before the end of class, students were already referring to me as their teacher and displaying a level of comfort that is usually gained over time.

It is crazy to think that I am the first interaction with an American that some of these students have ever had. There is no better feeling than watching their expressions when you partake in English small talk. Throughout their entire academic career they have been taught, "Good morning; how are you; I am fine, thank you." In being present in the classroom, I get to give them a real-life response to these basic questions. The cheesiest smiles in the world are shown when I reply, "I am great! How are you?" That in itself the true definition of priceless.

I can already tell that this experience is going to absolutely change my perspective on the things taken for granted back home in the United States.