Right after training I had the overwhelming image in my head of a great white canvas. Being provided with brushes, oils, paints, and a multitude of other resources, I was to design this canvas in the way in which I saw fit. Throughout the many years I spent in school and in my first job at the law firm I was told exactly what to do and how to do it to succeed. This was the first time in my life I had the freedom to create. A freedom that was daunting. Throughout the first couple months of service I was just getting my face out there (getting to know the community, the educational system, the strengths, the needs, and the dreams of the community members). I started a multi-level English community class as way to get my feet wet for the school year started in February.
As the school year started I had two main issues: The first was exploring how to balance my time between three institutions: two elementary schools and one high school. The second was learning how to teach an English class. Although I had learned many theories behind teaching (student-centered learning, the think-pair-share method, communicative activities, the importance of seating arrangements, the whole shebang of non-formal education (aka the Peace Corps model)), I had yet to really put those ideas into practice. This all resulted in very very lengthy planning sessions. My saving grace during my first couple months in site was the soccer field. Getting some exercise, interacting with other young people, and having fun were crucial to my sanity during the transition into my new life in Sabanillas de Acosta, San Jose, Costa Rica. After playing soccer we would go hang out at an abandoned cabin and eat ice pops or walk to the top the mountain and start a campfire. Looking back on my first three months it was so beneficial to be able to connect with these kids and get to know them outside of the classroom before they became my elementary and high school English students.
Months four, five, and six I really saw some things start to kick off. I started a grant writing process with one of the elementary schools to get money to fund a typical dance group and a choir in the elementary school. The beauty in this project was that it was fully supported by the community as the idea originally came from the principal of the elementary school. I´m pumped about the kids having an opportunity for self-expression and character development. Plus, extra-curricular activities around here are slim to none.
I lead five ladies in my town in their first yoga session. Started walking on a more or less regular basis with some of the women in my town. Had a live Skype session with my first and second grade classes and my wonderful mothers class. Exchanged e-mails, videos, and PowerPoint presentations with two other teachers back in the States. Tutored a guy in his 20´s so that he could retake his English exam to get his equivalent of a GED (and he passed!). My Dad and GRANDMA came to visit me for wonderful week of being pampered.
And! One of the most exciting news to share is that my high school Spanish teacher, Sr. Yutzy is in Costa Rica right now with ten of his students!!!! They are coming to my site next Friday to spend a day in one of my Elementary schools playing games, sharing culture, making art, and cooking cheese empanadas.
Peace Corps is always telling volunteers that we have to be patient. It takes time to see results. Which despite all of these praises, is VERY true. These six months have been full of high highs and low lows. And through all of it I continue to strive to be here now. To not idealize the past or day dream about the future but live each day in the present and to more than ever be true to who I am.
I often ask myself, why did I decide to be a Peace Corps volunteer? Was it to get out of being a townie? Yes. Was it to see more of the amazing world we live in? Yes. Was it to improve my Spanish? Yes. Was it for personal, interpersonal, and spiritual growth? Yes. Was it to help others? YES! But as is often true in life, sometimes you learn later on why you ended up where you are. I´m here for the ride. To experience life and all the beauty and tragedy that comes with it.
