Back to Something New

After the excitement and hubbub of Independence Day and Secretary Clinton’s visit, my life has settled into a fresh normality. While teaching less than before, I feel much busier and slightly more fatigued. Now I get up around 8:30 am after an altercation with my alarm clock in which I usually triumph at least three times before stumbling to the bathroom for a cold shower. After procrastinating a good 30 minutes checking my e-mail and Facebook, I set to work feverishly writing lesson plans and creating worksheets or tests for my English and Spanish classes so that I can make it to the printing shop and back home in time for lunch. Sweaty from the bike ride, I scarf down a ¾ cup serving of rice in about 8 spoonfulls (I counted). Next, I bike to my high school where I teach for four hours, frequently battling with the rain and poor lighting caused by the clouds of rainy season. Assuming there isn’t a heavy downpour right at 5:00, I ride my bike home, often stopping in the market for some bread or at the gas station for some Pringles and Coke. In the evenings I share another meal with my host family and pause occasionally from my internet use to stretch and correct the poor posture encouraged by using my laptop while sitting on my bed.

I’ve really enjoyed teaching the past couple of weeks, especially since I’ve been able to get to know a few new students who joined my beginner-level English and Spanish classes. I’d say altogether I’m working with about 25 students right now in my various courses. While I used to lament the low attendance in my classes (only 5-10 students per session), I’ve come to appreciate the intimate setting and the personalized attention I can give to each learner. I feel privileged to work with them as there is a significant opportunity cost of coming to study with me. Instead of learning English, students could spend their time relaxing with friends, studying another subject privately which counts more on their semester and final exams, or supporting their families by working at home, in the fields, or in the market. From a teacher’s perspective, there are many obvious benefits to learning English (especially when the class is free), but the sacrifices can easily go unnoticed.

Especially delightful this week was the flight confirmation e-mail I received from my dear friend, Grace, who is coming to visit in November. Nothing is more uplifting for an isolated and lonely Peace Corps volunteer than having the visit of a friend or family member to plan and look forward to. I’m so excited to share my experience and catch up with Grace who is currently working herself silly to reelect President Obama. I hope the trip is refreshing for her, and I’m sure it will be because nothing is as invigorating or energizing as a steaming bowl of rice…