Primero dia!

Latino Language, Pedagogy and Culture Immersion Institute in Puerto Rico

7/28/09

Last night, we had the pleasure of joining the President of the University and our professors for a beautiful and delicious meal. We ate inside the President's house, which is located right on campus. Our dinner was served on their back patio, with the tropical fauna making for an incredible setting. After we enjoyed our flan and espresso, we were invited to take a brief tour of the campus. Lydia, a professor at the university, guided us to a few close destinations. She has written a book about the history of the campus and is extremely passionate about it. It was nice to learn more about the place we will be studying at for the next two weeks.

Today was the first day of Spanish class! Everyone is placed in a class based on their level of experience. I was placed in the intermedio or intermediate class. Of course I would prefer the advanced level and I love a challenge, but the truth is that it would have been over my head. I have minored in Spanish and lived in Spain, but I still struggle so much with the language. I honestly think I could earn another degree easier than I can learn this beautiful language. The process of learning, speaking, and thinking in another language is extremely long and tiring, but in the end rewarding. It is in my pursuit to learn this language that I have learned more about myself and other cultures. I also believe it has made me a more compassionate and understanding educator. I consider myself lucky that I know as much Spanish as I do, but I will not be content until I am fluent. This is also a challenge because I know I will never be fluent until I live and breathe in a Spanish speaking place for over a year.

posted by Jerika at 9:44 AM 0 Comments

Estamos Aqui!!!!!

Latino Language, Pedagogy and Culture Immersion Institute in Puerto Rico

Warning: These posts may not post to the accurate days. We experienced problems with the internet and it has been a challenge acessing it........but I am doing my best! Here we go!

7/27/09

We are here! No more preparation and anticipation. Everyone arrived promptly and safely, and now the adventure begins! The landing view from the airplane was magnificent. The water is a brilliant blue and the waves breaking look like little white cracks from the sky. Upon arrival, the sound of the Spanish language is rapidly bouncing off the walls. English words are just as apparent, but I am trying to tune my ears the best I can to the beat of the Spanish language. If you put all your energy into practicing and utilizing the language, a wealth of knowledge is at your finger tips.

Currently, we are on a very chilly bus heading to Mayaguez. It is a little under three hours to get there. A big perk to this island is that you can get from one side of the island to the other in under four hours, of course traffic permitting. San Juan is on the eastern coast and Mayaguez is on the western coast. From coast to coast and the rainforest in between, Puerto Rico is looking like a unique and highly enjoyable adventure. For now, I believe it is time for a much needed nap. Even though it is the exact same time here, arriving at the Philadelphia Airport at 4:40 am is a straight kick to your... culo : )

posted by Jerika at 9:18 AM 0 Comments

Anticipation and Preparation!

Latino Language, Pedagogy and Culture Immersion Institute in Puerto Rico

I am excited. Excited for the adventure, excited for the experience, excited for the value of the knowledge about to be gained. This is my first trip since returning from student teaching in Spain for four months. The knowledge gained from that experience has changed almost all areas of my life and I cannot wait to grow even more as an individual. My only regret so far from all of my traveling adventures is that in my undergraduate studies, I did study abroad for a longer length of time.

Preparation. No matter how much time you take to ensure you have everything you need packed in the right bag (you don't want to leave your favorite bottle of lotion in your carry on, anything above 3 oz is a no no, one of the many lessons I learned from my own experience, ) you never truly feel prepared. One of the many lessons previously learned, pack lightly! You really only need one item of each, excluding underwear and socks, the necessities. Forgetting simple items is a blessing in disguise. There is an adventure to be made in looking for a toothbrush in a brand new environment. It is scary when we take a step out of our element, but that is where lifelong growth and learning occur.

I am anticipating the adventure! I look forward to bettering my Spanish, experiencing my first Rain forest, and engaging in their education system. From the food, to the people, to the language, to the preparation and return, I love the anticipation that is lingering and growing inside. As the days get closer, that feeling takes over until my first step in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Until then, the vigorous task of preparation!

posted by Jerika at 4:54 PM 0 Comments