Struggles

Lockdown

April 30, 2023April 30, 2023 First Person ForeignHard Thing

If you aren’t sure about a career, like if you are in tears by third period because the jittery 13-year-olds didn’t learn anything in three days reading the same chapter, and they keep singing the[…]

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021 First Person ForeignNew

I can’t stop talking about teaching. It’s not because I can’t find something else to talk about, it’s just that it is all I am doing. I say hello to all of the students everyday[…]

Taking out the Trash: 2020, A year in review

January 1, 2021January 1, 2021 First Person ForeignBeauty

2020 was NOT TRASH. I am so tired of hearing, in spite of the trauma, loss and anxiety-riddled year that 2020 was, the negativity infused in the number 2020 as if we are entitled to[…]

A cactus asks forgiveness: The Grand Canyon, Sedona and Tucson with a friend

November 24, 2020January 1, 2021 First Person ForeignArizona

“Take a picture of me!” she said and ran close to a Jumping Cholla (which we thought was a Joshua Tree). I didn’t think to shout be super careful; cactus having a way of seeming[…]

It takes bravery to be a teacher

September 5, 2020September 5, 2020 First Person ForeignBeauty

Before I begin this post, I adhere to the rules of FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. I will never reveal my students’ identities, their performance in my classes, or reveal anything about them[…]

Ready or not, USA (1)

April 26, 2019April 28, 2019 First Person ForeignChanges

Now, I imagined this day a million ways (my departure) and none of them could have prepared me for what it actually was. Dropped off by friends, then up ’til the last second in the[…]

T-Minus Guatemala (Peace Corps Ending): Theology, Tortilla Tears & Talent Show Tuesday

March 6, 2019March 7, 2019 First Person ForeignAbuelita

For those of you just tuning in, and for those of you who aren’t, thank you. This is my last month of Peace Corps. I am learning, as I continue to grow as a human,[…]

The Beginning of the End: Peace Corps

February 22, 2019February 25, 2019 First Person ForeignAbuelita

Reflecting on Service and General Updates On Me.

Hi-Lo 7: Period y Pyjamada

January 9, 2019January 9, 2019 First Person ForeignAbuelita

I woke up at… err… 9:45am with the ganas to use the bathroom and before you know it I thought I was gonna keel over and die. OK I can be pretty dramatic (God Bless[…]

Santiago

July 13, 2018July 13, 2018 First Person ForeignCultural Difference

Hello! I am writing this post because it is about a loss and I want to recognize that by sharing it. I also want to share the significance and importance of the funeral and burial in[…]