Well, they did it! Everybody was up and on-time for the 5:45 a.m. head count. Buen Trabajo, chicos! Today’s reality challenge was to shadow a high school student where each student followed the typical day of a Nica student. Each student rose by 5.a.m and prepared for a school day, Nica syle beginning with a cold shower, typical breakfast, and short(ish) walk to school.

We arrived at El Instituto Nacional Eliseo Picado (INEP) just before 7a.m. for orientation and introductions to their hosts and student mentors. Then it was off to classes for the next five hours, shadowing the every move of their new Nica peers including physical education, physiology, chemistry, and pre-calculus. Additionally, our arrival landed on El Día del Estudiante (the day of the student).

QUICK NICA FACT: On July 23, 1959, the national guard assassinated four students for protesting the massacre  of “El Chaparral. This day marks the beginning of the student revolution and is declared  Día Nacional del Estudiante Nicaragüense to honor the students who died in this demonstration.

Before leaving for lunch, the students personally thanked the vice principal for her hospitality and presented her with a gift. All-in-all, everybody really enjoyed their experiences but I don’t think they want to go back to school any time soon.

After lunch the students returned to the hostel to prepare lessons for their English classes, beginning tomorrow. They are going to be great teachers and after today’s experiences, we can’t wait to see them in action, but it won’t be easy!

Tune-in tomorrow for the next El Lider Del Dia (leader of the day) update.

GG Leaders – Erick and Leila