Hi friends and family, this is Sayda, I’m from Conley-Carabello High School. Today was a very busy day for us. We went to the University and met with Christino Comas, he was a teacher and a school director before becoming a professor. I feel like I know so much about his background, I could write his autobiography. He told us that the Dominican Republic struggles with providing quality education because they don’t have enough qualified teachers. The last six years have seen a lot of improvement in both undergraduate and graduate studies, he also says that the government has extended the school day for public school students / even providing them lunch. They’ve got the lunches covered, but the education is nowhere to be seen on paper, most low-income Dominicans can write their names, but are not what we would consider literate. Political corruption also deeply affects education funding. Now Comas has introduced many people to programs for adults – especially single mothers – that are available on the weekends.
The university here in San Juan de la Maguana was the first in the New World, it opened in 1507. For students who graduate from the public university here in San Juan de la Maguana, finding jobs after graduation is difficult because some need to stay local to support their families. Others leave San Juan to find work, and some just keep taking more classes.
Classes at the university have 25 to 35 students in each classroom (unlike the United States). Students respect their teachers, and do things like raise their hands to speak in class. If you’re late too many times, you will get kicked out of class. The university used to provide bikes for the students, and now they have a bus for people who live in rural areas outside of town.
Let’s talk about your kids, because that’s what you’re here to read about. After the university visit, the GGers went to training for English tutoring classes, which we will begin tomorrow! Everyone is having jitterbugs about teaching the local kids, teens and adults. Some of us feel very confident and bold. They are the teachers of the future! (But not the boring kind.) Tomorrow is going to be our big day to teach the people of the Dominican Republic. We are now are part of the largest English program in the history of not just San Juan, but of the ENTIRE Dominican Republic. That’s a pretty big deal, if you ask me. Each GGer will have a local Ambassador to act as our TA, and to help with Spanish translations for those of us who aren’t fluent Spanish speakers.
Right now, at 9.45 pm, everyone is pulling their hair trying to write lesson plans for tomorrow. Students are having lots of mixed feelings about our lesson plans. Kyla is especially stressing, wanting her class to be perfect. Katherine and Ms. Richey say this is a typical Sunday night for teachers.
After our whole day of learning, we went to go get ice cream, thanks to Global Glimpse. After saying goodbye to the ambassadors we went to the famous Sheila’s and had pizza for dinner. Now we have to get ready for Living Like a Local Day. The taps in the hostel have been turned off, and we will take a bucket shower in the morning as part of our simulation. Everyone is really excited about that.
Stay tuned everyone for tomorrow’s blog. ….Dun, dun, dun…. {That’s the dramatic music of doom}
Marisa, how was the ice cream? I am sending this msg from your Padrinos house, Rosa y Chente. We had tostadas de pollo, frijoles y arroz. Marcos is enjoying Chica. So did you utilize your bilingual skills? First thing we do when you come back is go to your favorite restaurant, then some ice cream.
Have a good day, hydrate, take one day at a time, and live each the moment.
Si Se Puede,and stay Brown.Orale mi Chunti!
Tomorrow is a big day! You will likely learn as much from them as they do from you. Good luck to all of you!
Amanda, I was so happy to see you in one of the photos. Your brothers say they miss you…yes, even Lenny! Love you!!
My best to everyone,
Julie
Thank you Sayda for such detail post and nice pictures. It is really nice to follow all of you through your daily activities. Good lack everyone Tomorrow on your first teaching day, not to worry you all going to be great!!! Seung-Se we very proud of you and we miss you a lot.
I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU FERNANDO IN ONE OF THE PHOTOS,IT IS REALLY NICE FOR YOU GUYS TO LEAR ABOUT THE SYSTEM EDUCATION,WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND WE ALL MISS YOU A LOT.
I’m so excited to hear about how tomorrow goes! Marisa- you got this! Your Nino René got home safely from his trip. He loved the pics from the airport… And Marcos’ pool pic!! Have fun tomorrow!!! Oh, and I’ll meet you at your favorite restaurant when you return! Sending big hugs!
Your trip sounds so interesting! What an experience! I look forward to hearing how everyone does “living like a local”. Ari, we sent Nico and family back to Texas yesterday so now we are missing you plus the four Mejias. Big hugs!
Kyla we are so proud of you and know that you will be a awesome teacher. What a great way to be a leader and example to others.
Hey Seung-Se! I hope you’re having an amazing time! I’ve never been to the DR, but LOVED all of my Global Glimpse experiences. So excited to see when you’re lider del dia!
Marisa,
So glad you arrived safely. Hope you Enjoyed your bucket shower-Al Estilo Rancho, Ajua! Disfruta Esta gran oportunidad a lo máximo Mija! Immerse yourself in the culture, try new things, drink tons of agua and take tons of pictures. Que Diosito te bendiga y cuide. Your primos, your Tio and I send you a huge Abrazo y el Lobo Tambien te manda Saludos. Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure! Te queremos un montón Mija! See you at your welcome home party!:)
HI Sayda! I hope you are enjoying your trip! I got a little teary eyed when I first read “Conley-Caraballo High School” I am so proud of you for representing us. I hope you are enjoying your time in the Dominican Republic, please tell Sheila I say hello I hope you are making some everlasting friendships in such a beautiful country. I cannot wait to catch up with you when I get back from my trip to San Cristobal! Enjoy an icecream from la Bon for me! Te quidas!
Amanda just have to say how excited you look to be in the DR surrounded by new friends and learning from new experiences. I miss your face! I love you very very much and I hope you enjoy the rest of the trip. Take plenty of pictures and video of you can. You will cherish these memories forever! Be thankful for social media to allow you to keep in contact with new friends.
Amazing article ,i hope you’re having fun champ and i can’t wait till you get home to hear all the fun and exciting thing you learned from this trip, enjoy your self 🙂