Today was a long, but rewarding and informative day! Our wake up call was at 5am, so one of the earliest wake up calls of the trip. After our equally early breakfast, we walked to Colegio La Salle, a nearby private school, to shadow high school students for the day. It was fascinating to see the differences between the high school experience in the U.S. and in Nicaragua. We got to sit in on academic lessons, talk to and befriend many students, and enjoy some of the snacks sold on campus. After eating lunch and handling errands, we had a brief academic seminar about equitable access to education in the U.S. and abroad. With this discussion in mind, we headed back to La Salle for a presentation by English teacher Mr. Rizo and his English Access Program (run through the U.S.embassy in Nicaragua and 84 other countries around the world). The English Access Program provides English language and practical skill building for talented youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Later in the evening, we had our fourth English tutoring session where Glimpsers got to bond, laugh, and learn even more with the amazing students.

Today we went to a high school called La Salle in Jinotega at 7 am.  I was very nervous to be in a new school with different people at the school. But surprisingly the students were very nice. This one student loves basketball and is a big fan of Stephen Curry and another is interested in cars and mechanics and plans to come to the U.S to buy a car there.The most important person I met was Mr. Rizo, an English teacher. He wasn’t any normal teacher. He was an advocate for the students and works with them, whereas some teachers would throw an essay worksheet at a desk, doze off on their desks, and not help the students. Being a student leader of the day has put me in a place where the students notice me and rely on me for their needs (Spanish translation, sunscreen, sanitizer, etc…). I can be an advocate for the students and not separate myself from the group just because I have the torch that day.

Students in the Access Program demonstrate a traditional Nicaraguan dance for us.

Students in the Access Program demonstrate a traditional Nicaraguan dance for us.

 

Glimpsers joined La Salle students for physics class.

Glimpsers joined La Salle students for physics class.

 

A few happy Glimpsers (Joanna, Darren, Najaye, and Diana) with La Salle students!

A few happy Glimpsers (Joanna, Darren, Najaye, and Diana) with La Salle students!