Hello Readers! My name is Zachary Coughlin. Today my co-leader David Guirgis and I had the honor of leading our fellow Glimpsers on our sixth day in Riobamba. Our theme today was education, which took on two separate meanings. The first meaning was education in being open to listening to the problems of others. We learned that the best way to understand the needs of others is to close our mouths, open our ears, and just listen. The other meaning of education we discovered was that everyone deserves it, and nothing and no one should stand in the way. This connects back to our quote of the day, which was, “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai. Our day was action packed and full of adventure, and David and I are proud to present it to you.
Our sixth day began, at 7:00 am, bright and early. Our group was a little tired in the morning, but thankfully we were greeted by an amazing breakfast at Roma Santa, cooked for us by the our impressive chef, Mama Isabella. Our breakfast was a collection of various Ecuadorian dishes, including a corn dish resembling Cream of Wheat, quimbolitos, a sponge cake cooked in banana leaves, chocho beans, and beef. We washed this delicious display down with fresh orange juice. During breakfast the group went over our Question of the day, which was, “Why do you think that education is not always accessible to everyone?” A little more energized from our breakfast, our Glimpsers began our trip to Carlos Garbay, along the way playing a fun game of sticky note Heads Up.
Unitas Educativa Especializada Carlos Garbay, or Carlos Garbay for short, is an organization in Riobamaba that provides education and a safe play area for Riobamban children with special needs. This is the organization where we will be doing our CAP project (Community Action Project). This is the service project we will be planning in the upcoming days. As we toured the compound, our Glimpsers had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss issues with the teachers, and of course, meet with the children who have special needs. Honestly, that is by far the most touching part of our entire day. Every Glimpser got the opportunity to interact, talk, and play with the children there. It was hard to leave the campus afterwards, but it gave us the passion and fire we needed to plan our CAP Project. However, as everyone knows fire needs fuel, and there is no better place to get fuel in Ecuador than back at Roma Santa.
Lunch consisted of a hearty conglomeration of beef, chicken, quinoa soup, rice, and a purée. Us Glimpsers were also treated to a surprise dessert, which was an Ecuadorian form of ice cream and merengue. After we satisfied ourselves, we headed back to our hostel for a much needed rest. Although, many students sacrificed their break time in order to prepare for their first English tutoring lessons, which were set to begin in a few hours. The battle preparations entailed the creation of detailed flash cards, posters, visuals to help aid with everyone’s teaching. Then after our hour was up, it was back on the bus for our trek across the city towards our soon to be English classrooms.
As our bus pulled up to the school, tensions were high. Not because everyone was nervous about teaching, but because we were in the middle of heated debate between whether or not KFC or Popeye’s was the best place to get fried chicken. The heat only increased when someone made the mistake of adding Chick-Fil-A to that discussion. Our argument remained inconclusive. Regardless, everyone seemed excited to begin tutoring. Glimpsers were split into three categories of learning: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. The lessons went well, though many groups experienced the challenge of their students already knowing what the Glimpsers planned on teaching. Thankfully, our teachers were able to adapt and create fun games to deepen their students understanding of the material. Some of our biggest supporters were our Glimpsers that were able to translate the lessons, which was Delila, Angel, Alyssa, Louis, Kevin, Bryn, Albert, Will, and Becky. Afterwords, the group cleaned their classrooms and boarded the bus back to Maria Santa.
Our final meal of the day was a refreshing memory of home… Cheeseburgers and fries. Everyone devoured their respective meals, each person scouting other’s plates for leftovers. As everyone relaxed, another debate arose, this time about the best Pixar movie: Walle or Up. David and I voted for Up. Afterwords we concluded our day with our nightly meeting, where we discussed our favorite parts, and what meant most to each of us. The best part of this meeting was the infamous passing of the torch, where the next day’s leaders prove if they can lead by showing a talent of theirs. Alyssa demonstrated some impressive circus moves, and Kevin wowed and perplexed us with his ability to make kazoo noises with his mouth. The group agreed that they deserved the torch, so Kevin and Alyssa will be your leaders tomorrow. Our Glimpsers are in good hands.
David and I consider it a true pleasure to have been able to lead today, and we are incredibly thankful of the support we received from our fellow Glimpsers. Today was an adventure, and we can’t wait to have many more. This is David and Zachary, signing off.
Glimpsers,
Wow, what an amazing day! Job well done drinking your light and happiness to those that you are fortunate to meet each day. We are all very proud of you back home. Keep it and thank you for your representing our country, your community and your families. We cannot wait to see what you do tomorrow.
As for Pixar…what about Coco or Incredibles?
Zack, I am not surprised that you chose Up for Pixar. As for fried chicken…the answer is Canes! We miss you and we cannot wait to have you home. Enjoy your time there.
Enjoy tomorrow,
The Coughlin Family
Bryn, we are so glad to hear that you are using your Spanish. We miss you, and it is nice to be able to hear what you are up to, and to see pictures of you now and then. I hope you are recording memories in a journal and taking lots of pictures. We want all the details when you get back. We love you.
Mom and Dad
What a thoughtful and well written post today! BUT where are the pictures ??? I love to see them everyday. Friends you are doing an excellent job educating children. Keep it up! Today’s food choices were amazing especially the cheese burger! I’m sure Shreysi must have voted for chick-Fill-A, she loves it. By the way David and Zachery I’m on your side. I would vote for the movie UP too. It’s exciting to know that we have super talented GGs here such as Kevin and Alyssa, don’t be shy to showcase your talent friends and share with us too. Shreysi, i’m Missing you and sending you a warm hug and a kiss on your forehead – love Mommy
Hey Ben,
I hope you received the message sent by Jake posted to the ‘free day’ blog. Jake was being his usual obnoxious self, so we don’t know if the message went through. It had tons of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, but it was on purpose, I swear! We thought it message would make you laugh. We miss you(I promise Jake does, too)
~Sydney
ps Are you fluent in Spanish yet?
Hey Nancy!!
I hope you got our comment yesterday and sorry for not being awake when you messaged us!! :c I’m glad that you guys are passionate about your CAP project and started your English tutoring already! Sounds like everyone is getting along and is enjoying their time in Ecuador. As for the debate, I would say Popeye’s is (was) better. Hope you haven’t run out of snacks already and that your immune system is still in tack heh. By the time you read this I’ll be on the plane to NY 🙂
– Your favorite senior
Thanks for the tale of another exciting life experience!
I am afraid also Luisa is a supporter of Chick-fil-a….better stay with comida ecuadorena few more days…
Luisa , we are traveling today (tuesday); mamma to LA and myself to Sweden. We will be back on line as soon as possible. Un abbraccio
shreysi – I am so excited to hear all about your CAP when you get back and hope you had the best time teaching! I miss you and I love you 🙂
What a day of learning, both for you and students you worked with! Next few days will take you to a new level but tremendous effort and a nice blog to project!
Fried chicken – KFC
Movie – UP 🙂
This is an extremely well-written post. Thank you for your talented and insightful words.
What stuck with you about what the children and staff said? Will you be more respectful of your teachers when you return to the classroom? If so, in what ways?
For tomorrow’s debate……who has the best burger? McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Shake Shack, Five Guys, In-and-Out, The Habit, Smashburger or other… and the reason I bring this up is that IHOP, International House of Pancakes, just changed their name to IHOB, International House of Burgers. No joke! Curious to hear your ruminations on the best fries, too. Discuss!
KEVIN’S KAZOO NOISES ahhh dead! That sounds like a fantastic day full of learning and inspiration:) so so glad that you’re experiencing such incredible moments!
P.S Chick-fil-A is the best
Hehe that looks a lot of fun!!!! I hope you’re having a super good time Bao Hoa!!!! :)))) don’t overwork yourself! Love ya! <3
Kevin – It’s hot today in our part of the Bay Area. 90 degrees. I played pickleball in the morning. KLL got groomed in the afternoon. Setting up all of our other summer plans. Got your email today – a,a,a,a,a,a…..
I had no idea you could make a kazoo noise with your mouth! Show us when you get home. Hope you learn from being leader for the day.
Lots of love, kisses and hugs. Mom
Skyler,
We missed your call!!! We are so bummed that we weren’t able to pick up :-(. Please call back when you can. The education day sounds like it was amazing and very meaningful. See you if you can get in a picture on the blog if possible. We miss seeing your face :-). All is good here.
Love Dad ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hey Shreysi, so sorry I missed your call and message by 15 mins. Today, I was at gym. Good thing at least dad was able to chat with you. Funny thing is I saw your missed call, the caller ID says Russia. Anyway don’t worry we’ll talk real soon. I liked that you tried to call impromptu, it’s a bonus. I’ll be careful next time. Waiting to read today’s post. Love you- Mom
Sounds like another great day filled with wonderful learning opportunities, amazing food and fantastic people! So bummed to miss your call, but loved getting your message and hearing your voice! Can’t wIt to chat with you on Thursday! Everything is good at home. We love you and can’t wait to read about your next adventures!
Love mom ❤️
Hey Ben,
This will be my last post for a while. I’m packed and ready to go to the airport. Tbh, I’m a tiny bit nervous but Susan keeps telling me to “be like Ben” “be engaged and appreciate every moment even the uncomfortable ones” Easy for HER to say. I’ll try and post as much as possible and I’ll see you in 3 weeks. Enjoy the rest of your adventure!
~Sydney (your best friend)