Today was politics day! We didn’t have to wake up until 8:00. We started off the day at Sheila’s and had a delicious breakfast. We quickly headed back to the hostel to begin our Academic Seminar on Politics. Through that we truly learned a lot about one another and young American political views. We were then able to compare Dominican and American politics. Our first free time of the day followed. This was thrilling because today was the first of many in which we were allowed to explore the city in groups of just Glimpsers! Many students headed out to the grocery store, internet cafe, etc. Lunch at Sheila’s was just as great as usual. We are becoming very accustomed to local Dominican cuisine. After lunch we returned to the hostel where we planned our lessons for tomorrow’s English classes. Luckily we were given even more free time! Students participated in card games, souvenir shopping, and other sorts of exploration! Once we all returned to the hostel, we had a brief storm take place. All the while, the heat continued. Next we had a speaker, Gabriel Mascaro, a public defender for the state come to the hostel to give a presentation. His main focus was youth participation in government. He gave a truly inspiring talk of how we as young people are responsible for making change in the world. An amazing dinner of hot dogs followed causing the majority to run for seconds or thirds! We just completed our nightly meeting and self reflection, and are hanging out with one another before it’s time to go to bed.

Hey guys it’s Summer, I’m having an amazing time here in San Juan and loving experiencing Dominican culture. My card game skills have proven to be sub par but my teaching skills have definitely improved. I’m having the time of my life and can’t wait to tell you guys all about it when I get home!

Hey again everyone! It’s ya girl Ari take two! To my family: I miss you guys more than ever and I’ve been reading your comments everyday! They truly keep me going when I’m down.Thank you so much for all of the current event updates as well <3 Quick note to my Mom: Your email was amazing! Also please register me for the SAT 🙂 I love you guys so much I hope you’re all  having the best Summer ever!

#DailyDavid

#DailyDavid

Freetime!  #picsbyAri

Freetime!
#picsbyAri

Views from the hostel!

Views from the hostel!