It’s official, I am now a professor of my native tongue of English. I worked one day last week, so this week was my first real week. However, that being said, it was a local holiday in the area where I work, so I had Monday and Tuesday off. Thus my first full week became two days, but two very full days at that. And the other two days off where much needed.
In those two days, I started three different jobs. The first, that I am doing through the Spanish government, is an Auxiliar de Conversation or a teacher’s assistant. I am there to aid the teacher in all things English and teach the students a little about the culture of the United States. I am working in three schools- two elementary schools and one high school. All happen to be at the minimum 40 minute car ride away and two do not have a bus to them, so my options of getting them are very limited.
However, God provides and my days off this week came in handy. Monday the Lord helped me obtain an awesome used Trek 5200 from the era of Lance Armstrong and the USPS team. I was able to commute to my school both Wednesday and Thursday, which is 33 miles round trip. And let me tell you, even when there is a headwind making you go 12 miles per hour, it is so much more enjoyable to see the nature around you than sit inside of a car or bus.
.
In those two days, I started three different jobs. The first, that I am doing through the Spanish government, is an Auxiliar de Conversation or a teacher’s assistant. I am there to aid the teacher in all things English and teach the students a little about the culture of the United States. I am working in three schools- two elementary schools and one high school. All happen to be at the minimum 40 minute car ride away and two do not have a bus to them, so my options of getting them are very limited.
However, God provides and my days off this week came in handy. Monday the Lord helped me obtain an awesome used Trek 5200 from the era of Lance Armstrong and the USPS team. I was able to commute to my school both Wednesday and Thursday, which is 33 miles round trip. And let me tell you, even when there is a headwind making you go 12 miles per hour, it is so much more enjoyable to see the nature around you than sit inside of a car or bus.
.
I worked two days this week in the collegio (elementary school) in Dolores de Pacheco. It has a population of maybe 10,000, all of which are farmers (besides the bartender and coffee barista and the local café/ bar). At this school I am working with two classes of 2nd year bilingual students ages 6-8 and two classes of 1st year bilingual students ages 5-6. The first two days went very well and I really enjoyed it. They were exhausting but worth it.
Wednesday was and will be a hectic day. I have the commute to Dolores and then work for two hours, then I commute home. I have a little less than half an hour to shower, eat, and rest before I need to leave for my next job, giving private lessons to groups of 8 students at a collegio about five miles north of my house. It is two hours of corralling kids and trying to get them to focus. I have 1 hour with 7-10 year olds and one hour with 3-6 year olds. And just when I am exhausted, its back on the bike.
After another 5 miles I must quickly run up to my apartment, put my bike in my room, and leave. Because I have to be at my next job as a Manny – taking care of kids while teaching them English. I am doing this though a company called Nanny Speaking.
I have two familes, twice a week for 3 hours each. The first family is a 5 year old boy named William and his cousin Africa of 6. William reminds me of myself and bounces of the walls the entire time. The other family I will be working with is Alfonso of 9 years and Sofia of 6 years. They are both a little more shy, but very smart. I am super excited to be working with both families.
All in all my first week of work was awesome. I get paid to teach kids English and to hang out with them. You know it’s the right job when the hours fly by and when its time to leave, you want to stay longer. That is how I feel about my jobs. I enjoy the challenges that each child presents, their enthusiasm, and seeing them grow. It truly is a gift from the Lord to be working with so many children. I absolutely love it. However, that being said, Friday is definitely going to become my recovery day after four days of commuting and working with kids all day.
That’s all for now,
The Craving Conn,
Andrew
After another 5 miles I must quickly run up to my apartment, put my bike in my room, and leave. Because I have to be at my next job as a Manny – taking care of kids while teaching them English. I am doing this though a company called Nanny Speaking.
I have two familes, twice a week for 3 hours each. The first family is a 5 year old boy named William and his cousin Africa of 6. William reminds me of myself and bounces of the walls the entire time. The other family I will be working with is Alfonso of 9 years and Sofia of 6 years. They are both a little more shy, but very smart. I am super excited to be working with both families.
All in all my first week of work was awesome. I get paid to teach kids English and to hang out with them. You know it’s the right job when the hours fly by and when its time to leave, you want to stay longer. That is how I feel about my jobs. I enjoy the challenges that each child presents, their enthusiasm, and seeing them grow. It truly is a gift from the Lord to be working with so many children. I absolutely love it. However, that being said, Friday is definitely going to become my recovery day after four days of commuting and working with kids all day.
That’s all for now,
The Craving Conn,
Andrew