This second week in Chile has been nothing less than
phenomenal. Thanks to my host family, Colleagues, and The entire Colegio
Concepcion!
This week I had the opportunity to share with teachers one
of my passion- Mentoring. My group and I presented at a Professional Development
Workshop, on how teachers can help students prepare for their careers through mentoring.
This workshop was successful as we shared and exchanged ideas on how to build powerful
mentoring relationships with students. In the classroom this week, I realized
that the students are now more comfortable with me. This is very exciting for
me as I had more opportunity to engage them in English dialogues. I also got
them to think about some questions about their future, such as what their interests
are, what they like to do and who they want to become. I usually encourage
students to set goals and to think about what they will be doing in a few
years. This is important, as it helps them to better appreciate and value their
experience at school, and reminds them of the vital purpose of getting a good
education. My mentor teacher and I also spent some time together to bond and
share a little of our experience. I have a great mentor teacher.
The students organized an Art Festival to share Chile’s
cultural heritage through music and dance. I was happy I attended as it was
very entertaining. I was very impressed by the students’ vocal and musical
ability as well as their boldness. The performances from the various ages were
very impressive, These Chileans sure have talents! I also had an opportunity to
visit Chile’s newspaper station where I, along with a couple members of our group,
had an interview on the purpose and experience of our trip here in Chile.
This week, I also visited a cultural museum, where I learned
about Chile’s indigenous people and the history of their crafts, food, and
culture. And oh, I discovered that Chile has chickens who lay blue and green
eggs! How amazing! My experience at the museum was very interesting and I had a
good time. We also went on an excursion to the Pacific Ocean! Our first stop
was Penco, a city that was originally Concepcion. We saw the beautiful bay, and
enjoyed its greenery. Next stop, to Dichato, where we enjoyed some delicious
seafood empanadas by the fisherman’s village. The scent of fresh sea breeze
woke up the Tropical Island girl in me, I fell deeply in love and did not want
that moment in time to end. Our excursion was very relaxing, and once again, I
left in admiration and awe of the great wonders of the world.
I cannot have enough of the beauty that Chile displays, from
the intoxicating volcanoes, mountains, glaciers, lustrous vegetation,
breathtaking ocean, rivers, hills and valleys, rich cultural heritage, to its
beautiful, loving, and warm people. Oh I wish I had time to experience them all! Chile is a never ending beauty which has
changed my life forever.
There are three words etched in my mind as I reflect on my
second week here Chile-
Peace… beauty… and love…
Chao!
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