Cultural Differences & Experiences So Far

Being in the schools in San Pedro is definitely an adjustment from the schools that I am accustomed to in North Carolina. I came into this experience knowing that things would be drastically different than my past experiences, but I still had some moments of cultural shock and discomfort within my first few days at the school. For example, in the States, I am accustomed to behavioral issues mainly being handled in private if the principal is involved. Within my first few days at the elementary school, the principal came in and verbally reprimanded a few of my students in front of the entire class. At first, I was extremely taken aback, as I had never seen something like this before. As I felt myself starting to panic, I had to remind myself that discipline is handled much differently here than in America. Once I was able to realize that this was what the students and teachers were accustomed to, I was able to take a step back and accept that this is how they handle things. While I'm not sure that I would ever handle behaviors in this way due to my own culture, I have come to terms with the fact that this probably won't be the last time I see this while I am here.

In other news, the schools are on their two week Easter Break right now, which means no school for us. Today, we started community outreach projects such as cleaning and painting the schools, volunteering at the local humane society, and working a day camp at the local library. I am so glad that we are having the opportunity to reach out beyond the schools while we are here. It is giving me an opportunity to get to know others outside of the school and to see more of San Pedro. On Thursday morning, we will take the water taxi inland to San Ignacio for a few days. During this time, we will visit the Belize Zoo, Mayan Ruins, and experience a few other excursions. I'm SO excited for this opportunity. Food here is still as great as ever, and I am definitely going to have to invest in a tortilla press when I get home, fresh tortillas just trump store bought tortillas in every way! Yesterday, Savannah, Ali, and I ventured to the end of the island to a coffee shop called Rum & Bean. It was my first coffee since arriving and it was DELICIOUS. On the way home, it down-poured and we got SOAKED in water and mud during the bike ride. Such a mess, but such a great memory! Love to you all back home!

(After our rainy, rainy bike ride - Totally worth it)

Be Still, My Heart

What an amazing week I have had! Monday was my first day in the schools, and it was a whirlwind! Schools here are much different than those in America. For starters, children are given much more freedom to be kids, which is amazing in some ways, and then a little intense in others. Classroom management systems are also very different, and will definitely take some getting used to. What I love about the school that I'm at is that it is such a mix of cultures. From Russian, to Lebanese, to Latin American children, you can see it all within one classroom. Also, in terms of San Pedro as a whole, I love that it is so hard to see the differentiation in social classes. In America, I feel that we make it really obvious what social status someone has, and that drives a wedge between many people. However, in San Pedro, I don't feel that. Perhaps it's because I'm an outsider, but either way, it's comforting and amazing to see.
Today, I had the opportunity to go inland and visit Stella Maris, and school designed specifically for students with disabilities. My heart is so full of love and happiness as I reflect on my time at the school. They are truly doing amazing things to help their students transition into their future lives. Their librarian is even one of their former students, and he raves about how Stella Maris prepared him for living his life independently. Since there are not true special education classes in San Pedro, getting to go to Belize City and see these children and the program was an incredible experience!
I already feel the impact that this experience is making on me, and can't wait to see what else is to come!

 (Some of the students I've been working with at Isla Bonita)

(A few children from Stella Maris)

A Little Bit of Perspective on Belize

I've spent the last few days exploring and trying to get to know the ways of the island. It's surreal to take a step back from the fast-paced, American culture and see how others live. It seems as though everyone on the island knows each other. There is such a friendly, family atmosphere no matter where you go on the island, and it is truly heartwarming to see. The home-grown feeling of all the different locations I have been brings comfort when I am so far from home. We've been frequenting a small fruit stand by the hostel, and the local fruit is absolutely amazing (you can see a picture of part of the fruit stand below). We have also enjoyed quite a few meals at one of the local taco stands, Lily's. The food is to die for and is so reasonably priced (you can get 4 empanadas for 1 American dollar). And let me tell you, I am all for some tacos for breakfast. The empanadas are DELICIOUS (you can see them below) and they literally put cabbage in everything. Which I never would have thought of, but I will be continuing when I return to the states.
On Friday, we got to go tour the schools that we would be placed at. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face as I walked around the schools and saw all of the beautiful children and the joy that they were emitting. I cannot wait to start my experience at Isla Bonita Elementary tomorrow! Being here and knowing that I will have the opportunity to interact with these children makes my heart so happy. I know that being in the schools here may be challenging at times due to the cultural differences, but I am eager to see how education differs around the world. Having exposure to schools in another country will help me become more understanding of the diversity that I will see in my future classrooms.
Sending love to you all back home, wish me luck on my first day in the schools tomorrow!

Safe Arrival

Arrived safely in Belize yesterday! Our day of travel started at 3 a.m., and we finally landed our third flight in San Pedro at about 12 Belize time, so 2 your time. Our last plane to the island was much smaller than the other two planes I had been on. Only about 10 people on the plane, and you could see the captain driving. One of my classmates even got to ride co-pilot! I shared a short video below of the landing, you can see a little bit of the island (over by the airport) that way. We have all gotten settled in and are exploring the island, trying to figure everything out. Tomorrow we will go tour all of the schools so that we can start our experiences in them next week!

Preparing for Take-Off!

It's so surreal to think that at this time tomorrow, I will be on a plane headed to Belize! I am so excited to be able to participate in such an incredible opportunity. Additionally, I am overwhelmed by the amount of love and support that I have received from everyone as I prepare to embark. From personal donations, to school supply donations, to emotional support, THANK YOU ALL! I cannot wait to share this experience with all of you!