August 28, 2019

I still can not believe that I am here in Ecuador!!!! I have been here for almost 2 months
now and have loved every minute of it. Deciding to leave Minnesota was a tough decision for me but I am
so happy that I decided to challenge myself and experience a new place and culture. 

  

In Cleveland, I met Emily, who is the other grant recipient from Ohio.
Immediately we connected and I am so blessed to have her on this journey with me. Our personalities
are so much alike which makes exploring and living with each other so wonderful. We both are there for
each other and I appreciate her support so much. Having her by my side on this journey has made it so
much fun and easier. 

Emily and I 

After 3 flights I finally arrived in Ecuador on July 9th. We arrived in Guayaquil which is about 3 hours from Cuenca. The next day we were given a tour of the beautiful city and learned so much of the history. That same day we drove 3 and a half hours to a town called Gualaceo. The hostel in which we stayed was very beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. There we met the other 3 TEFL students Noah, Charlie, and Fionna as well as our professors Mark and Erica. Also, we got an orientation of what to expect from the TEFL course and how the month-long course was going to play out. 

Guayaquil 

On Friday, July 11 we arrived in Cuenca and there I met my host parents. I enjoyed living with them for four weeks. They were the most caring individuals and always made sure that I felt comfortable and loved. The food that my host mom cooked was out of this world and I felt so lucky to be able to have Ecuadorian food for every meal. Living with them was a great introduction to a new culture and I'm so blessed that they treated me so well. They made sure that I was part of the family and included me in all the family events which meant a lot to me. It was sad having to say goodbye to them once I moved out but we built such a great relationship that I know I can see them anytime I want and they are there to support me in any way possible. 

Coming into the TEFL certificate course we knew that it was going to be intense, however,
I was not aware of the level of intensity. Right away we got thrown into teaching after only having one day
of class! Teaching practice was so intense and overwhelming but I learned so much from it and feel like
it prepared me to teach. During the course, my days were as follows: class from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm,
then return to my host families home to eat lunch then back to CEDEI by 2 to lesson plan for hours. We
would teach from 6 to 8 pm and then get critiques from 8 to 8:30 pm. I would get home by 9 then eat
dinner and work on the assignments for the course. I was super busy but I enjoyed teaching so much.
The students were amazing and teaching practice was so much fun. 

TEFL Professors and Classmates 

During the TEFL course, I was very emotional and oftentimes felt like I was not prepared to teach and
did not belong. As many of you know English is not my first language which caused me to think I was
not good enough compared to the other students taking the course who are native English speakers. I
was scared that my students were not going to like me or take me seriously because I am not a native
speaker. This caused me to overthink a lot and be harsh on myself. My professors, however, made me
realize that I had something no one else had; my experience as an ESL student. I had to take ESL for 2
years so I could learn English and this was a huge advantage I had compared to my classmates. The
students I taught during teaching practice enjoyed having me as a teacher because they could relate to
me and I was an inspiration to them which allowed them to work hard to learn the language. I was very
emotional because I saw my face on the students and it made me think of how far I have come over the
years and it made me feel super proud. Also, it made me feel super grateful to have a family who has
supported me so much throughout my lifetime. I want to thank Erica and Mark so much for encouraging
me and allowing me to see the greatness I have within me. 

TEFL Certified 

As soon as the TEFL course finished I moved into my very own apartment with Emily. This was a huge
adjustment for me because I have never lived on my own (besides living in dorms) and had to pay so
many bills. Also, I now have to cook my meals, do my laundry, buy things for the house, etc. Living by
myself makes me miss my family so much as it can feel lonely at times. I miss being around all my loved
ones and it makes me realize all the things I took for granted and how hard my parents had to work to
give me everything. Despite all of that, I am very happy that I have my own space and that this
experience is allowing me to grow. 

Ecuador is very beautiful and I have been extremely lucky to visit Cajas National Park, Gualaceo,
Chordoleg, Principal, Ingapirca Ruins and Guayaquil. I learned so much history throughout my travels and
feel like the luckiest human on planet earth for being able to visit places that are just breathtaking. I
oftentimes feel like my reality is a dream and that soon I will wake up from this amazing experience that I
am living in. Ecuadorians are so friendly, welcoming and caring and I am beyond blessed and fortunate to
have the opportunity to experience a new culture and place. I am so happy to be here and live a different
lifestyle than I am used to living.

Hostel in Gualaceo 

El Cajas National Park 

Ingapirca 

I want to thank Mark and Linda for choosing me as a grant recipient. Words can not explain how thankful
I am for all that you have done and continue to do for me. It means a lot that you chose me to take on this
new experience and I will make you proud. 

I look forward to my month-long break and beginning to teach in September. For now, I will continue to
explore the city and see what Cuenca has to offer me. Until next time!