Love

My Seven Places

March 2, 2024 First Person Foreigncoffee

There are actually big, sad, tragic events happening concurrently in hospitals inches from my breath, if air moves, and in zip codes I’ve never known except on the faith of my own imagination and the[…]

Las montañas: Returning to Guatemala, 1

February 26, 2024 First Person ForeignBeauty

So, I booked a trip. I’ve been lucky to book so many before, but this one took some plotting. All of the layovers on the US dollar looked egregious: red eyes on opposite coasts, or[…]

To (actual) Mexico from (Used-to-be) Mexico

March 7, 2023March 10, 2023 First Person ForeignCompany

April 26, 2022: Just like with anything, anywhere, the more you learn, the less you know. The same can be said of languages, countries and, well, life itself. I like to travel because it reminds[…]

It takes bravery to be a teacher

September 5, 2020September 5, 2020 First Person ForeignBeauty

Before I begin this post, I adhere to the rules of FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. I will never reveal my students’ identities, their performance in my classes, or reveal anything about them[…]

Ready or not, USA (1)

April 26, 2019April 28, 2019 First Person ForeignChanges

Now, I imagined this day a million ways (my departure) and none of them could have prepared me for what it actually was. Dropped off by friends, then up ’til the last second in the[…]

T-Minus Guatemala (Peace Corps Ending): Translating For The Master Stylist

March 21, 2019March 22, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

On our last day, our group of 16 stood in a large circle while the youth gave us palabras de agradecimiento. They also gave each one of us Estadounidenses little gifts to take home, recuerdos[…]

The Beginning of the End: Peace Corps

February 22, 2019February 25, 2019 First Person ForeignAbuelita

Reflecting on Service and General Updates On Me.

A Very Unusual February (in Peace Corps)

March 3, 2018March 3, 2018 First Person ForeignBeauty

It turns out that 31 is not too old to experience something new and unexpected for the first time. If you’re starting to feel moldy from routine, Peace Corps is for you. But I’m referring[…]

La Imagen Corporal | 75 Palabras in Guatemala

December 3, 2017December 20, 2017 First Person Foreign75 Words in Guatemala

La Imagen Corporal, Body Image, is a term I learned working with youth. As I spent the better part of a year teaching healthy self-esteem, positive identity and knowing your value as an individual, in[…]

Aceite | 75 Palabras in Guatemala

February 26, 2017March 9, 2017 First Person Foreign75 Words in Guatemala

I explained the situation over the fire. It’s where I explain most situations. The ‘situation’ being: I’m not decided on the next time I should go home, a normal question for PCVs worldwide I’m sure. Luckily[…]