Spanish

Teaching in Another Place, in Another Population

March 11, 2023 First Person ForeignArizona

This blog was initially created to explore the feeling of not belonging, but on-purpose, and teaching is the essence of that feeling on lots of caffeine. We use this word in teaching, “populations,” because (in[…]

Estoy en tu tierra: Spring Break in Sonora (One)

March 12, 2022March 14, 2022 First Person ForeignBeauty

I saw a pavilion with booths below it. I had already crossed the border and did not understand. I looked at the medium cup of Dunkin’ Donuts, jostling with yellow liquid. _______________________ After I piled[…]

Airplane Mode (3): Returning

July 17, 2021July 17, 2021 First Person ForeignAbuelita

“La mejor parte de estar roto es que encuentras a quienes son capaces de darte partes suyas para que tú vuelvas a estar completo.” -Alejandro Sequera, Mi Viaje Sin Ti Keep in mind, I am[…]

Survive Teaching // Teaching to Survive

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021 First Person ForeignArizona

I sit, a woman of average means and multiplying wrinkles, as a survivor of the Zoomiverse. I’m not sure if I’m better for having taught a lifetime of high school classes on Zoom, or if[…]

Driving to México

October 23, 2020October 23, 2020 First Person ForeignArizona

This post may be triggering on the topic of anxiety and mortality. México is the most misunderstood country I’ve ever been to. It is stunning. It is a hidden gem. It is full of fighters[…]

Living on the Border 3: Soy libre / I am free

July 3, 2019July 3, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

I didn’t even see it coming. I never know how I am going to feel as I turn left into the parking lot of the Benedictine Monastery with not a cloud in the sky. With[…]

Learning a Language | Coming Back to Spanish (Throwback)

April 12, 2017 First Person ForeignBeauty

In high school I was awarded “Excellence in Spanish II” sophomore year followed by “Most Enthusiastic in Spanish III” junior year. I think Excellence meant highest grade and Most Enthusiastic meant Pain in the Cheeks. Mrs. Sweeney[…]

Language Class, 7th day in Guatemala

October 5, 2016February 19, 2017 First Person ForeignBlank Slate

My first week in Guatemala! Bailamos! I stood over the pila tonight, brushing my teeth and wondering about my 20s and how I got to 30. It’s the stuff you shouldn’t think about when you’re[…]