Sometimes when I was frustrated with the antics of my kids I'd give them my “You better learn English” speech which went something like this:
You are the luckiest children I know. You have the opportunity to learn English at such a young age and be truly bilingual speakers. You will know both Spanish and English. And that will get you into a University. And at a University you can learn really important things. And after you know really important things you can get a professional career. And after you have a professional career you can work really hard and become very successful. And after you are very successful you can provide for your family and travel and experience the whole world. But it begins with you learning English…
Yesterday I told all 26 of my English students that Mike, Sitka and I are headed back to the US. And then I followed with my “You better learn English” speech. I went on to explain that they will have a new English teacher on Monday and that they better use all the English they know with her. It was emotional and 2 of them cried quite a bit. And I secretly cried too.
I think teaching was the hardest thing I have ever tackled. And at the same time it was very satisfying. Maybe some day I’ll hear about one of the little rascals that has become a Mexican leader of some type!
My uni-colored world
2 days ago
3 comments:
And the farewells begin. Do you know when you will be departing? Stopping anywhere on the awy?
It must have been quite a scene. Did the 3-year-olds really grasp the concept of university and career?
I'll get by to see you on Monday. I'm going to miss you!
Steve - We're waiting on a couple of things, but hope to be leaving in the next couple of weeks.
Bliss - My guess is that none of the kids really understood my Learn English speech, but they heard it often enough and saw me get serious when I said it that I think they got my point that they need to learn English to open the doors of opportunity.
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