I told myself that I was NOT going to practice english with ANYONE because I am here to speak the native language and I have no experience teaching and there fore have no business claiming I can help people learn english. I am here to teach business and speak spanish. I also didn't want to hinder my spanish progression by speaking too much english, selfish I know. Well turns out I have a weak spot for youth. A teacher in my large public school approached me one day and asked if I would practice speaking english with a group of students she had formed. These students have one main goal, which is to attend a university out side Nicaragua and preferably in the U.S. How could I say no? I was hesitant at first, but when I met the kids who are all around 16-18 I knew this wouldn't be our last encounter. Then and there I made it more of a personal goal to teach these kids more about life outside Nica and make this experience more of a cultural exchange.
Tonight I walked the ten minutes from my public school with Raquel (the teacher) to her house to meet up with the 6 students and chat at a rather advanced level of english. I could tell that the students were excited and before I could ask why they claimed they had a surprise for me. While Raquel set up a TV the students proclaimed that they had done a ton of research on Arizona and wanted to present to me in english what they had learned about my state. I have to say I was very flattered they took the time to research my home state. I watched as images of hamburgers, cardinals jerseys, and the grand canyon flashed across the screen. I was thoroughly impressed with the work they had done. Those of you who know Tucson also know how big Tubac is and believe me I got the whole run down of the history there. Of course I had to explain about the whole cowboy and indian thing we got goin on. I was trying my hardest not to laugh when super models posing in Steve Nash's jersey popped up. It was a great opportunity to share American culture with these kids and in turn I felt like we accomplished more than just speaking english, but the cultural exchange I was aiming for. I was told by the students that people in Arizona are the nicest people in the U.S., not sure what their source was, but I believe it! Apparently it's just part of our culture.
I'm not exactly sure what hit me, but I was touched. That's the first time that someone here had taken a genuine interest in knowing more about me and where I come from. Of course tons of questions about Arizona followed along with Pizza and a huge debate about whether Real Madrid or Barcelona is the best soccer team. I found myself having a really good time talking to the kids about their likes and dislikes about life in Nicaragua. We discussed their personal goals and how they plan to achieve them. I realized how much I really love working with youth in my day to day job as well. There is something about talking to a untarnished mind with big dreams. They look to you as though you know everything and hold the key to the rest of the world outside Nicaragua. All I really want to do here is have a positive impact and there is no doubt in my mind that my time spent with the youth in Nicaragua will be my largest footprint.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Fall
Fall is my favorite season and October my favorite month. This is proving to be true here in Nica as well. I love how people start ordering their starbucks hot instead of iced and a chill works its way in to the night air the same way apple cider and all things pumpkin finagle their way in to your diet. Although I'm picturing the leaves changing to rich autumn colors before they fall to the ground, I'm finding a whole new meaning to the word Fall, RAIN FALL! October is the rainiest month of the rainy season. It's been on and off tropical rain storms here in Chinandega since last Tuesday. This is the first time that I've experienced 48 hours of constant torrential downpour in my life. As many problems as the rain creates, it also cools this heat zone down to a breezy 75 degrees which I'm totally embracing. Five straight days with out sweating unless provoked is a nice change.
These last two weeks have been extremely busy with work, but in a very good way! I feel as though the past several months of working with my students and counterparts amounted to a very successful local competition between my three high schools here in Chinandega. This last Friday the seven winning teams from my three highschools came together to compete with their business plans/products to determine who will advance to the regional level coming up in two weeks(more work for Kate). Despite the fact that the location of my competition was revoked at 3 pm the day before the competition and a tropical rainstorm cancelled classes all week when I was supposed to be prepping the students, I'd say everything turned out just fantastic! I got feedback from my judges(business owners in the community) and project manager that the students had amazing presentations and most importantly had a real handle on the reality of how to start a business. This my friends is my primary goal. I just want my students to walk away with the knowledge and enthusiasm needed to start a business and a better life for themselves, if they so chose.
These last two weeks have been extremely busy with work, but in a very good way! I feel as though the past several months of working with my students and counterparts amounted to a very successful local competition between my three high schools here in Chinandega. This last Friday the seven winning teams from my three highschools came together to compete with their business plans/products to determine who will advance to the regional level coming up in two weeks(more work for Kate). Despite the fact that the location of my competition was revoked at 3 pm the day before the competition and a tropical rainstorm cancelled classes all week when I was supposed to be prepping the students, I'd say everything turned out just fantastic! I got feedback from my judges(business owners in the community) and project manager that the students had amazing presentations and most importantly had a real handle on the reality of how to start a business. This my friends is my primary goal. I just want my students to walk away with the knowledge and enthusiasm needed to start a business and a better life for themselves, if they so chose.
My winning team and counterpart with Tea made of Noni (provides several health benefits)
My most creative group with flowers made from recycled bottles
These gals gave an amazing presentation for a Drink made from Yucca
I made a huge effort to involve my community in the competition by inviting several business owners as well as the local TV channels to cover the event. Well my invitation led to a live interview on the Wednesday morning Channel 9 news. I felt very out of place sitting cross legged on a green polyester couch with a microphone positioned awkwardly in my left hand. I wasn't sure where to look, at the several cameras or my interviewer. I had asked my interviewer to speak slowly and clearly, but when we got started she ran her mouth just like a typical news reporter, leaving me blinking wide eyed in complete shock when we started the question and answer segment. Unfortunately I don't have this memory recorded, but I was interviewed a second time for a written piece which they did record.
My second interviewer was very nice, but the camera man was a handful. When I asked her to speak slowly and clearly he must have taken that as an invitation to speak to me in his horrible broken english, possibly thinking I might understand him better? He was more of a distraction and talked over me during my interview. I have attached the file so you can see for yourself. Nevermind that I look like a wet rat from the rain and the camera is shooting up from ant's eye view, holly chin! The best part is the camera man had the nerve to ask me out to dinner via email after he sent over this link, ha ha, yea right!
http://www.sendspace.com/file/le46uy
http://www.sendspace.com/file/le46uy
One of the perks of being involved in the Small Business Project in Peace Corps Nicaragua is the fact that we throw a huge cocktail party in Managua that practically every volunteer in Nicaragua attends. We rent out a space at the Holiday Inn and invite the U.S. Embassy as well as NGOs to raise money for our national level of the Emprendedurismo Competition. I told my host mom and sister about the occasion and they insisted that we go dress shopping for the event! Now here is my chance to reveal the Nica style which is oh so very distinct! Just think taky 80s or ghetto fabulous, it really can go both ways. Picture rhinestones, obnoxious bows, lots of spandex and bright colors and you're on your way! Usually women strut around in jeans made out of material that is 50% spandex with their thong hanging out the back and a belly flopping over the front. Shirts range from flowy maternity looking tops to too tight tube tops, neither of which are flattering. Gladiator sandals and platforms are all the rage right now. Please note that I am stereo typing and that there are women that do not dress like this, for example my host mom and sister. But you have to imagine how the majority of the clothes following this style would lead to a challenge when dress shopping. I haven't done any shopping here to date, but the first experience was unforgettable. Every dress I tried on was either skin tight or frilled out! No surprise each time I tried on a dress they wanted to observe my ass first and foremost before assessing the dress as a whole. Story of my life. At one point I actually tried on a yellow and black frilly dress which reminded me of a bumble bee, that was my mom's favorite, of course. You well get to see in my next post what dress I settled on.
This weekend I also had a chance to bond more with my host bro on Saturday night when we all went out Salsa dancing. The usual group is me, my site mate Lindsey, Jose my bro, his GF when she's in town and his amigos Walter, Guillermo, and William(my cuz) who have become like brothers to me as well. Walter is also teaching me how to play my guitar, which is a long slow process I'm finding out. Jose likes to remind me all the time how I should be practicing just so he can make fun of how much I suck. Tonight I learned La Bamba! This was my absolute favorite song when I was about 5, could never get enough. Growing up an hour from the border of Mexico may have had a slight influence. Speaking of Mexico, I discovered a mexican restaurant where I can get Chilaquiles with salsa verde! All is good on the food front. I find myself craving beans and tortillas more than ever!
Surfing is still going well. I'm in search of my own board right now. Yoga still rocks my world daily. I'm back in the groove of running and shooting for a 18k on November 20th. Shout out to my girl Annie for completing the Chicago Marathon last weekend, you're amazing!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Vaga
I was called Vaga by my host family for the first time this last weekend. I knew it was coming. I think I pushed it over the top when I left a sticky note on my door to tell my family where I was. Vaga translates to someone who is out of the house a lot. It can be construed as negative if the person is constantly out partying, but since I work hard during the week, I'll go ahead and be proud of my vaganess. My host mom says its part of being a youth, and since she is a partner in a construction firm, I'm gonna go ahead and say she's a smart lady!
The vaga in me started two weekends ago when my Small Business Training group met up in Leon to celebrate our buddy Ben's birthday. The fourteen of us together after almost a 2 month hiatus was a recipe for ridiculous amounts of fun. We danced Friday night away in the colonial city of Leon and then took the party to the beach the next day to chill, well sort of. I knew I loved these guys, but I think I realized that weekend how well we all get along and how much I miss them! I can't wait for more reunions! The social event of the weekend was Ben's Pinata which was actually a reincarnation of our fellow volunteer Matt in his famous awkward kneeling position from a photo we took on our first day in Nica. The group was in hysterics when Chalin presented his precious gift. We proceeded to beat Matt's twin until people were practically crying from laughing so hard.
This past week has also been a busy one in preparing for the various business competitions coming up in my institutes. I have mentioned in the past the course I'm working with in high schools here, but I'll do a recap. Basically I'm teaching Entrepreneurship in three institutos where all of the high-school seniors have to write a business plan all while learning a skill set to survive in a economy where there are no corporate jobs, but ample opportunity to start your own business. I'm really loving the job so far and the competitions have got the kids really excited about their work over the past school year. I'm really proud of my students and the teachers I work with for all the hard work that they have put forth since I arrived. After a long week of searching for sponsors, looking for judges, revising business plans and holding pre-liminary competitions, I had a chance to let loose.
It all started about a month ago when my site mate Lindsey and I met a group of Columbians working for an Engineering firm here in Chinandega. After visiting their home country for a few weeks they returned with a bottle of Aguardiente, which is a typical Columbian licorice flavored alcohol. After finishing her off we headed to Chinandega's largest discoteca Dilectus. Much to our surprise there was also a beauty pageant being held at the club and intermingled with dancing were spirits of tacky dresses parading around on stage. Quite the entertainment, only in Nicaragua!
Saturday was a whirl wind of a women's rights meeting at La Casa de Mujer and a community bank meeting, which was followed by a birthday celebration for a fellow volunteer Tony. By late afternoon we were off to the beach in Leon for the sunset and bar hopping. Then up again at 5:30 the next morning to shred some waves at Coco Loco. If there is one thing that I don't mind getting up at the crack of dawn for, its the beach. My friend and fellow PC Volunteer Peter joined me, my new columbian friends, and our local Nica friend Erlin on the waves of Nahualapa. I thought to myself while chillen and waiting for my next wave, not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.
I thought I was coming home to relax on my Sunday afternoon when my host brother told me to hurry up and change because my cousin's birthday party was taking place at grandma's house. Sin shower(overrated) I sported a narly sunburn and beach hair to join 20 odd people at grandma's house around the corner. Not 15 minutes after I sat down to a plate of carne asada, my host bro Jose started shoving shots of rum under my nose. Well they proceeded to get me nice and liquored up and then grandma started quizzing me on how much I love Nica. She also demanded that my family come to celebrate Christmas here in Nica, hear that mom? Three bottles of Plata rum later and we were off to yet another dance party with my host bro, his girlfriend, my cousin, his girlfriend, Walter, Guillermo, my site mate Lindsey and one tired chela(white girl). Despite my tiredness I pulled myself together to practice my salsa moves. And thus the creation of Vaga in my life. But let's be honest, it's always been that way! When have I ever really sat still? Now I just have the appropriate word to describe it! Vaga!
The vaga in me started two weekends ago when my Small Business Training group met up in Leon to celebrate our buddy Ben's birthday. The fourteen of us together after almost a 2 month hiatus was a recipe for ridiculous amounts of fun. We danced Friday night away in the colonial city of Leon and then took the party to the beach the next day to chill, well sort of. I knew I loved these guys, but I think I realized that weekend how well we all get along and how much I miss them! I can't wait for more reunions! The social event of the weekend was Ben's Pinata which was actually a reincarnation of our fellow volunteer Matt in his famous awkward kneeling position from a photo we took on our first day in Nica. The group was in hysterics when Chalin presented his precious gift. We proceeded to beat Matt's twin until people were practically crying from laughing so hard.
Matt and twin
BIZ 56 reunited
This past week has also been a busy one in preparing for the various business competitions coming up in my institutes. I have mentioned in the past the course I'm working with in high schools here, but I'll do a recap. Basically I'm teaching Entrepreneurship in three institutos where all of the high-school seniors have to write a business plan all while learning a skill set to survive in a economy where there are no corporate jobs, but ample opportunity to start your own business. I'm really loving the job so far and the competitions have got the kids really excited about their work over the past school year. I'm really proud of my students and the teachers I work with for all the hard work that they have put forth since I arrived. After a long week of searching for sponsors, looking for judges, revising business plans and holding pre-liminary competitions, I had a chance to let loose.
It all started about a month ago when my site mate Lindsey and I met a group of Columbians working for an Engineering firm here in Chinandega. After visiting their home country for a few weeks they returned with a bottle of Aguardiente, which is a typical Columbian licorice flavored alcohol. After finishing her off we headed to Chinandega's largest discoteca Dilectus. Much to our surprise there was also a beauty pageant being held at the club and intermingled with dancing were spirits of tacky dresses parading around on stage. Quite the entertainment, only in Nicaragua!
Saturday was a whirl wind of a women's rights meeting at La Casa de Mujer and a community bank meeting, which was followed by a birthday celebration for a fellow volunteer Tony. By late afternoon we were off to the beach in Leon for the sunset and bar hopping. Then up again at 5:30 the next morning to shred some waves at Coco Loco. If there is one thing that I don't mind getting up at the crack of dawn for, its the beach. My friend and fellow PC Volunteer Peter joined me, my new columbian friends, and our local Nica friend Erlin on the waves of Nahualapa. I thought to myself while chillen and waiting for my next wave, not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.
My new Columbian friends in Leon
Turns out the Columbians love to surf
I thought I was coming home to relax on my Sunday afternoon when my host brother told me to hurry up and change because my cousin's birthday party was taking place at grandma's house. Sin shower(overrated) I sported a narly sunburn and beach hair to join 20 odd people at grandma's house around the corner. Not 15 minutes after I sat down to a plate of carne asada, my host bro Jose started shoving shots of rum under my nose. Well they proceeded to get me nice and liquored up and then grandma started quizzing me on how much I love Nica. She also demanded that my family come to celebrate Christmas here in Nica, hear that mom? Three bottles of Plata rum later and we were off to yet another dance party with my host bro, his girlfriend, my cousin, his girlfriend, Walter, Guillermo, my site mate Lindsey and one tired chela(white girl). Despite my tiredness I pulled myself together to practice my salsa moves. And thus the creation of Vaga in my life. But let's be honest, it's always been that way! When have I ever really sat still? Now I just have the appropriate word to describe it! Vaga!
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