Today was the first day of school! I only have time for a quick recap so I will give some quick bullet point highlights:
-Day One was a success.
-I have already gained a reputation as the mean teacher, which I highly value.
-The day opened with an hour-long assembly that included the seniors riding into the school standing on and hanging onto a fire truck that was blasting its sirens. Quite a sight to see that would never happen in the states.
-I had all my 10th grade students today.
-The kids were quiet while a spent a lot of time meticulously going over classroom procedures.
-I shared a little about myself.
-During the students chapel I met an awesome young lady, Maria Jose, who was very interested in my theological studies. She is a catholic and is hoping to study theology, especially world religions. She asked my some very good theological questions and mentioned that she is seriously considering becoming a nun, only because priest is not an option because of her gender. This led to a conversation about patriarchy in Catholicism. I am pretty sure that she will be on a level far beyond her classmates.
-I felt good, confident, and comfortable the whole time.
-Started lesson planning for week 2 during my prep.
Hopefully, Diana can put up a little bit about her first day. I know she has at least one really good story.
This is excellent news, especially about the fire truck--I assume that (due to the heavy and apparently ceaseless central american rain) this is the primary use that fire trucks have in Honduras?
ReplyDeleteMaria Jose also sounds like quite a student... you should seriously put her in touch Andrew Laguna, SJ, who is now happily settled in St. Louis as a scholastic (the phase in which the young Jesuit studies for a Master of Philosophy degree).
Ben, Sounds like an outstanding first day!! Keep up on the meanness. It goes a long way towards building a foundation for a strong year of learning. Cause if the class isn't in control, ain't nobody learnin' nothin'.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about Diana's big day!!