Sweet Memories by Catherine Renfrow

As I look back on my time in Chile, all I can think of are wonderful memories! Every single second with my family, my students, and in the country has been amazing.  I am very grateful to everyone who helped make this experience possible for me, LSU professors, Thomas Jefferson School, Angela and Miguel, my parents, and countless others.  Here are a few of my memories that I want to share with you!

We played bingo to benefit a little boy, Benjamin, who is fighting cancer.  It was so much fun! Miguel would repeat the numbers to me in English, what a lifesaver.  Miguel won 2 bottles of wine (bottom left picture)!  Despite the fact that I did not win, I had the chance to watch people dance Cueca, which is the national dance of Chile.  It was a beautiful dance!

We spent one Sunday playing in the snow! It was my first time in the Andes Mountains.  It was incredible! No matter how many pictures I took I could not capture how beautiful everything was.  There is no way possible to capture the beauty.

Another new experience I had in Chile was seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time! It was very exciting!  We ate some very delicious seafood fresh out of the ocean.  Anotonella was kind enough to take this picture of Angela and me.

I have had so many incredible, new experiences throughout my journey.  I wouldn't trade these memories for all the gold in the world.  I will treasure these memories forever.

Packing Up and Saying My Goodbyes by Claire Johnson

As the trip leads to end, I am saddened to leave my host family and the Thomas Jefferson School.  These three weeks have flown by, I feel like I just got off the plane!  I have learned so much from my host family, my teacher, Ms. Sandra, and all of my students.  Not only have I learned some  more Spanish, but also I have learned how to be a better person.  Each individual I have met here in Concepcion, Chile has shown me how to be more enthusiastic and compassionate about life.

My homeroom class, 2B. 

            At the Thomas Jefferson School, I have seen how fun classes can be.  Each day Ms. Sandra and I incorporated a game or activity that got our students motivated to learn.  My last day of class was filled with emotions, both happy and sad.  When my homeroom class was in math, they threw me a surprise goodbye party!  This party included traditional Chilean customs, such as empanadas and the Cueca Chilena.  I had so much fun with all my classes, but was torn when I had to say goodbye.  Even though I was at the school for three weeks, those I have met here will be with me in my memory forever.  I am so thankful for this wonderful experience and would love to visit Chile again!

Ms. Sandra and me with 3A!

Cheering on classmates during an intense game of Trashket Ball.

In this game, students were paired into two teams.  One member from each team works out a math problem on the white board.  If the student answers correctly, then he or she gets to shoot a ball into the trashcan for 2, 3, or 5 points.  The students absolutely loved this game!

Studying hard or hardly studying?

 I want to thank Kenny, Margaret, and Ken for setting up the trip.  I also wanted to thank all the graduate assistants for answering all of my questions when I needed and an answer.  Most of all, I am so thankful for the Thomas Jefferson School for allowing us to work along side their great staff and wonderful students!  And, to my host family for putting up with me for three weeks!! It's been a pleasure.

"The sound that goodbye makes" by Whitney Campbell

I never have liked the sound that goodbye makes. That word sounds so serious, so formal, so permanent.

The memories that I've made at the school will forever hold a place in my heart. The hospitality, the food, the smile on a child's face, and the sadness I felt today when hugging my students for the last time. Not only did my students amaze me, but I amazed myself. I've never been one to become attached quickly - but Chile' has changed me. For the better, I believe.

I feel so blessed to have had this experience. Coming into this trip, I wasn't quite sure what I'd take out of it. Would I walk away with an entirely new perspective on teaching? On life? Or would I get back to the United States, unchanged?

The answer is so clear to me now. The people of this city have stolen my heart, and I've earned a place in theirs.

5th grade threw a surprise party for Lorin and I!

My amazing teacher, Carla

 I promised the students that no matter how far apart we were, I would always be able to talk to them and keep in touch. I gave all of them my e-mail and told them that we could be friends on Facebook. I had 20 friend requests within the hour.

A student of mine!

Just because I'm not with them in person doesn't mean I can't continue to teach them!

I've walked away from this trip with a new outlook on things. I view my profession in an entirely different light now. I've learned just as much from these children as they've learned from me. I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with all of my students from the school, as well as my teacher.

The sound that goodbye makes is an eerie one. My class decided that there is no reason to say goodbye.. but "talk to you soon" - because I will talk to you soon, Thomas Jefferson School. Very soon. 

See You Later by Gabby Velez

I knew that time would probably go by fast but I had no idea this fast. I feel as if our first day at Thomas Jefferson was yesterday. I have definitley fallen in love with this school. The school environment is like no other that I have encountered. The school did an amazing job at making us feel welcome. I couldn´t have asked for a better match with my classroom. I was placed in a kindergarten class with Miss Annemarie and Miss Fernanda. They were both so welcoming and helped me with anything and everything.

Yesterday I was surprised with a good bye party. It didn´t hit me until yesterday how hard it was going to be. My teachers had planned a party with lots of yummy food and gifts. We sat around the table and talked with the kids. Miss Annemarie then had the kids line up and bring me gifts. I was not expecting this at all so of course the tears started flowing.

My Goodbye Party

Before I knew there was going to be a party Miss Annemarie gave the class directions in Spanish. Of course, me being the oblivious person I am, had no idea what was going. I noticed that when I would walk over to the students that they would turn their papers over and not let me see what was going on. I just thought they were being typical kids and didn´t think that much of it. Later, I found out that Miss Annemarie had told the children to draw a picture for me. I was given a copy of each student´s picture in a folder. This was by far my favorite gift. Now I will be able to always remember each student whenever I look through it.

Hugging Julianna after she gave me the book of artwork

I had no idea whenever I came into this experience how attatched I would get to each student. With today being the last day I was full of emotions. When we got ready to leave we sang the Good Bye song like we usually do. Once we sang that to the students, they sang back to me. We decided to tell each other See You Later instead of Goodbye. I would really like to come back to Chile one day so hopefully I will see Kinder C sometime in the future.

                                                      Kinder C with myself and Miss Fernanda

The End by Margaret Bates

I cannot believe that this experience is already over. I feel like I just got here. I am feeling very anxious thinking about leaving my family. They have been so amazing. They have brought me to so many amazing places. Chillan, waterfalls, markets, and so many more amazing places.

In Chillan, we stayed with Kennys family and Desirees family. It was so fun to spend time with everyone. It reminded me so much of my neighborhood families when I was young. Lots of children running around, adults cooking and talking loud! I felt right at home. We took hikes in the Andes Mountins. The views were amazing. We saw volcanoes and swam in pools heated by the volcanoes. I loved being there with all of the children. The weather was beautiful and perfect. Warm during the day and cold at night.

The next weekend my family took me to Salto Del Laja to see waterfalls. It was so beautiful. We went ate at a restaurant right by the waterfall and I had an amazing view of the waterfall all throughout dinner. I ate a traditional Chilean dish that included steak, onions, french fries, and two fried eggs...AMAZINGGG!! We went here with Desirees family and Hannahs family. Again, more children everywhere and it was so fun watching them run around and enjoy the sights as well with me.

Florencia is always very interested in cooking. I promised her that I would make cookies with her so last Friday we made cookies with her, Cote and a friend. We have so much fun listening to music and cooking. They girls had a great time. The next morning I cooked Jamabalya with Florencia as well. I have loved bonding with her in the kitchen. She has so much fun and I love seeing her so happy!

Today is also the last day in my classroom. I am so sad to leave the students. In just two weeks I have made such a bond with them. They threw me a surprise party with cake, chips, and cheese! It was so cute and great to see them so happy. I got some gifts from the children as well. Lots of hugs and love. The students and the teachers I was with were so amazing and I will take so much back to the states that I have learned from them.

I am feeling very sad to leave the two girls in my family. I have gotten so close with them in such a short time and they mean the world to me. I feel like I will always have a second family in Chile and that makes my heart feel happy. I am so excited to keep in touch with the girls as they get older and see what kind of adventures their lives take them on. I could not have asked for a better expereience thoughout the three weeks I have spent in Chile.

Falling in Love with Preschool C



Precious Preschool C

 When I told Kenny way back in Baton Rouge that I wanted to be in a younger grade, I could have never imagined that I would fall in love with the 20 beautiful three year olds of Preschool C at TJS.  After having spent a year student teaching in a 4th grade classroom, I knew I wanted something different, but my experience went above and beyond just something different.  The lead teacher in Preschool C, Miss Valentina, is one of the most amazing teachers I have ever had the priviledge of observing.  The way she manages her class of active and happy three years olds is a thing of beauty to watch... at least in the eyes of a fellow teacher :)  I was so inspired by her and my experience in Preschool C that I have decided to pursue my PK-3 Certification!




Our Classroom




It's always a good time!


During my all-too-short time at TJS, I was able to lead an activity.  Their unit theme has been "Under the Sea", so they are taught various related vocabulary terms.  I had noticed that my students were having trouble with the term "seaweed", so I created an activity where they would make a fishbowl sea scene, complete with tissue paper seaweed!  I really enjoyed modeling and leading the activity, the kids enjoyed making their fishbowls, and it helped add to their vocabulary retention!




Showing off his fishbowl!

My last days here have been so bittersweet.  I am so thankful for the oppurtunity to have spent time in Preschool C.  Yesterday, they had a surprise party for me complete with cake, cupcakes, snacks, cards, and personalized gifts.  I was so touched by the teachers, parents, and students that made it happen for me.

My Party



I will never forget my time at The Thomas Jefferson School and particularly in Preschool C with Miss Valentina, Miss Rosita, and the most wonderful children I have ever met.  I can't wait to get home to start working on that certification!

 



Sweet Antonia



Wrapping Up By Maddy Womack

When I think about all the things that have happened since I have arrived in Chile, it seems surreal. The first weekend in Santiago seems like a lifetime ago, and yet it feels like everything has passed by in a flash. Monday was Antonia's birthday - 5 years old! Last weekend we went to Chuck-E-Cheese for her party, and then Fabiola and Juan Carlos came to the school Monday to celebrate with her and her classmates.

Birthday Girl at Chuck-E-Cheese!

We can have fun too!

Happy birthday Thomas Jefferson style!

This last week at Thomas Jefferson is flying by and almost over. I just cannot believe it. I think today it finally hit the students that we are going back to America. They have been so adorable and lovable and I am absolutely flattered at how much they care we are leaving. Today was nothing but hugs, kisses and goodbyes. One class in particular was especially sad to see me go, I couldn't believe it! They came to class with goodbye notes and lots and lots of long group hugs.

3B and our goodbye picture after many, many remarkable hugs

These girls just loved Mike!

Last night we had a goodbye dinner at the school with our host parents, tonight we have a goodbye dinner with our teachers, and tomorrow is our last day at Thomas Jefferson. I will never forget this experience and all of these kind, loving kids. The kids here are happy people. I think we can all agree it doesn't get much better than that.

Under the Sea in Kinder B! by Rachel Sunseri

Its crazy to think that we only have three more days at the Thomas Jefferson School here in Concepción! The school has been amazing; the staff and students are all so friendly and welcoming. I feel so comfortable at the school, that it´s hard to believe we are on an entirely different continent and have only been here a little more than two weeks!I work in Miss Alejandra´s kindergarten classroom. It is definitely an entirely new experience for me because in my field work at LSU, I have always worked with upper elementary grades. Trying to keep up with twenty-two adorable five year olds all day is fun, but definitely exhausting! The students just completed their Under the Sea unit, where they learned all sorts of vocabulary from seahorse to fisherman to submarine. I fall asleep every night with different songs about swimming with dolphins and splashing in the waves stuck in my head and of course, a kindergarten classroom would not be complete without plenty of crafts! We even were able to have a special snack one day, where students were able to try all different types of seafood. I am so sad to be leaving this wonderful class in a few days since there really is never a dull moment in Kinder B!

Trying seafood!

Under the sea paintings!

Making submarines!

Living Reality in the Land of the Surreal by Desiree Cho

Mt. Chillan with tiny puffs of steam
on the left peak

Every day, I go about a now-normalized routine: awaken, dress, eat breakfast, go to school, check in with our LSU students, do volunteer work at Thomas Jefferson, study for LSU, go home, spend time with my wonderful host family (the Zurita-Montalbetti crew), journal, and collapse into bed. It is not mundane at all, because I get to experience Chilean culture at its finest. Verónica, the mother of my host family, has introduced me to amazing foods (I have a whole list in my journal), and the Thomas Jefferson School is place where I continue to learn and grow as an educator.

For instance, during breaks and between classes, laughing students race through the hallways. At lunch the other day, I snuck up on a child who was sneaking up on his friend, and we all three laughed together. If only we could accomplish the same kind of light-hearted atmosphere in every school in the USA. Even young elementary students are clearly respected as people who can make their own decisions about how to conduct themselves in a hallway safely.

Salta del Laja

Happy moments with my host family and at school like these are bits of reality in what is overall a surreal experience. A couple of weekends ago, for example, I saw a volcano. For real. A volcano. Did I mention it was in the ANDES MOUNTAINS?! Mt. Chillan (Chee-ahn), where we hiked, enjoyed natural steam pools, and ate way too much good food, even sent us back to Concepción on our last day with waves of very small puffs of steam rising from the top. Such sites, to this Midwestern farm girl, are only places one can visit in a book.

This past weekend, we went to Salta del Laja (La-ha), a beautiful waterfall situated on the Laja River. Many have capitalized on the natural wonder, and there are hotels, restaurants, and artisans selling crafts, all who are situated around the cascade. Short trails bring you close to the falls, and spectacular views can be had almost everywhere you point a camera.

I am so grateful that I was able to come on the trip, meet hospitable members of the community here in Concepción, witness good teaching, and see students happy to be in school—all in shadows of the places a gringa (an affectionate term Chileans use to refer to foreigners) like me could only read about.

Pucon Weekend Getaway by Emily Nickles

When I was told I was going to the mountains for the weekend I figured it was where everyone had been going.  Little did I know we were going to Pucon.  It is in the mountains about 5 or 5 and a half hours Southeast.    There is a volcano, a national park, a very touristy spot.  We left Friday and had a great drive, lots to look at and beautiful things to see.  There were multiple rainbows because of all the rain.  Also there were seven of us on this trip, my family, and Cristian's mom came too, so lots of people to keep the ride entertaining!

Best picture I could get in the car

When we arrived we had an awesome once (a light dinner).  They had such fresh fruit, and bread, and we were able to sit by the fire.  We also were able to have a pretty good conversation, my Spanish is coming back more than I thought, and Gloria's English has seemed to be getting better too!  After we shopped a bit in the stores and were able to go into Gloria's favorite store. 

Me and Mama (grandmother) in Gloria's favorite store

When we got to the apartment we were staying in after our once I found out I got to share bunk beds with the girls!  They were so excited about the bunk beds, as all kids I feel like are.  The girls told me I had to have the bottom because they wanted the top, which was fine by me!  There was also a beautiful view from the window in the room we were staying in, probably my favorite view of the whole trip!  Every time I looked out it would look different from the fog, I LOVE that!

Girls on the bunk bed!

AMAZING view!!

Saturday we went to this really cool store we had driven by on the way in.  It had huge windows for the front walls.  It had all wood things inside, which I think is just very interesting all the things people can make with wood.  They made wood flowers that were so beautiful if they weren't so big I would have bought some!

Had to take the picture of the one with LSU colors!

Finally we headed into the mountains.  We drove for a little over an hour and finally arrived at the spa/thermal baths.  The spa was beautiful we had an AWESOME lunch, and then headed into the thermal baths. 

Girls at lunch!

Florencia in the thermal baths

The girls loved my underwater camera, although the excitement only lasted for about 20 minutes, then they were over it.  We did get a few good pictures. They really wanted to swim but the pools were so small that it was difficult for them to get around without hitting other people.  They still seemed to have fun but after an hour were ready for the next activity. 

Fernanda and Francisca

Finally the adult girls got massages.  Gloria set me up with a massage with hot rocks, it was AMAZING.  Of course I was super nervous that the rocks would be really hot so when she actually put them on me I flinched, really bad.  It became a pretty awkward situation because I didn't know how to say I was just nervous but am fine.  Finally she understood and continued.  Lets just say within the thirty minutes I fell asleep, so relaxing.  

Sunday after breakfast we went to some markets.  There were so many little, and big things being sold.  It was really neat to see all they had, they seemed to have a whole lot made of wood and a whole lot of things made from alpaca.  The strangest thing I saw was what looked like a hoof made into a cup type thing.  I really was confused as to what anyone would want it for.  I guess you never know!  

THE HOOF

I had an amazing weekend with my family!  I am so sad to think we only have 4 full days left with our families, but am so excited to head to Buenos Aires.  Such a bittersweet feeling! Just hoping I can have just as much fun with my family these next few days as I have been having!

Sounds Forgotten and Missing by Reagan Mitchell

Sometimes I get so consumed by the daily grind and do not think about what is forgotten and missing. This stretches across many fields, however for this reflection I will confine what is forgotten and missing to sound.

            Sound is something that awakens nostalgia and incites dreaming. The sound of a huge body of water is one that I will never grow tired of. Being in Concepción, Chile, I have had this thought each time when visiting areas in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.  My prior experiences with the Pacific Ocean involved only a combined two hours during family trips to San Diego, California. In these moments what I was most taken with was the sound of the ocean. Definitely a sound I had forgotten which I have been reminded about during my time in Concepción, Chile.

            The missing sound for me is laughter in my learning. In my two weeks at Thomas Jefferson School laughter is one sound I have heard plenty of. I noticed this in my observations of the children racing through the halls to classes as well as in classroom. Some sort of laughter is always part of these occurrences and I have found it immensely pleasurable.