One week down...many to go.

Whew! I just got through my first official week of classes, and I’m still trying to process all of the new names, faces and places that will comprise my working environment for the next year. My first impression is this: the English Department at I.E.S. Sampedro is freaking AWESOME. Everyone has thus far been unbelievably friendly, open, and even better, funny! And I mean funny in a way that borders on ridiculous. In the past week I have heard more dirty jokes, naughty puns, and juicy gossip than one Fulbrighter should hear in, well…a long while! Some of the teachers are particularly jocular, but even those who aren’t just seem downright amicable and show genuine interest in learning about where we are from and what we think of Spain.

And I’m not just working in the fabulous English Department. Believe it or not, I’ve been assigned to assist in Sampedro’s Technology/Shop classes! That’s right: I get to explain electrical circuitry and mechanics in English! Which, clearly I know a lot about. Clearly. Suffice it to say that this should be a good learning experience for all of us. And, after talking to the head of the bilingual program, they are now trying to get me into some of their Theater and Philosophy classes! Sweet!

Aside from working as TA’s, Erica and I are also helping the school out with Global Classrooms, which is another version of Model UN. Evidently, over time we will help students prepare their presentations, and then serve on panels during the actual debates (first prize is a trip to NYC for the final round of the competition. It’s fun to find out about the UN, but I have to admit that the more I learn about their various charters, regulations, and procedures, the more I comprehend why they are so often ineffective.

On the personal front, I joined a chorus! Alto pride! It's associated with the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and it's a pretty big, spirited group. I jumped into the rehearsal process a little late, so I’m currently trying to catch up by learning John Rutter’s Requiem and Beethoven’s 9th before our upcoming concert. In other news, we have this Monday off as a national holiday, so my roommates and I are trying to last-minute brainstorm about where we want to go for some exciting day-trips. We’re thinking San Sebastian?! Maybe? We’ll see.