Farewell Abraham Lincoln

Well yesterday was my official last day as a teacher at Abraham Lincoln: American Peruvian School. I had such a wonderful experience teaching there so I am sad to leave, but it will be nice to relax and go to the office with Eddie these last few days here is Peru.

Many of you know that I am currently getting my Masters in English Lit, and so naturally everyone assumes that I want to become a teacher. I have always strongly believed that teaching Jr. High or HS English (unless it was AP) would be nothing short of cruel and unusual punishment. However, after teaching at Lincoln I realized that it really wouldn't be that bad. No, I'm not going to rush right out and get my teaching certificate, but I learned that teaching young kids really can be such a rewarding career. So now I am just anxiously awaiting fall semester at USU because I'll again have the opportunity to teach.

Next, I thought I would give you a little information about Lincoln. The school consists of about 1200 students from K-12. Most are Peruvian, but there are a few, maybe 2-3 Americans. Since it is an "American Peruvian" school all the students are required to learn English as a second language. So three days a week I would go and do activities that helped the kids with pronunciation and vocabulary. I also taught about American culture because international relations is one of Lincoln's major goals.

I had three main classes, 2 were with 15-16 year olds, and the other was with 13 year olds. I also was a "full-time sub" because I taught all the classes that didn't have either set teachers or the teachers were absent. And I know that teachers aren't supposed to have favorite students or favorite classes, but I definately did.... I'll have to work on that flaw for fall semester.

I worked with many other amazing teachers who have dedicated their lives to helping Peruvian kids have more oppertunities. I am so lucky that I was able to volunteer at Lincoln because I made many great friends, met great Peruvian students, and I also realized that teaching JH and HS might be something more than just babysitting. If I worked hard enough and cared enough, I too could influence lives just like so many of my teachers have influenced my life for the better.

Thanks Abraham Lincoln, for teaching me more than I could ever teach you.