La límonada de los limones

I’ve had big (and wonderful) changes lately in my life! A week or so ago I was struggling with my role and reasons for being in Spain. I came to Spain with the goal of improving my Spanish and while teaching English and enjoying life in Europe. After a month of working as a language assistant in el colegio I began to feel desperate – I spent most of my time sitting in a chair listening to a Spaniard teaching students in English and correcting the teacher’s pronunciation (I need to mention, though, that others here in the program have not all had similar experiences and some are being use effectively and correctly in their schools – more or less, I think it was luck of the draw).

Applying for this job I assumed I would have an active role in the classroom and would be provided with the opportunity to create lessons (or activities to supplement the content at hand) to improve students’ understanding of English and American culture, however, I felt that my position was far from my assumptions. Due to a lack of resources, communication and preparation, my role in the classroom was ineffective. Doing nothing has always been difficult for me – no matter the circumstances – thus, sitting in a classroom as a seat warmer day-in and day-out was not appealing (let alone beneficial to my students or me).

After much consideration, deliberation, and talking with the appropriate people I came to the conclusion it would be best to resign from my position and begin taking classes at a University in Madrid to use my time effectively. To quit this job was as much of a disappointment as it was a relief – I let myself down because I could no longer continue to teach students but in reality I wasn’t actually provided with that opportunity. I have signed up for sixteen credit hours at La Complutense in Madrid and will live in Spain through the Spring while teaching English privately to pay my rent ;)

I have already taken a week of classes and am amazed with professors and the university, thus far, and hope that I am able to use my time effectively while still being able enjoy Madrid. I’ll keep you updated – but hopefully this is the camino I’ve been looking for.

Un beso, Rachel