Language School

Do you remember your first day of school?  I didn't as it has been so long ago, but today, I experienced what it was like to begin school.  Last night, I tried to prepare myself, by figuring out what I would wear, what I needed to take with me and I made sure I knew how to get to my new school, Simon Bolivar.  Lindsay so sweetly took on the mother role, by giving me a map and by showing me the way to school,  telling me what to expect since she went to the same school and by so kindly making arrangements to pick me up afterward so we could make a previously scheduled lunch date.  It was going to be a great day even though I was a bit nervous because the thought of one-on-one lessons for four hours in the early morning seemed long and hard.  But, I chose to do this because I do want to learn Spanish.  When Lindsay's alarm went off this morning, I knew there was a problem because mine was to wake me 35 minutes earlier than hers.   I immediately jumped out of bed at 7:05, showered, dressed, gathered my things and was out the door at 7:25.  It had been a while since I had to get going so quickly but was happy to know I could still do it! I figured I would make it on time because it was approximately a 20 minute walk.  It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and as it usually is, a bit cool early in the day.  Even though I passed up the entrance I got there five minutes early.  Upon arrival I met the director, filled out one form and was given a new book and notebook.  New school supplies are almost as great at 56 as they were at 6 years old.  I finally got to meet my teacher, Marta, the teacher Lindsay hoped I would get.  She is wonderful.  Marta is a great teacher, kind, interesting, interested in me, a good listener and patient.  She understands that I won't get everything at once and knows how to go about teaching the concepts in different ways, while assessing, providing practice with her and on my own.  Her pace was perfect, she was positive and she helped boost my confidence in my learning.  It was funny how Marta would occasionally slip and call me Lindsay.  I remember calling some of my students by their siblings' names but never was in the situation to confuse mother and daughter.   Halfway through, we took a 20 minute break when I able to get to get some coffee and bread, meet some other students, and give my brain a much needed rest.  My first day flew by and I must say I loved every minute.  I was excited to finally tackle learning Spanish and was even happy to have homework to help me along.  But then a problem arose, Will got sick!  I gave up my "schooling" to help and be with him, so I didn't do my homework and missed the second day of class.  Not the ideal student, huh?   It ended up that Marta got sick and she also missed that second day.  I think I have a better understanding of how things can and do get in the way of one's education.  I think back on all of my students and wonder what things got in their way????    1/3/2010 
Update - It's three days later, Will is better and I am working hard in school.  I am learning but it sure is difficult!    1/6/2010