First day of school

Just finished our first day of school at Mary Help of Christians College (MHCC). We met with the principal, guidance counselor, and saw the nursery school.

The students were playing in some type of color war type activity where the students were broken into teams. Each activity they completed was tied to a moral or value that the school tries to teach them.

After meeting with the guidance counselor, I find it interesting that we share many of the same issues. Differentiating instruction, reaching troubled students, and difficult parents were her main concerns. Maybe we aren't so different!

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"Do you know what is selfie?"

It seems as though students in the Philippines are just as connected to social media as students in the U.S. I have received several follow requests on Instagram and a few Twitter mentions. Craziness!

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Welcome!

This was the welcome poster that greeted us as Mary Help of Christians College. What a amazing feeling!

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Today, Stephanie and I went with Techie, our cooperating teacher, along on their weekly Oratory. Every Sunday, teachers and students at Mary Help of Christians College meet with poor families in local rural areas and conduct church ceremonies with them. As described by the students, they hope to enlighten their lives by teaching poor children how to be morally just, upright citizens.

After visiting a church, we went to visit families who participate in the Oratory every Sunday. They were so excited to meet us and talk about how the work of the students has enriched their lives. They were extremely friendly and eager to talkb about their experiences.

I really enjoyed chatting with the students at MHCC. They told me knock knock jokes and took a ton of selfies. Just like American teenagers!

This is a very hectic time in my life.

In 4 days, I get married.
In 6 days, I leave the country to take part in the Teachers for Global Classrooms cultural exchange program in Manila and Calamba City, Philippines.

I am feeling a strange combination of excitement and nervousness, joy and fear, calmness and anxiety.

I look forward to new experiences, new friends, new places, new food, and learning as much as I can about my adoptive country for the next few weeks. I also look forward to spending time with my new wife at the end of my trip!

I am excited to take part in the Teachers for Global Classrooms program and represent the United States and our education system. Though I have spent a lot of time abroad, I have never had any experience educating children while traveling. I look forward to the opportunity to combine two things I am passionate about: traveling and education.