MOLLY
Elementary Education &
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) |
MOLLY
Elementary Education &
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) |
The shelves in front of the desk I sit at to write these blog posts are now empty, no longer decorated with tiny twinkle lights and photos of family and friends from back home. A full open bag sits next to me, with souvenirs, new items of clothing and memories practically spilling over the top. I take a sip of some local Chianti vino that one of my student’s mothers, who I’ve never even had a conversation with, gifted to me on my last day at school yesterday. Yesterday was my last day of student teaching. Today is my last day in Italy. Sigh. It’s hard to describe the feeling. The feeling that tears could burst out at any moment. The feeling that everything and everyone you look at will be the last time you see that thing or person for who knows how long. The feeling that this moment, being in this place and time, is only temporary, and will never happen in the exact same way again. The feeling of immense gratitude and heart-aching love. If only you could see the last photo I took with the kids. If only you could read their heartfelt notes to say goodbye. If only you could see the joy and silliness that radiates from those little beings. If only you could see the pure, genuine, happiness beaming across my face. If only you could feel how heartwarming this experience was for me. Today I depart Italy as a more confident teacher, a more thoughtful listener, and a more open-minded individual. I also leave Italy as a passionate advocate for the quality of education I was fortunate enough to take part in over the past eight weeks. Every child deserves the respect, support, freedom, and high expectations that I witnessed at the International School of Siena. That, and the view of the sun shining on top of Siena’s gorgeous medieval skyline, I will try to never forget. Ciao, for now, Italy. If your scenery, vino, and caffè aren’t enough to motivate me to return, you bet I’ll be back for your nonnas (grandmothers), bambinos (babies) and cani (dogs)!
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AuthorWhile studying abroad in Europe as an undergrad, I became infected with an ailment that makes one eternally propelled to discover and explore cultures other than their own. Many call it the "travel bug," and fortunately for me it is incurable. Archives
May 2019
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