Well, I guess it isn't really a secret that I am a terrible communicator. Or at least, if it was before, it's not now. It's one of my flaws, and I will work to overcome that.
So here are some updates from this school year:
1.) Senior Advisor:
I was asked by the seniors to take on the role of senior advisor. I have been the girls' homeroom teacher for the last two years, but it was still a tremendous honor to be asked to fill this role. Unfortunately, my co-advisor, Tom, had to return to the States for health reasons. I have been doing a lot of work to help the seniors raise money for graduation, make sure they are meeting their goals and deadlines, and also offering some informal counseling when things get too stressful. ;) I have some AMAZING seniors though, and a huge shout out to the senior class officers. We wouldn't even be half this close without their leadership and delegating skills. We only have about 3 months left together, and I am determined to make the most of it.
2.) HACIA:
For the third year, I was an advisor for HACIA Democracy, an extracurricular activity kind of similar to Model UN that is run by Harvard students. Our students are assigned to a committee, such as the OAS, and given two topics to debate, along with a country whose point of view they should take and argue/debate from. It's a great opportunity for students to practice problem-solving strategies and to meet students from all over North and South America. My role is to participate in/help lead practices weekly, and to serve as an advisor to three students. I met with these students weekly to check their progress and work through the topics with them. This year, we were going to Quito, Ecuador, but unfortunately we received word that it is postponed for now. We aren't really sure what that means, but we trust that the leaders of HACIA are working with Harvard to make the best choice for all involved.
3.) Worship Coordinator:
I have completed a full year as my role of worship coordinator at International Christian Fellowship, the English-speaking church I attend. The church meets Sundays at 8:30 am. I came on council last January, and it's been a learning process, to say the least. The council has monthly meetings that I attend. My specific responsibilities involve making sure that we have someone to lead worship, getting people who are interested in being on a worship team plugged in, and working with NCA to determine what our specific needs are (i.e. purchasing new materials). It's a bit overwhelming sometimes, but I'm glad to be a part of the church in this way.
4.) College Advisor:
I had the opportunity this year to be a college advisor to two amazing young ladies. I met with them regularly to help them determine where they want to apply to college, helped them write application essays and upload transcripts, and looked through financial aid options. It made me feel pretty inadequate at times, but overall, it was an incredible opportunity that had some lasting impacts. More on that later. ;) One of the students has committed to Indiana Wesleyan University (let it be known that I did not push it... this was all her. ;) ) and she found out that she received the Luther Lee Scholarship, which is for students in the Honors College and who are minority students. This is a full-tuition scholarship, and we are all incredibly excited! My other student is waiting to hear back from the colleges she applied to, but I'm excited to see what she decides to do.
5.) Same House, New Friends:
With two housemates moving back to the States and one who got married last summer, I started the year unsure what my housing would look like. In September, NCA had a student teacher named Leah move down for 3 months. She was so sweet and kind and a fantastic roommate. She was patient and encouraging in my grouchiness and tiredness from all of the commitments. She left on Thanksgiving. Then in January, we had a teacher move down for the semester to take on middle school social studies, secondary ELL, and 8th grade English. She's been fantastic, and I've enjoyed getting to know her. Finally, on March 9th, with the school's blessing, we had a senior move in with us. Her parents are going back to the States for her dad's health, and she needed a place to stay. I'm so glad we have the room to support her and her family in this challenging time.
6.) Birthday Extravaganza!:
Back in October, I turned THIRTY on the THIRTIETH! I decided to fully embrace it, and I celebrated by doing something intentional each day of October leading up to my birthday. I had fun adventures like a beach getaway, birding in Granada, and seeing a volcano at night, and I enjoyed some chill events like a musical night with some students (we watched Singin in the Rain), getting bubble waffles, and a pedicure. I felt so loved and supported through it all and I'm thankful for everyone who helped to make it a special event.
7.) BIRDS!
I was introduced to the wonderful world of birding at the end of last school year. I went on an overnight adventure that involved staying in the sketchiest "hotel" I've ever stayed in, but also a great night with friends laughing and playing games. We went hiking at Cerro Alegre. I saw an elegant trogon, and I was hooked. In August, I started going more. One of my coworkers and good friends, Jessica, is one of the top birders in Nicaragua, and she and her husband have been kind enough to bring me along on many trips. In addition to learning about the many species of birds, it has also been a great way to get out and see more of the country. For Thanksgiving, I traveled with Jessica, her husband, and another teacher friend, Amy, all the way out to the Caribbean coast. It was quite the adventure! We have been on other adventures since then and we are planning on more. :)
Okay. If you've stuck with me this long, then you are in for a treat. Some of you know that this is my third year, and as such, I had an important decision to make regarding my future. Specifically, NCA asked for a decision about if I was staying or leaving. Through a series of events that I may elaborate on a bit more later, God opened doors for me to stay on at NCA, but I will be changing roles. That's right, I'm not going to be teaching math next year. I will be taking on the role of guidance counselor, a first for me and the school. This comes with a 2 year commitment. I am so thankful for everyone who has supported and encouraged me over the last three years. It has been invaluable, and I am so incredibly grateful to you all.
Blessings!
