NICOLE
Elementary Education Undergraduate |
NICOLE
Elementary Education Undergraduate |
There are only five days left until we take off for Cabarete! Now, being me, I started packing nearly a month ago. I am what some people call cheap - but I call frugal - and have decided to travel carry-on only. For United Airlines, this means that I can take a small wheeled suitcase and a backpack. As a well-seasoned traveler, I thought this would be no problem. However, this has not been the case for this trip. I have had to fit classroom outfits, beach attire, and casual wear all into a small space. Clearly, I wanted to take more than could fit. So, after much effort, I have paired my wares down. I eliminated a large stack of unnecessary items and am satisfied with what I can bring. The only items to add in are my electronics, their chargers, and a folder of papers. Not too bad, I think! So, there are only a few things I need to do between today, Thursday, and the morning of our flight on Tuesday, January 3rd:
1.) Create a bilingual picture book to use with my Spanish tutor --> I think that I will base it off of my dog, Henry, and his misadventures as a troublemaker in my house. I can also discuss the importance of pets in American culture, which I hear is very different than in Dominincan culture. 2.) Do laundry --> There are one or two items that did not make it into the suitcase that need to. 3.) Print out forms --> For my research project, entitled "Student Knowledge of Environmental Factors in the Dominican Republic", I need to collect my IRB-approved informed consent, parental consent, and assent forms. 4.) Pack some snacks --> This may not be essential for everyone, but I need to snack when I fly. It's non-negotiable. Those are all the things that are pressing on my mind now. I am excited for all the knowledge that I will gain by interacting with students in the DR. I hope that my experiences on this trip will make me a more well-rounded educator, ready to work with students of all kinds. I know that trips like these, with college students travelling to a tropical foreign country, often have a tainted edge. But this is no "Spring Break" for me. I see this as a professional, educational experience and I am ready to learn!
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