what?! I need a mamammaoamaomgram?! A few weeks ago, the admin assistant, who anyone who works in education knows is basically the mayor of a town, came to me. “Hey, the mother of a child in kindergarten is a doctor,... Continue Reading →
shark onesie cold It’s cold here in the high mountains of Guatemala. Cold in a wet, everyone around you has a hacking cough kind of way. There are no heaters, so the smell of wood burning is ever-present either for... Continue Reading →
There are few feelings that compare to making it to the end of the school year. There's something magic about the moment when you’ve tracked down all the obscure admin people you need to sign off on a long list... Continue Reading →
In my class, we have a different theme to start each day. On Mondays, we catch up on big and small news. On “Teach Me Tuesdays,” I present something they might and I definitely care about, like how far a... Continue Reading →
A few years ago I started marking each actual year of my life, answering these same set of questions each birthday to help me measure moments. Here are the last 365.25 days: not pictured: the massive cockroach that kept trying... Continue Reading →
this guy has seen it all. I’ve been teaching for fifteen years, all ages and subjects, in four different countries, and at a certain point, you kinda think you’ve seen it all. You think you’re prepared for any emergency or... Continue Reading →
surviving the first day of teaching in 2025! only cried once! I (40SWF) on a Friday night, finished a paper for my Masters program, dusted, was accosted by my creepy landlord’s husband (they live downstairs and he creeps on me... Continue Reading →
The author reflects on the transformative experience of moving to Guatemala, shedding past roles and expectations. Embracing solitude and self-discovery, they express joy in forming new, authentic relationships while adjusting to their teaching position. This journey serves as a liberating reset, fostering confidence and personal growth amidst challenges and new adventures.
As an educator, I will be a hollow shell of myself every year from August to October as I adjust to a new group of kids. For fun, now when I collapse onto the couch every day, I also get to wonder, “Ooohhhh . . . is it dengue?”
AI-Generated Summary, which cracks me up: After moving to Guatemala, the author encountered challenges like navigating the unmarked roads and adapting to cultural differences, but found joy in the friendly locals and natural beauty. As a teacher in a struggling school, the author is determined to make a positive impact despite the lack of resources, feeling grateful for answered prayers and a chance to utilize their skills.
I couldn’t have ordered a more Rachel-esque day to get here to my new home in Panajachel, Guatemala. Moving out of my home in Hong Kong to the temporary spot at my parents in California for six weeks was wild enough. I was waiting on boxes still from Hong Kong . . .
The author shares the emotional turmoil of leaving Hong Kong after unexpectedly losing their teaching job. Despite initial challenges and rejections, they secured a teaching position in Guatemala. The new role comes with unique challenges, including teaching fifth grade without a partner and adapting to a different lifestyle. However, they express excitement about the opportunity, reconnecting with Spanish, and fulfilling a long-held desire to live in Guatemala.
Sunglasses Always Fit 