First Day

The program (PAD) had said in Altenburg that I had been earning money from them since September 1^st and that we all needed to start working at our schools immediately upon our arrival. As I didn’t get to Bad Neuenahr before school let out on Thursday (Are-Gymnasium being a typical German high school has classes that are finished at a bit after lunch), I went today. I need to be up by 6.30 to shower and get ready to go on time L But when I showed up at Are Gymnasium today my supervisor, Claudia, said that they hadn’t been expecting me until Monday. She actually almost sent me home. W.T.F. After all PAD’s talk, Are didn’t want me yet. So I was all like, well…seeing as I am already here… Jeeze, seriously- I couldn’t believe it. So then I went and taught 4 classes. On my first day. Without any prep. Yikes. So mostly for 4 periods of 45 minutes, I talked about myself and Canada. Except for the last of the 4 I was just speaking to let them hear English- I ended up teaching a class in bilingual geography. Again- WTF. It was so random. But, I got to hang out with a seriously HOTT (and prolly with his attentions engaged elsewhere *sigh*) teacher for one of the classes, so that definitely made things better. I think things went well.

In Altenburg, when we did our practice teaching, the Prof told me that I had done an exceptional job, with a real instinct for the classes’ needs and the ability to be enthusiastic and yet maintain control. So either I just have a really inflated and undeserved pride in my teaching skills or I might actually have teaching skills…. I’m hoping it’s that I’ve actually got the skills to pay the bills happening here. Otherwise I am totally boned. I had a great first day, meeting some kids, being taken on a sightseeing tour of the town, and being invited on a school ski trip to the Italian Alps.

Yes, the Italian Alps. How friggen cool is that?!?!?!?! I am stoked for it already and it isn’t even til sometime in January J (oh- mom, if you’re reading this- and I hope you are, it’s one of the main reasons I’m writing it- could you send me the winter clothes I was so excited about NOT bringing? I know, the irony is killing me too…) Plus, it’ll only cost about 400 Euro- everything included. STOKED. All of a sudden, I am really excited for winter to get here.