My my, I don't even know how to begin this blog entry. Actually, yes I do. Let's start with my first set of feelings after stepping off of the plane from a 9 hour mad 36 minute plane ride, into Santiago, Chilé. I was the only LSU student on my flight, so I was alone.... in a Spanish speaking country.... with little idea of the Spanish language. My flight landed around 8 o'clock in the morning and my next flight was not until 1 o'clock in the afternoon. I was indeed a bit early so according to my Chilean airport concierge, I was unable to immediately check in for my next flight to Concepcion and had to wait about an hour and a half. I was a bit overwhelmed and called my mom as soon as I sat down to wait. Luckily, after my "waiting time" passed, I reached the line for LATAM airlines, which had a very lengthy line that moved incredibly slowly. However, all of the negative thoughts and overwhelming feels went out of the window as soon as I saw about 5-6 familiar faces and LSU logos. I immediately cheered up. We checked our bags and our group split up to go to the necessary gate for our flights. Once we landed in Concepcion, we met with our host families. My family and I had been talking prior to out meet up via WhatsApp, so thankfully, it wasn't nearly as awkward as I initially expected it to be. My family is actually pretty large, a set of triplets, a 3 year old boy, a puppy, and a mother and father. Trust me when I say mornings are quite the hassle.
The first week in the school was indeed an interesting one. The first few days, of course everyone was getting acclimated with their surroundings as well as with the teachers. The first thing I noticed about the school systems here in Chilé, is that the structures of the schools compared to the US, are completely different. For some reason, I thought that the school set up would be much more strict than the US, but that was not the case at all. It's a little wild, compared to what we're used to back home. However, it does seem like the students have a strong level of comfortability, along with each having a unique relationship with all of the teachers. Personally, I think my experiences and interactions have been just a tiny bit different with the faculty, staff, and students, in comparison to everyone else. Everyone in the school is extremely nice, very eager to learn, and interested in each of our stories. However, most of the students and teachers are fascinated with the way that I look and the color and style of my hair. In the mornings, on the bus, my host sisters get a kick out of putting me on display and having their friends ask a billion questions. Often times, wanting to touch and get explanation as to why/how my hair is the way that it is. "Ehhh.. polo rojo?!" is a common phrase I get, meaning "ehhh, red hair?!" Usually looking for some sort of clarification. I think it's a great thing that I can bring something to the table that they've never seen before, with my hair and skin, and they seem to really enjoy that too. Not to mention, this years group gets along so well. I'm forming such great relationships with everyone.
I'm having a wonderful time thus far, it's only been a week and I have met my host families extended family on both sides, visited el campo (the countryside), visited and had an exclusive tour of the University of Concepcion's science departments and laboratories, spent time in Plaza de Peru, rode the public transportation in downtown Concepcion, helped in several different types of classes, talked with different teachers, and my Spanish has gotten better already. I can not complain at all. I'm so excited for next week! We have so many things to do, which will include visiting a juvenile detention center, an official tour of the University of Concepcion, Chiflon del Diablo, and the thermal pools on the Andes Mountains. Oh yeah, and teaching at the school too! 🤣
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