The beginning of the end... how sad that is to actually type!
To begin our week, we went to a juvenile prison. You can call me crazy, but I think this was my by far my favorite field trip we have taken during the trip. However, this may be because I was in an all girl group home, so we could talk about the girly things. HAHA. At first, they were being typical girls... kind of witchy and not wanting to talk, but after we showed interest in them, they couldn't stop talking. We talked about what contouring your make-up meant, boyfriends, and every other "girly" thing you could think of. Maybe I'm just an overly nice person who feels bad for everyone, but I felt really bad for the girls. I'm sure being in a prison house isn't the most ideal thing, but they were still very polite and willing to talk to us. (Shout out to my girl who has the same birthday as me! I'll be sure to think about you on our birthdays). I was happy to hear that they think about their futures; they all had somewhat of an idea of what they wanted to study in college. I walked out of there feeling like teaching in a juvenile prison is my calling, but only God knows... I have some crazy ideas sometimes.
The rest of the week was full of goodbyes, which I hated so very much. I don't think my emotions have caught up to what is actually happening, though, because I have yet to cry, which is very unlike me. We had a goodbye BBQ (Chileans are known for their Chilean BBQs). At our BBQ, we had a lot of pisco and meat, but more importantly, we had lots of fun with our fellow LSU students and our teachers. We learned some of the Chilean national dances and got really immersed into the Chilean culture! We really felt so appreciated by the school we worked with.
Here's some of the most important things I've learned during my time in Chile.
- You will drink wine & pisco a lot- Pisco is one of Chilean's alcohols that you cannot find any where else; a pisco sour is similar to a margarita, but not really. The wine here is just amazing, and I wished the states' tasted this good. However, y'all know I'm bringing some home. I'm definitely going to miss the pisco and wine a lot. HAHA. .
- You'll eat bread at every meal- I've gained weight just because of the bread here; it is amazing! Chileans literally eat bread with everything or put just about anything on bread! .
- You'll find out what it means to be part of the "minority"- This experience has really helped me to see some of the things minorities go through. Being stared at or pointed at wasn't necessarily exactly what I was used to or expected, but it allowed me to empathize with people who are minorities. I know I will have a different perspective when I get back to the states. For this, I am really thankful! .
- You'll become attached to kids- The kids here are just adorable and made me feel like I was literally their superhero. They tried extremely hard to say simple things like "hello" and "goodbye" in English so that they were able to communicate with me. They showered me with hugs, kisses, and presents. I mean how can you now become attached to this!? They have definitely reminded me why I want to become a teacher.
. - You'll find your "travel friends"- It was only 4 weeks ago that I met Haley, Emily, and Morgan. We traveled together for a week exploring the different areas of Chile not really knowing how to speak any bit of Spanish. Fortunately, we really got along with one another and became good friends They've been my "go to people" this trip and some great friends. We've got people wondering and asking how long we've been friends because that's just how we treat one another, haha. I know you'll find us in Bogies or Fred's when we get back to the United States.
- You'll become part of a family that makes it hard to say goodbye- Over the past three weeks I have really been able to bond with my family. We may not have been able to speak English to one another all the time, but the hand gestures made it something to laugh about. They want to come to Louisiana one day, and they want me to come back and stay with them one day here, too. I know I'll miss Andrea and I's girl talk, Edu and I's brotherly/sisterly love, and my host parents and I's talks over wine and pisco. .
- You'll grow as a person and spend time investing in yourself- I really was able to spend the last three weeks not only enjoying myself in Chile but focusing on myself as well. It's honestly one of the best feelings! This trip has definitely effected my life in more than way. .
- You'll bond with other fellow LSU students you never even knew- Three weeks ago, the only people I knew were Haley, Morgan, and Emily, and that is only because we met each other the week before traveling together. However, now that these three weeks have passed, the entire LSU group and I are already planning a get together for when we get home. These people have allowed me to laugh until I almost peed my pants; if y'all would only know the inside jokes we have. (#GWGB) We bonded over the long bus rides to our field trips singing Bohemian Rhapsody, Ignition, and Callin' Baton Rouge at the top of our lungs. I was able to have some of the realest conversations with some of these people in this group. I know Kenny says we are the #BestGroupEver, but we really are.
This has truly been an experience I will remember for the rest of my life,and I am so happy that I have great memories to accompany this experience. I can't wait to tell everyone about it.
See you in Louisiana! ;)
<3
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