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This new school year has already proven to be a challenge.
The "First Bell" ceremony happened September 1st. Our official back-to-school day. I went to the college, not knowing what to expect. I met my new students, and gave hugs to all of my students from last year. And the never ending picture taking happened soon after. It was wonderful to see them all again, and to meet new faces. After the ceremony (which involved singing and a speech from our Dean) everyone was dismissed. So much for back to class!
The next day proved to be more educational. I jumped into teaching with both feet, not paying much attention to what my colleagues were saying about me. I was so excited to be back in the classroom; and to be moving.
That's right! I moved Sept. 4th into my very own apartment. I live about a 15 minute walk (which will double in the winter) from my college. It's about a block farther from my original home--the dormitory. For those of you who do not know, I was miserable in the dorms. There was too much drama happening at my college because of my fishbowl living arrangements, and I'm so happy to no longer be under the ever vigilant eye of my university. My new home is HUGE! It has 2 bedrooms, a large living room, decent sized kitchen and, of course, the bathroom. I do not, however, have a shower. So I bathe in a bucket, but at least I have hot water! :-) My new community has been very welcoming. 4 other apartments in the building are vacated, and my neighbors are lovely people. I tutor the little girl that lives downstairs. Her parent's are wonderful to me, and they give me chocolate and fruit for tutoring their daughter. Great exchange! Plus, tutoring her gives me an excuse to practice my Russian. And there is a little store but a 3 minute walk away. The little old ladies that work there are so kind to me. They are constantly giving me free food. They are such dears!
And I have a cat! Her name is Lucy, as in "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." She was a stray that a colleague found and delivered late evening on Sept. 11. Lucy is crazy! But it's been nice to have someone to greet me when I come home.
Everything was going so well in September. The new apartment, full class load. Life was great! I began teaching "To Kill a Mockingbird" to my 4th year University students. They seem to be enjoying the book and the discussions we've had about stereotypes, racism and equality. I hope to finish the book after their winter break.
While I thought there were no more problems with my university once I moved, I was sadly mistaken. The complaint I usually receive the most is "why can't you teach more like a man?" I don't even know what that means, but I hear it often. When I arrived at my university 11 months ago, they asked me to teach literature like an American. So I have. And now the complaint is that I teach differently then my Ukrainian counterparts. Uhh.... I'm not even sure what to say to them. Well, nothing that would be culturally sensitive anyways.
The teachers may have a problem with me, but my students do not. And I believe that as long as the students are happy with me, that is all that matters. After all, I came from America to teach the students. Not worry what the teachers think of me. Besides, I do not have much longer.
Can you believe that I have been in country for 14 months!? And I have just 12 more to go! I can officially return home as of Nov. 17, 2011. I haven't made up my mind when exactly I'm coming home, but it will be sometime near the end of November, early December of 2011.
Even with all of the drama at my school, I am really happy here in Ukraine. I absolutely adore my students. And I love teaching. The 3 English Clubs Pat and I co-teach are the highlights of my week! I actually look forward to Friday night English Club at the college. :-)
I'm currently working on a grant, as well. I'd like to create an English Resource Center at my college, to give the students an opportunity to read books in English. The desire is there, the means are not.
Something else that has been a surprise is my life as a Peace Corps Volunteer. You know, it feels divided. Sometimes you feel like a PCV, other times you simply feel like a teacher in a foreign country. In October, I felt both. I've mentioned VAC before. The Volunteer Advisory Council. Last December my batch (#37) elected me to be one of their two representatives. Aidan was also elected. He and I make a great team. We are entrusted to bring all of our groups concerns to the office 4 times a year in Kyiv. It is a huge responsibility, and one that is never a cake walk. But Aidan and I take our positions seriously. And about 3 weeks ago, the other VAC representatives elected me as their President. I was, and am, honored and overwhelmed by their confidence in me. I'm doing my best to not let all of the 492 (give or take a few) PCV's in Ukraine down.
So, overall, everything is really great. I'm happy, despite the bumps in the road. I hope to bring you more good news in the future regarding my university and life as a PCV in Ukraine.
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