I Have Been Changed For Good

After almost a week in Cáceres, I am back at home in Madrid. On Wednesday, I woke up earlier than usual to pack and head to the train station where every single Fulbrighter residing in Spain and Andorra were meeting to catch our train to the region of Extremadura. We greeted each other with hugs and kisses. We hopped on the train and settled into our seats. The atmosphere was electric. We shuffled up and down the train cars, catching up with Fulbrighters along the way. Some of us slept a bit, only to wake up for fear of missing out on the boisterous conversations or the gorgeous scenery of snow capped mountains and rolling green hills sprinkled with grazing cows and sheep.

                                        

After four hours, we arrived in Cáceres, a beautiful Medieval town in the region of Extremadura. La Universidad de Extremadura would be hosting us the next few days, but first, we settled into our hotel rooms. We arrived to see gift bags from the Fulbright commission filled with goodies such as queso de cabra, chorizo, and crema de jamón. After a delightful lunch at the hotel, we headed to the university for the opening statements. We headed back to the hotel where we anxiously awaited the performances of our fellow Fulbrighters. Not only am I surrounded by a diverse group of intelligent and passionate human beings, but I am constantly surprised by the amount of talent these individuals have. 

                          

The next few days were filled with breakout sessions, talks, individual presentations, and closing thoughts. One of the best things about bringing us all together, is that the conversations are never boring; the topics are always stimulating and thought provoking. I was fortunate enough to  be able to give my own presentation on the unique experience of teaching at a private catholic school. Overall, the seminar itself went well, but the most memorable moments were the ones in between, before, and after the official Fulbright events.

For me, mid-year is the perfect way to reflect on the nearly five months I've spent living and working in this incredible city. I arrived here broken and searching for something I couldn't quite put my finger on. Looking back on orientation, which seems like so long ago, I was filled with hope. I hoped for a year of self-discovery, friendships, and fulfillment. 

Even now I can see how much this experience has molded me into a woman I had been hoping to reclaim. I'm more confident, passionate, and easy-going than I have been in years. 

Teaching at my school has been one of the most gratifying experiences I've ever had. I started off thinking I was a terrible teacher. Why? I don't know really. After five months at my school, I've been able to witness how much of an impact I've had on my students and vice versa. The atmosphere at my school is one of support and love and it translates both in and out of the classroom. While I've learned from everyone there, there are two teachers in particular who I won't mention by name (for fear of embarrassing them) that have had the most profound impact on me. They've been kind, nurturing, and caring. This kindness is something I will never forget and I thank the universe every day for leading me to you.

While it scares me to think that the next four months will fly by, I am comforted by the fact that I have truly lived this experience the way I have wanted to. I have no regrets. I am only left with the desire to continue growing, learning, and enjoying what is left of my year as a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Spain. 

                     

To all of my Fulbright family,

Thank you for being the heart and soul of my experience.