Trabajo!

Less than two weeks here and I've landed myself a legit teaching job! I'm beyond excited.  I'll be teaching a morning English class at a local private high school. It is called El Colegio de Ecoturistico del Pacifico. When I was here in February I met a girl named Amy who was working there. She was really helpful then, and I kept in touch with her when I was back in the States. Turns out, she decided to move back to the U.S. and it was right before I arrived. I had asked her multiple times for the email to her boss at the high school before I came, which she never sent. But I get here and ask her again and she tells me that it'd be best to just go by in person. She also let me know that her position had been filled, but maybe she was hiring others. I went by on Monday with my résumé, and sure enough, the principal told me she had already filled Amy's position. She also said she had just hired another person a few weeks ago. I knew I might be out of luck, but it was good to make contact anyway. 

Well, as we kept talking, I could tell she really liked me and saw that I had the desire and skills to teach. By the end of our conversation, she began to say she isn't sure if the person she just hired is working out and that she will have to make a decision to keep him or not. I was keeping my "cool" but inside I was like, "hire me!!!". 

Well, she did! I got a call at the end of the week with the job offer. :) And I'm super happy about it.  I'm also starting up my own private class with some people who've been wanting to learn English. My friend, Laurie, who I certified with in February, knew about a woman who had a spare room in her house and wanted to  start a class. That begins this week! This will be like my own little baby...starting it up all on my own and everything. The woman is looking to grow it eventually and have it be a more legit language center eventually. So far, she knows about 5-6 people who are interested.

Good things are happening and I haven't even been here two weeks! It's amazing.

Today I have to say goodbye to my dear friend Laurie. She heads back home today and I will miss her terribly. We became great friends in February when certifying together, kept in touch while I was gone, and now have had two weeks to hang out again before she goes. And she has introduced me to so many good people to know. And the tutoring and the opportunity to teach at that woman's house! 

She's been a huge positive influence in my life. I'm so glad I planned to come back when I did to be able to see her again. We will always be in touch, I know that, for sure.

La Comenzando

"The Beginning"

It has been almost one week since I began this new chapter of my life. I thought it'd be fitting to document it in words and photos for my own record, but also to share it with those who are interested in knowing what I am up to. I did the same when I lived in New York City and ended up getting the blog printed in book form. It tuned out great and I hope to do the same with this one.

This is me my first day here. I'd say the look on my face says it all. At peace, relaxed. 

I ended up renting a place from the director of the TEFL program where I certified. It's location is prime, walking distance to everything I need. And it's less than a 5-minute walk to the bus station that takes 10 minutes to get to this place!

Not too shabby, eh? The apartment has a spiral staircase! I always wanted to live in a place with one of those!

I guess you'd call it a studio apartment, but it's two levels. The bed is upstairs, complete with balcony and hammock!

It's better than I imagined, overall, and I think it fits me very well. And the price is definitely right. I could see myself staying here awhile.

I met my next door neighbors today. A cute little family, a younger couple and their 2-year old son. And they speak English! The man gives tours in the national park nearby, so his English is very good. They will be a great family to know, so friendly and helpful. 

I've been spending most of my time, so far, with my friend and former TEFL cert classmate, Laurie. Unfortunately, she will be leaving me very soon to return to the States. 

Today we stopped by a thrift store and she found some items to keep her warm in Arizona...?? Ha. We were both very surprised to see winter apparel here. I will be very sad when she leaves, but am glad that I arrived a little beforehand. It's been great to reconnect and hang out again. 

I will be meeting with a few people tomorrow to find out about potential teaching opportunities. Laurie kept reassuring me while I was back in the States and she was here, that'd I'd have no problem finding work. I believed her and am possibly seeing it happen sooner than later! Exciting!

More to follow later.:)