So I realize it's been almost two weeks since I last updated, and I must admit, I haven't felt a huge urge to write anything as I feel like I'm fallinginto a rhythm and that my everyday things are just happening that aren't worth documenting.
And then I realize that, despite that feeling, there actually has been a lot going on!
Two Thursday ago, we had our orientation in Albacete, the capital of the province, which is about 70 kilometers to the west of Almansa. There, all the auxiliares from around the province came with their head teachers and we had an entire day full of presentations and meetings. It was a lot of information to take in at once, and most of it I had already read in the guides that I had previously received, but it was still nice to get to meet some of the other assistants and to hear about others' experiences. I also took advantage of our being in Albacete to start the process of getting my NIE (número de identificación extranjero) and my residence card (which is turning intoa multiple-week affair).
After hearing what the auxiliar job typically is (in general, it's to work in a school and help teachers of all different subjects to teach their courses in English), I realized that my role in my school is quiteunique. My main purpose is to work with the teacher of one of the professional vocational studies programs for students who have completed the compulsory part of Spain's secondary education system and/or (sometimes) the Bachillerato. So basically I'm working with her to give classes about marketing and business and leadership... something I don't really know much about. And on top of it all... her English is quite limited.
That said, I must admit that I really enjoy my job. It doesn't matter that I'm teaching a subject in which I have very little experience. What matters to me is that I feel like I'm actually getting a chance to TEACH something (which is precisely the reason why I wanted to do this job here and the one last year in Annecy). I love standing infront theclass and helping the students learn. I love making sure that everybody understands what I'm talking about. I can't wait to be doing it with material that I actually love!
On top of the professional courses, I help out in three English classes as well, working directly with the teachers to bring a little change of pace to the classroom.
And my schedule is pretty awesome, too. Like last year, I only work twelve hours a week (...so much, I know), but unlike last year, I get a three day weekend! That's right, I work Monday through Thursday and have Friday off to do what I want (relax/travel/etc.). I also live only twenty minutes from my school, so the commute is really easy (and actually kind of nice).
So pretty much, school's pretty cool.
Last Sunday, Manuela, one of the English teachers invited Clare and me to her hometown of Ayora, located 22 kilometers to the north of Almansa. There was a honey festival called the Corte de la Miel. She showed us around the city where she grew up, through the winding medieval streets and up to the castle on top of the mountain. They had set up a medieval market (where I bought a bar of soap) and there were all sorts of stands and vendors. Down in the main square, there were all types of food, many of which we tried (tortas fritas [basically fried dough], lots of different sausages, and, of course, many varieties of honey). We were also able to watch a live demonstration of how honey is extracted from the honeycomb. It was a lovely excursion,but I was definitely exhausted by the time we made it home!
There's been much more going on, but I've got to get to bed... I've got work at 8:30 tomorrow morning! More to come, though. Not to worry :-)
Besos,
Lorenzo
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