Last week, which was a loooong week as evidenced by these multiple postings, I went to Cabarete. Cabarete is a tourist town on the beach, and as one fellow Volunteer fondly put it, the United States of America in the DR. It truly is like taking a vacation from the DR.
I had a wonderful time. I spent the day with my Volunteer friend and her American visitors. Certainly, I didn’t fill my Spanish quota for the day. There are European- and American-owned restaurants along the beach. Merengue and bachata are strangers there; instead, the pubs (yes, pubs) play classic rock and other American hits. English is the main language, and any type of American cuisine can be found there! I gorged myself on a hamburger, fries, chocolate ice cream and apple pie! Common for you all, but really comforting and enjoyable for me!
However, while I was taking a solitary swim in the ocean, relishing the absolute calm and peace I felt, I couldn’t help but think about the real DR that was just down the road. Tourists come here and relish the luxuries of postcard-like beaches, exotic fruits, cocktails, and a Miami-like nightlife – a real paradise for them. Yet, so close to them is the true reality of the DR. They’re missing out on the picturesque mountains that characterize the rural roads, the roadside empanada and juice stands, colorfully painted houses, the “bandera” (the main dish here), bachata and merengue discotecas, loud families, rapid Spanish and animated hand-gestures. They don’t know about the poverty, the illiteracy, the environmental abuse… Yes, they are visiting the DR, but they are visiting the DR that is encapsulated in a comfortable, Western bubble. They aren’t visiting the real República Dominicana.
I found that profoundly interesting.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Two Successes
Because at times, I feel frustrated by circumstance, I have to count my small successes. I would like to share my two favorite successes from last week, which coincidentally happened over the weekend (yes! I “work” weekends too!).
On Saturday, I went to an English class in my technology center with the intention of observing, but I knew better… In a way, I connect with those students, because I am also learning a foreign language, and I’m extremely conscious about my word choice and pronunciation, just as they are. The teacher asked them to introduce themselves in English, and one by one, they shyly told me their names and where they were from, etc. After introductions, the teacher began the class, reviewing basic grammatical structures for an upcoming exam. With each concept, he called me to the front to explain it. So I spent the afternoon as a teacher. It was interesting because I was trying to explain the concept in Spanish and then English of course, but I realized in the process how difficult English is to learn! There were some concepts that have no translation in Spanish, so that was rather difficult to explain. However, overall, I enjoyed teaching, which is a good thing, because that’s my main role here. I am a teacher.
On Sunday, the coordinator of my technology committee invited me to a community leaders’ meeting, which was hosted by the “Junta de Vecinos” (kind of like a neighborhood watch council, but for the entire pueblo). When I first arrived, I humbly sat in the back, but to my surprise, the president of the Junta asked me to sit at the front table next to the mayor, the chief of police, and other important town leaders. So there I was, facing an audience of at least 50 active community members, and they were all looking at me with curiosity. Everyone at the table gave an impassioned speech about banding together and improving certain aspects of the community, and finally the Junta president motioned to me and asked if I want to say a few words. My old self might have declined, but by merit of being in this foreign land, I’ve learned that I have to try everything, even public speaking! So I stood up and began addressing everyone in Spanish! I could hear my voice echoing throughout the room, and amazingly, all the words came to me. I had a stumble here and there, but I was able to communicate what I wanted. After the meeting, I sought out certain leaders who had inspired me with their speeches, but then I found there were several people waiting to talk to me as well!
On Saturday, I went to an English class in my technology center with the intention of observing, but I knew better… In a way, I connect with those students, because I am also learning a foreign language, and I’m extremely conscious about my word choice and pronunciation, just as they are. The teacher asked them to introduce themselves in English, and one by one, they shyly told me their names and where they were from, etc. After introductions, the teacher began the class, reviewing basic grammatical structures for an upcoming exam. With each concept, he called me to the front to explain it. So I spent the afternoon as a teacher. It was interesting because I was trying to explain the concept in Spanish and then English of course, but I realized in the process how difficult English is to learn! There were some concepts that have no translation in Spanish, so that was rather difficult to explain. However, overall, I enjoyed teaching, which is a good thing, because that’s my main role here. I am a teacher.
On Sunday, the coordinator of my technology committee invited me to a community leaders’ meeting, which was hosted by the “Junta de Vecinos” (kind of like a neighborhood watch council, but for the entire pueblo). When I first arrived, I humbly sat in the back, but to my surprise, the president of the Junta asked me to sit at the front table next to the mayor, the chief of police, and other important town leaders. So there I was, facing an audience of at least 50 active community members, and they were all looking at me with curiosity. Everyone at the table gave an impassioned speech about banding together and improving certain aspects of the community, and finally the Junta president motioned to me and asked if I want to say a few words. My old self might have declined, but by merit of being in this foreign land, I’ve learned that I have to try everything, even public speaking! So I stood up and began addressing everyone in Spanish! I could hear my voice echoing throughout the room, and amazingly, all the words came to me. I had a stumble here and there, but I was able to communicate what I wanted. After the meeting, I sought out certain leaders who had inspired me with their speeches, but then I found there were several people waiting to talk to me as well!
First Week on the Job
Today, I sit in the kitchen with all the doors and windows open. It feels like Dominican summer today, with the roof trapping the intense heat, the subtropical sun giving no mercy, and the sweat sticking to my skin like candy. Declarations of “hace calor” can be heard everyone as everyone fans themselves.
I have lived here for a little more than a week and I’ve begun my “work,” though you can’t define it by American standards. My work is rather ambiguous because I’m my own director, boss, employee, etc. I make my own schedule, I have my own meetings, and many times I just sit on the galeria, pondering. I have a lot of ideas, many of them requiring months of planning and several discussions with the key players, so during these next few months, I have been tasked with organizing myself.
The Peace Corps has designated these initial months as a period of discovery and investigation. Now, I’m supposed to make friends and develop “confianza.” I need to learn my community inside and out and investigate the logistics of the technology center where I’ve been assigned. It seems most people see me as an English teacher, but I have to be wary not to fall in that trap, because I’m not here to teach English. I’m here to enhance the IT program at the center so that everyone can have access to it – from children to professionals, from people who can’t read and write to people who have university educations. Also, I want to interweave basic education into the program. As my secondary projects, I would like to form health- and education-awareness clubs. We have a radio station at the center, and there’s a TV station in town, so I hope to use these resources to create awareness as well.
Though I don’t have any concrete results of my work yet, I spend everyday observing. Through my observations, I’ve discovered the extreme lack of environmental consciousness. Trash is just carelessly tossed everywhere and motorcycles and cars operate on propane tanks that emit damaging fumes; it’s rather heartbreaking considering this is such a beautiful country. Furthermore, there is a devastating lack in sex education here, and the results are heartbreaking. Yesterday at a meeting of community leaders, I met a hospital employee who announced that just last week, they had 11 people leave the hospital HIV positive. She also cited the high rate of teen pregnancies (some girls as young as 13 or 14). She implored that the parents take responsibility and educate their children. In regards to information technology, a vast amount of people have never touched a computer. I visited the principal of a high school, and he told me that he knows nothing about computers. It’s hard for us to imagine, but moving a mouse intimidates many people. Such things we take for granted, but here, they are huge issues.
Perhaps my biggest challenge right now is communication. I was a communications major; I pride myself on arguing effectively, on trying to communicate my thoughts as clearly as possible. No longer can I take my mastery of language for granted. Now, I have to think 3 times as hard if I want to say anything, and if I’m tired or my brain is fried, I stumble to get anything out. I have to be extra attentive when people are talking to me. If I lose a few words, I’m lost.
Life is not easy right now. I have a lot of responsibility and I’m trying to get a grasp on how to handle it. What do I do with this? I was an assistant in all my previous jobs, but now I’m a director of sorts placed in this ambiguous, unfamiliar environment. When people see me, hope just spreads across their faces. It’s a large responsibility. I can never be a miracle worker. I’m just one person who has her own tribulations, but I hope that I can meet some expectations. The pressure is very palpable, but I just have to keep telling myself that I will do what I can, when I can. I have to be “tranquila” about it and take small steps.
I look to the future when I feel discouraged. I think, just imagine where I will be 6 months from now. I will be doing things I never thought I could! I will have a place in the community; I will know Spanish!
I’m timid, lost, and a bit confused, but when, in my whole life, have I experienced such a challenge? It just reminds me how alive I am, and I can do anything.
I have lived here for a little more than a week and I’ve begun my “work,” though you can’t define it by American standards. My work is rather ambiguous because I’m my own director, boss, employee, etc. I make my own schedule, I have my own meetings, and many times I just sit on the galeria, pondering. I have a lot of ideas, many of them requiring months of planning and several discussions with the key players, so during these next few months, I have been tasked with organizing myself.
The Peace Corps has designated these initial months as a period of discovery and investigation. Now, I’m supposed to make friends and develop “confianza.” I need to learn my community inside and out and investigate the logistics of the technology center where I’ve been assigned. It seems most people see me as an English teacher, but I have to be wary not to fall in that trap, because I’m not here to teach English. I’m here to enhance the IT program at the center so that everyone can have access to it – from children to professionals, from people who can’t read and write to people who have university educations. Also, I want to interweave basic education into the program. As my secondary projects, I would like to form health- and education-awareness clubs. We have a radio station at the center, and there’s a TV station in town, so I hope to use these resources to create awareness as well.
Though I don’t have any concrete results of my work yet, I spend everyday observing. Through my observations, I’ve discovered the extreme lack of environmental consciousness. Trash is just carelessly tossed everywhere and motorcycles and cars operate on propane tanks that emit damaging fumes; it’s rather heartbreaking considering this is such a beautiful country. Furthermore, there is a devastating lack in sex education here, and the results are heartbreaking. Yesterday at a meeting of community leaders, I met a hospital employee who announced that just last week, they had 11 people leave the hospital HIV positive. She also cited the high rate of teen pregnancies (some girls as young as 13 or 14). She implored that the parents take responsibility and educate their children. In regards to information technology, a vast amount of people have never touched a computer. I visited the principal of a high school, and he told me that he knows nothing about computers. It’s hard for us to imagine, but moving a mouse intimidates many people. Such things we take for granted, but here, they are huge issues.
Perhaps my biggest challenge right now is communication. I was a communications major; I pride myself on arguing effectively, on trying to communicate my thoughts as clearly as possible. No longer can I take my mastery of language for granted. Now, I have to think 3 times as hard if I want to say anything, and if I’m tired or my brain is fried, I stumble to get anything out. I have to be extra attentive when people are talking to me. If I lose a few words, I’m lost.
Life is not easy right now. I have a lot of responsibility and I’m trying to get a grasp on how to handle it. What do I do with this? I was an assistant in all my previous jobs, but now I’m a director of sorts placed in this ambiguous, unfamiliar environment. When people see me, hope just spreads across their faces. It’s a large responsibility. I can never be a miracle worker. I’m just one person who has her own tribulations, but I hope that I can meet some expectations. The pressure is very palpable, but I just have to keep telling myself that I will do what I can, when I can. I have to be “tranquila” about it and take small steps.
I look to the future when I feel discouraged. I think, just imagine where I will be 6 months from now. I will be doing things I never thought I could! I will have a place in the community; I will know Spanish!
I’m timid, lost, and a bit confused, but when, in my whole life, have I experienced such a challenge? It just reminds me how alive I am, and I can do anything.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Random Photos - B/c I owe you some...
I'm awful at posting photos, I know. I'm even more awful at organizing them. Here are a few more. Also, I would like to credit the photographers: Jean, Roberto, and Brittany (many times I don't have my camera or my batteries die).
We were on the radio!
This is paradise!
I think you get it.
The Ladies: Jean, Katie, and I
We're awesome at Dominoes!
I'm a Volunteer!
Hello dear readers. I apologize for being away so long. These past couple weeks have been rather overwhelming.
I am finally here, finally in my new home, with my new family. I am an official Volunteer and I begin my “work” on Monday.
Last week, I visited my site for the first time. I am living in a pueblo of 60,000 on the north coast (minutes from the beach and very close to several popular tourist resorts!). I can walk in and out of town in less than 20 minutes. I am working in a community technology center, headed by the Dominican First Lady's office. I will be developing advanced classes, training the teachers at the center, improving the English classes, starting a youth group, and working with the radio station (and possibly the local TV station) to create some educational programming. Therefore, I have a lot on my plate! However, during the first 3 months I will be taking time to orient myself in the community, developing relationships with community members, and investigating the needs of the community through a formal diagnostic, which I will be presenting to my Peace Corps peers and the community members in August. Of course, there will be lots of challenges... That's just how it is here. You have to expect that anything can happen.
When I first arrived in town, I felt a little overwhelmed. I felt like everyone has these heightened expectations of me, but after reflecting on it for a while, I’ve decided to take things slowly. These first three months are about relationship building and discovery.
After my site visit, I went back to the capital to finish up business and swear-in. The ceremony was nice. (Photos coming soon…) There were several DR government dignitaries, the deputy Ambassador to the DR, and current Volunteers and host family members. I felt rather patriotic and inspired that day. Everyone has a lot of faith in us, so I only hope I can fulfill those hopes. There is a lot to do.
I came back “home” last night… I’m rather far away from the capital – about 5.5 hours. At first I was nervous about getting here on my own, but it was actually rather easy, and I’m proud that I was able to accomplish that small challenge. Everyday presents its own small challenges, and I have been triumphant so far. Each day, I feel proud for what I’ve been able to accomplish; such a feeling is priceless.
As one fellow Volunteer said, you just have to “embrace the awkward.” I’m different here, but I’m alive, I’m happy, and yes, people like me! Whenever I can’t figure out how to say something in Spanish, I just laugh, and everyone laughs with me. Even though I can’t joke, I can laugh, and that’s just as charming.
All in all, I would say I’m rather lucky. I’m serving in one of the best posts in the world. I’m living near the beach in a Caribbean country! I’m learning a new language. I have a wonderful family, a challenging but rewarding job, and I’ve made several great friends.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Site Assignment
From a few days ago... Meant to post it sooner, but internet difficulties and moving got in the way...
Dominican Labor Day, Two-Month Anniversary in the PC, May 4, 2009
My life is about to change again. Soon enough I will begin what I came here to do. Two months in, I’m ready and eager to get to work.
In a few days I will be visiting my future home for the next two years. This visit will be an introduction to my community. No longer will I have the comfort of my English-speaking friends and the security of a training staff. I will truly have to swim by myself. Rather exciting… I hope that during the first few months in site, my Spanish will flourish and I will integrate. The dancing is slowly coming, I’m developing a taste for super sweet coffee, and I’m learning the strategies of dominoes… So I’m getting there.
I will be living in a small pueblo along the north coast, between the region of Puerto Plata and the peninsula of Samana. Yes, I will be living near the beach! The main industry in my pueblo is agriculture – mostly coffee and cacao production. The gorgeous mountains and the famous amber mines are south of my town.
I will be working in a computer lab, training the teachers there, starting a youth computer club, giving classes, and working to make the lab economically viable. I will have a lot of work to do, but I will have so much freedom to do what I want. There is a radio station there so maybe I can help develop programs too…
(And speaking of radio, my fellow Trainees and I were interviewed a week ago. At first I didn’t want to be on the radio for fear of forgetting my Spanish, but I decided to put myself in an uncomfortable situation and try it… And I was successful! I didn’t falter in my Spanish too much and I was able to answer the host’s questions! So my advice, push yourself to do something that frightens you. Go for it and see what happens. You will find that you can swim!)
My time as a Trainee is quickly coming to a close. In a week and half, I will be a Volunteer. These last weeks have been characterized by information overload – a little intense at times. But finally I will be able to finally put to practice all that I’ve learned. The next challenge awaits, and I will triumph! Time to put all that shyness away and GO FOR IT!
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