“I’d want to take my hair straightener on a sixth month vacation.”

17 Sep 2010 3 Comments

by Becca in Normal Blog Entries Tags: michigan, peace corps, teaching

This morning I got the opportunity to talk to the entire 7th grade of Schoolcraft Middle School. Through the Coverdell Worldwise Scholars Program, I’ll be given money in my living allowance to send one letter a month to the students I spoke with and give them a window into my world as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

I had a few of them write down their favorite foods, what they might bring on a six month long vacation, what they planned to do today, what they planned to do this weekend, and what items they always carried with them in their backpacks. I told them in October, I’d write to them about the food I was eating in Paraguay: what was new, what was different, what was delicious and what I wasn’t so excited about.

I told them in November, I’d write to them about all of the things I wish I’d brought with me, and all of the things I can’t believe I took to South America. In December, I said my letter would be about my daily life at my host site. In January, I’d discuss the things I always carry with me, items I’d found essential for life in Paraguay.

They asked questions and we talked about their perceptions of South America. I said I couldn’t say for certain what the culture would be like, but I would try and give them an honest look into my life. They asked me to tell them specifically about:

-wildlife
-food (the coolest or oddest items I encounter)
-holidays and how they’re celebrated
-what the people are like
-my daily life
-effects of pollution
-transportation, and whether or not I see airplanes in the sky
-clothing and what people wear
-how many spiders I kill on a daily basis, along with a total count of spiders smashed
-interesting laws or customs
-what houses and residences are like
-where I’ll be going in the country and whether I’ll travel around South America at all

So those are all pretty good suggestions. For those of you who don’t know, it was in 7th grade geography that I first learned about the Peace Corps, and I’ve had it in my head ever since…

What students’ favorite foods were: grilled cheese, popcorn, pizza, sausage, steak, ice cream, mashed potatoes, chicken, shakes, spaghetti, Lucky Charms, toast, bacon, turkey, ham [meat really made the list here, which might not contrast too greatly with Paraguay]

What one student planned to do this weekend: Play hockey. I have two hockey games, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. I also plan to do my homework.

What was in one student’s backpack: colored pencils, markers, pencils, folders, calculator, scissors, assignment book, reading book, iPod, shoes

So there’s that!  The quote in the title is from the student who wrote down a packing list for a six month vacation. This student also wrote that five bathing suits would be essential.