The Professors

I just finished the two most challenging weeks yet of my time here. During this time I've been teaching the professors of the university. I had a class of 23 veterinarian professors and a class of 28 agriculture professors (Some of whom are in the picture). Everyday I met with these classes for two hours each. At the beginning of this time I was really intimidated and frightened at the prospect of having to stand in front of university professors and try to teach them English! In fact, before my first class (and a few after that) I was literally sick in the stomach about this! Every day that I taught them it became a little easier, but each day remained a challenge. On the plus side, they were very good at getting involved in class discussions and really did their best to participate in whatever I asked them to do. I did have a few professors who constantly challenged whatever I said, so sometimes I had to remind them that I've been speaking English for 27 years. Or maybe 25, since I wasn't born speaking. (I don't think anyway...) In the end I think they liked me. Since today was the last day, they all wanted their pictures taken with me... some again and again. A few of the ag professors even took me out for dinner this evening! So, as much of a struggle as this was, I think I'll actually miss them. Although, I'm very happy to be getting my regular students back.
These two weeks of teaching professors actually opened up my schedule for me to hang out with some of my friends on campus. One reason for this is because I didn't write any lesson plans for these two weeks because we wanted the classes to be consistent across the board. (Thanks DeeDee!) Also, I taught from 3-7 each day, instead of my normal schedule which is random times throughout the day. And somehow over the last few weeks, I've made a number of really good friends. So, for these two weeks I had open time in my schedule before I had to teach each day, so I'd usually spend a couple of hours with these friends. With two of these friends in particular I've been able to have some incredibly deep conversations. I really love hearing their views on a wide variety of topics, and I like that they keep me thinking and processing. They've also become good cultural guides for me and I can ask them anything knowing I won't offend them. They've also promised to tell me any time I'm doing anything culturally inappropriate, which is a nice safeguard! They've also felt free to ask me lots of questions, some of which have really surprised me. I think they have been shocked at times regarding my lifestyle choices compared to how they assume all Americans live. I'm glad to let them know television and movies are not a true representation of all Americans! In fact, one of them told me today that I was just a normal person. I took this as a compliment. :)
Tomorrow begins a new adventure, as another friend has invited me over to her house to spend all day Thursday and Friday with her and her family. I'll let y'all know how this goes. :) Thanks for reading.