My first day in the class was a great experience. Although it was very nerve racking, it was much easier than I thought it would be. After starting the presentation, I was more comfortable talking to the students about everything. I was also very surprised on how interested the students were in me and my presentation. After the presentation, Professor Stephen had us do a “speed dating” type exercise. This was to help the students and I get more acquainted with each other. I learned that many of them have the same interests and scholastic goals as I have. For example, many students had the same major as I have, and we had a lot in common just through that. Being a psychology major, I like talking to people and getting to know how and why they do certain things. It seems that some of the students were also interested in those kind of discussions. Knowing that other people share the same interest with me made me happy.
Along with the students learning a lot about me, I also learned so many new things about them. First off, I was surprised on how well the students spoke English. It was very easy to talk to them, and I didn’t have to explain myself too much. They had been taught well! One of the students told me that after college, they have to go to the army. This was a shocking revelation to me because in America we have a choice - whether or not we would like to go to the army. Although for the students it's only 2 years, I can see how frustrating it would be to be forced into the army without one's consent. I enjoyed my first day in the class. It was a great experience to be a teacher. I am looking forward to the next time I get to be in the class and help out!
by Steven Trujillo, Buddy from Abroad, from USA
