How did you find out about BECA?
I was a student at a women’s school called The Leadership Center. The school opened a new track for the 3rd year there, was was an ‘EDUCATION’ track. I wanted to become an educator, so the option was, as Hondurans say: “as a ring to the finger” for me. For me as well as for The Leadership Center, BECA seemed to be the right place to train me as an educator. So I became a volunteer with the BECA to complete my year of student teaching.
What was your first day in the classroom like?
When I found out when my first day of school was going to be I got really nervous. I did not know my students and I was really worried about classroom management. But the first day of school was really amazing, completely different then I had expected. I would dare to describe it as one of the best days I have had in my teaching experience.
What is your favorite subject to teach?
I like teaching a lot; it has become my passion and I am fine teaching any subject, but I LOVE teaching MATH. I struggled a lot in Math as a student, which makes it easier for me to understand when my students have some difficulties learning it. I really enjoy it.
How would you describe your class?
I would describe my class as THE BEST. My students are well behaved most of the time. They get along with each other very well, and they really care about learning. They are very united in and out of the classroom, and they know how to have fun together and how to solve their own problems together.
How would you describe Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is a wonderful place to be. It is peaceful and you can feel delighted there. Since the minute I put my foot on the school property, I felt I wanted to be a part of that family. At that time I did not know how that was going to happen. I did not tell anyone about my desire to teach at SMBS, but I was hoping for it. I was the happiest person in Cofradía when I was told I was going to be teaching at Santa Monica.
What’s the funniest thing a student has ever said?
It was funny for me you but you can judge:
On Valentine’s Day some of my students brought candies for me due to the holiday. While they were giving the candy to me another student entered the classroom, and he said, “oh Miss I had forgotten, but I have something better for…” The other kids looked at him and then asked, “What is that?” He said (answering the question more for me than to his classmates), “I did my homework and brought it with me.”
Lovely – all a teacher wants to hear. ☺
Where can you be found on a Saturday morning?
If not visiting my family in Intibucá where I am from, I am doing some schoolwork at the BECA apartments where I live.
How do you relax when not in school?
I go to church, I read, and I play soccer. I do not do very much, but the things I do are worth my time, and they make me feel very energized.
What is it like living with teachers from other countries?
It is such an experience getting to learn and to actually get to know better the differences and similarities in our cultures. I am so happy and I feel blessed I got to live with the people I live with now. What else could I ask for?
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching?
The most challenging aspect of teaching for me is the late nights and early mornings. I want to do well in my classroom so I need to prepare well, which means I stay up late very frequently. Not a thing I was accustomed to.
How would you describe the experience of working with BECA for someone thinking about applying?
Working with BECA is a challenge in some aspects, but it is a great experience.
Being here I have grown a lot professionally and as an individual. The decision of coming here and work with BECA is a decision I will never regret.
