It is hard to write eloquently when trying to make comparisons between the US and Brasil. In reality I know little about Brasil because I haven't lived here long enough for it to form its own identity/space in my brain. The only way I can understand what I don't know is by trying to compare it to what I do know, the US. Unfortunately, I am starting to get tired of always comparing. My life here and the way I am here needs to become separated in my head so I can truly appreciate just being in one place. Its' kind of like trying to compare ex-boyfriends; you loved each one for a different reason and it is unfair to say which you loved more or which was better. Eventually I hope to live here without comparing and evaluating everything I do with the US in mind. Being non judgmental enables more profound experiences to happen because one remains open.
The kids to whom me, my friend Carolina, and Matt teach English are incredible! Every single student shows up to every class, and they all want to learn so badly. Any one of them is more motivated than many U of O students. Their neighborhood seems like it is pretty bad. At this point I think what is most important is that I show up consistently for them, to demonstrate that someone from "outside" notices, cares, and wants to help. This makes me want to work really hard to deliver a good class, kind of like ELP. Still, I know I am learning much more from them than I will ever be able to teach.
oi mylece, a gente se conheceu na faculdade de artes na escada enquanto você esperava o professor de Desenho 4, lembra? eu adorei sua ideia de fazer um blog para acompanhar o seu desenvolvimento no brasil. eu tive uma experiencia similar a que você esta tendo, já que morei um tempo nos estados unidos e tive que voltar pro brasil. vou explicar o resto em ingles, eu acho mais relevante.
ReplyDeleteI understand completely when you say that you´re getting tired of comparing both places, the truth is that by doing so we take away the most important parts that give each place their identity. It may be hard at first, and sometimes you may feel like you NEED to compare, like you said, you havent been here that long. But like anything else in life, it gets easier as time goes by. It took me a lot longer than you to realize that comparing wasn´t going to help me enjoy my experiences here. I´m glad you posted your blog on facebook or else i wouldve never found it. I admire people with your courage, because you CHOOSE to be here, youre choosing to grow.
and that is very cool :p
-Tami http://www.facebook.com/#!/tami.oliveira