Day 1~ Sunday June 4, 2023

Today was just a little challenging, but I made it. I left Columbia, SC at 3:54pm on June 4, 2023 and arrived to Uruguay on June 5, 2023. I almost missed my connecting flight from São Paulo, Brazil, but through God’s grace and calmness, I made it. Arriving in Uruguay, South America feels like a dream. I have worked my entire life to unite people and their experiences, to help bring about positive change and to be provided the opportunity is surreal. We arrived at our hotel in enough time to prepare for dinner. I learned about the different meats, vegetables, and desserts that the country specializes in. Dulce De Leche is a common dessert that I am trying not to indulge in too much, but it is delicious! I was able to reunite with my cohort and have rich conversations about our experiences being teacher leaders. I look forward to tomorrow and continued opportunities for learning, growth, and awareness. Importantly, I cannot wait to share my experiences with my peers and students. #fulbright #fulbrightteachersforglobalclassrooms #uruguay #globalization #globalawareness #diversity

Day 2~Monday, June 5, 2023

I started my day waking up exactly the same time of a regular work day, 5:00am! The time difference from South Carolina to Uruguay is only 1 hour. I decided to take it all in. I cannot believe I was awakening to the sunrise in South America. It was beautiful and breathtaking. I was able to have meditation with God.

I ate breakfast, which was filled with gourmet breads, fresh vegetables and meats, and what we would consider desserts. I guess this is the one time we can tell children it is okay to have dessert for breakfast.

The day was spent learning about the education systems and greetings from the US Embassy, Bureau of Cultural Affairs, IREX, Uruguay Ministry of Education, Leaders from the Technological University of Uruguay, Council of National Policy, National Administration of Public Education, Department of Second Languages in Elementary Education, Remote English Language Program, and Private public Initiatives for Diverse Population. It was a bit challenging to understand the native language of Spanish, for I am not fluent, but I could comprehend bits and pieces.

As you can see we learned a lot surrounding policy and programs. I am interested in researching how Uruguay has 98% of their students being literate and does it correlate to grade level proficiency.

Day 3~Tuesday, June 6, 2023

I know I am out of order in terms days of posting my blog. But I want to share that I am beyond blessed to be a part of this experience with the Fulbright for Global Teachers Award Program. We visited the Escuela Tecnica “Domingo Arena” today. The school, students, teachers, and staff were so excited to see us. This is one of the best welcomes I’ve had in my life! Of course my camera was with me and students were readily available for pictures and I was ready to capture their individuality and culture. First, there was a tour of the school. Then we participated in a lecture from leadership. I learned about the demographics of the school and their intention concerning families and parental involvement. Last, the staff and students worked together to prepare lunch for us!

I knew I would love being here in Uruguay because it has always been a dream to visit South America. As an English Literature major in college, some of my classes involved the study of the Spanish culture. The hospitality and support from staff was beyond anything I could ask for.

We then traveled to Casona de Políticas Lingüísticas. I learned about the the country’s policies regarding educational and its attentiveness to student hearing needs.

After visiting with the technical school, we were able to visit a rural school that demonstrated competencies in their country’s performance standards through presentations that the students prepared before hand.

I have been told that I have a strong accent and have a voice that encourages people to stay calm. I am truly thankful for this day and there is more to come. Lesson for the day: we are not as different as we think we are. My focus: to continue to be a leader that ensures everyone has the opportunity to have the same rich experience that they rightfully should have.

Day 4~Wednesday, June 7, 2023

We started the day eating our breakfast as usual and preparing to

visit Maldonado, Uruguay. The bus station and travel from the bus station was similar to any other bus station in the United States. The ride was peaceful and enlightening. Sometimes just sitting back and observing provides you enough information needed to reflect on things that truly matter. We arrived in Maldonado around 11:40am and was met by our host teacher Nicholas. He prepared us for our trip to our hotel. We settled in our hotel and proceeded to get lunch at a local pizzeria before heading off to our host teachers’ school.

We were able to visit with our host teachers school.

Day 5~ Friday, June 9, 2023

We started our day at Escuela Numero Cincuenta where we were able to meet up with our host Florencia. We were able to share where we were from. We even had a student teacher to accompany us to help translate. Students made goodies for us and we had the opportunity to listen to individual presentations they created for us. Overall, we enjoyed a beautiful day.

Day 6- Saturday, June 10, 2023

We were able to spend the morning of attending a PD at Nicholas’ school. I was in awe of the dedication that I witnessed among the teachers there at the school. The PD was composed of teachers from all over the area. Some even drove about three hours.

We concluded the day by having some time walking along the beach. I saw some recently hatched turtle eggs. I also saw sea lions. It was a unique experience because it was my first time seeing a sea lion up close. It was fun until the lion actually decided that it would get out of the water to say hello. We took plenty of pictures and was able to visit a sculpture by a famous artist, Los Dedos.

Day 7~Sunday, June 11, 2023

Today was one of the best days I have ever had. I often pinch myself and think about how lucky I am to be in receipt of God’s Blessings. Today we were invited to one of our host teacher’s Nicholás Campón’s birthday celebration with his family, along with our other host, Simone. It did not disappoint. Nicholas has been one of the best hosts that anyone could ask for. We were greeted by his family as if we knew each other for years. Our menu included steak, olives, cheeses, and a variety of breads. Nicholás’ passion and dedication towards family and community is evident in his work. I so grateful to witness the spirit, passion, and dedication of the Uruguay Community.

We concluded the day by taking a walk along the beach of Uruguay for a couple of miles; reflecting and watching the World Cup! Uruguay won! How wonderful to be in the city represented in the World Cup! I could not have asked for a better opportunity. I am thankful for Fulbright and the wonderful group of Fulbrighters in Uruguay, I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the past few days.

Day 8-Monday, June 12, 2023

Today we went to do and visit a high school. I am an elementary and early childhood certified teacher, so being in a high school was very different for me.

The students were so happy and grateful for our visit. I was able to see a biology and English class. I was also able to get some questions answered surrounding my guiding travel question.

The afternoon of Day 8 took us to an affluent, private high school. The uniqueness about this high school was that it had classrooms that were made out of tents. From the outside you would not think that these tents were big, but they actually were! I was more than impressed; especially when you see a huge airplane on the playground.

Day 9~Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Today we visited a school that was at least two hours away from Maldonado. It was a rural school. What made this rural school special for me was the fact that it was similar to how I grew up. The school was a one-room classroom school. They heated by firewood. The community would prepare the firewood for the students. There were chickens and hens that were running around. The view of the landscape was breathtaking.

The teacher assistant prepared home cooked meals for the students. Books were donated from the community. The children were very engaged and even prepared a song and performance for us.

We then traveled to an all-girl boarding school on a farm. When we arrived, the students were so excited to see us. I admired the dedication and work ethic of the staff. I learned there were two principals; one during the day and one at night. The school cook was a former student. I even received the opportunity to learn about Pinocchio, the schools’ resident donkey. There were sheep, rabbits, and hens all running around. This was one of the highlights of my T travels to Uruguay. I felt so much a peace. I am also wondering why did I feel so much at ease.

Day 10~Wednesday, June 14, 2023

This was our last day in Maldonado. My colleagues and I presented on our schools and work in our school communities. We learned that it takes four years to become certified as a teacher in Uruguay. We topped off our day with an evening meal in the city. I ate Sushi. It was delicious.

Day 11 ~Thursday, June 15, 2023

We reunited with our entire group in Montevideo! We arrived around noon. I was so happy to see my colleagues! We spent the afternoon catching up and reflecting on our group experiences in our individual Provinces. We also took time to prepare for group presentations the next day. After a brief break, we prepared to a cafe where we were able to have a snack before we saw a Spanish version of Sleeping Beauty. It was breath-taking.

Day 12 ~Friday, June 16, 2023

Today was bittersweet, but I was also humbled. All of the teachers who participated as hosts in our individual trips to the Provinces joined us for a final dinner as a group. I was more than honored. The relationships that were formed has created a forever family of inspiring educators.

Day 13-14~ June 16-17, 2023

Over the next two days were spent traveling to my next destination and reflecting upon the awesome experience that was provided to me by the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program