Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Paradise

Aside from the nasty cold I picked up from my adorably snotty nephew and niece, all is well here in Dallas, Texas, USA. I arrived at my brother's house at 1:15 a.m. Saturday to find the mother-in-laws of the house each with a crying baby and matching looks of fatigue and concern. My brother and his wife were away at Vegas for a little peace and quiet (although that hardly seems like the place to go). 

Miraculously, I made it on time the next morning to an interview event with Texas Teaching Fellows. As part of the interview process, I gave a five-minute sample lesson, participated in a group discussion, completed two writing samples -- one in English and one in Spanish -- and participated in a one-on-one personal interview, which was conducted in both Spanish and English. I know the lesson went well, and even the Spanish part was fine, but I'm not too sure about the rest. The worst part was the last question in the personal interview.

"When is the last time you failed at something, and how did you deal with that failure?"

My answer:

"Hmm, let's see... The last time I failed at something... Let me think about that... Well, I know I fail at things all the time... It's not that I think I'm perfect or anything, but... well, hmmm... You know, nothing's really coming to mind just right now... Nope, I can't think of a thing... Sorry..."

At least now I have an answer to that question. 

I should know by the end of the week if that botched answer was enough to keep me from the program. If it wasn't and I am accepted into the program, I will most likely move back to the U.S. in June to begin a summer teacher training institute and look for jobs in the Dallas area.

If I'm not accepted into the program, I will stay in Costa Rica through August, maybe even December, and in the meantime figure out the next step toward becoming a teacher in the States. As they would say in Costa Rica, it's whatever God wants.

As of right now, I am just enjoying spending time with my family, eating cheeseburgers and going to Target and Wal-Mart as many times as I want each day. Next week, I will go back to Costa Rica and go camping on the beach for four days. From cheeseburgers and retail to starry nights and campfires. It's paradise all the way around.



4 comments:

Brandon and Lauren Ryburn said...

Fabulous.

(My word verification word is chicken. How great is that?)

Unknown said...

Hi, I just found your blog. I am interviewing with TTF next weekend. Can you tell me what kind of dress code there was for the interview?? I am nervous about wearing the wrong thing.

Jennifer said...

Hi Amber. Most of the women wore casual dresses or skirts or dress pants. No one was super dressy, although it would be fine either way. There were a lot of people at the event, and everyone was dressed differently. I would say go with a nice skirt or pants. Something in which you will be comfortable. Good luck!

Unknown said...

That is very helpful. Thanks so much :)