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.
