Goodbyes? Really?

Two weeks ago I had my last week with primero Bachillerato, Comercio, and Marketing. During class with Comercio, Inma was talking to me about what we should do for the next classes and then she paused and realized that I won't be there for any more of their classes. So I told them in many different ways that it was our last class together and that I am leaving for the States on June 2. Most understood the second week of June or that there was something special about this class. Inma had to step in and translate what I said for them. They were a little sad and suggested we go out to breakfast, sing karaoke together, or party. At the end of the class, the students lined up, shook my hand, gave me dos besos and told me "Nice to meet you, Anacelia." I only saw them once every 5 weeks, but still it was enough time to get to know the classes and to know who participates, who's shy, and who treats me like a celebrity shouting my name as they pass me in the hallway.

In one class with Maribel the students had an exam during the next period over the Baroque period in Spanish Literature. Everyone had their books open and was quiet going over their notes when I walked in. Maribel and I tried speaking with them about their Easter breaks, but most of them still had their noses in their books. So we asked them about the material their test was over. One guy who never says more than four words a class, spoke so well about the Baroque period. I was so impressed. The next day I had class with that same class, we talked about technology, and at the end of the class, one of students who sits in front and is pretty quiet most of the time told me, "It was a good class. Thanks." That made me real happy.

Last week I had my last full week with the elementary school kids. We had a good week of classes; we played a few games of Simon Says, reviewed for science tests, and went over Countries and Capital Cities in the European Union. I'm not sure if they all knew it was my last week with them.

Today I had class with the youngest students in the high school. When I walked into the bilingual class, they clapped and cheered for me. As exams are approaching, they are extra excited to have conversation classes with me to relieve them of doing "real" work. Carlos, the teacher, asked why they never clap for him when he walks in the classroom, so the students started clapping again. They are too funny.