Thursday, October 28, 2010
Crazy, crazy week
I seriously think this has been one of the busiest weeks ever! I feel like I have just been running, running, running from early morn until way too late. Just lots of things going on--Halloween stuff, church stuff, school stuff, but probably the most time consuming is I have become a volunteer Spanish/English translator. Didn't plan on that one. A new family moved into our small town from Mexico with no prior English speaking (except the Dad who speaks perfect English). They have a daughter in Miss O's class, and I had heard about her from Miss O, so I knew she was struggling with English. When I was volunteering in Miss O's room that week I had the new girl in my reading group, and I was talking to her in the little Spanish that I know, well the teacher heard me and was soooo excited! It went something like this. . ."You speak Spanish! Oh that is so wonderful, so you can help her and translate and. . . " "Um, I had about 20 hours in college 15 years ago" I said, but I don't think she heard me because next thing I know I am walking down the hall and another teacher comes up and says "Oh I am so glad you are helping the new family because you are fluent and . . ." Fluent!!! Fluent???!!! I about threw-up, "Um, no, no, no, no that is not me!" I speak a little bit--hablo un poco espanol--not fluent, don't translate--especially math/science/grammar terms--most people can barely explain math/science/grammar terms in their own language let alone translate them to another, um, I think you have the wrong person. Then when volunteering at school on a different day I get called over the intercom about my "Spanish class" that I'm teaching. Ugh! Where did all these rumors get started? I about burst out laughing when I heard that one. People, I am not fluent, but no one is listening to me. Anyway, by default, I guess I am the most "fluent" person available, so I have really been stretching my brain this week as I "translate" and explain things to this sweetest family in the world. They are the nicest people. Luckily I still have my Spanish/English dictionary from back in the day. That was one textbook I didn't or maybe couldn't sell back. Can't remember. Maybe that is why I feel so tried, it is all this brain work as well as physical running around, baking Halloween cookies, making costumes. I think mental work can make you just as exhausted as actual physical labor. That is my excuse anyway, and I am sticking too it. Looking forward to next week, and hopefully a slower pace! Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!
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Que bueno amiga mia! Siga fuerte!
ReplyDeleteno he hablado en espanol en casi veinte anos... that's all I remember... and I use it quite often :)
ReplyDeletewait... I think that was wrong... "casi"... what the heck???
ReplyDeleteYou're such a good sport Jen. They are so lucky to have you. This week has been crazy!
ReplyDeleteHahaha. You should have taken French with me instead Jen. :)
ReplyDelete