Bittersweet Goodbye by Samantha Johnese

So I have been home for about a week and a half now and it is still sad to think about missing all the wonderful people and experiences of Chile.

During my last day at school, my host teacher, Miss Claudia, and a few of the students' parents planned a very special party for me. Every student in my class made me a goodbye card. It was very hard for me to say goodbye.

Looking back, it was a phenomenal experience but I am glad to be back home in the United States.

At the Concepcion Airport about to leave for the U.S.

       

Love, Gringas' Class Photos, and a Chilean Educational Lens by Leah Katherine Saal

 Love ~ the most commonly used word by LSU Chile students & participants in their final interviews/reflections.  Love is taught and felt between and among the faculty, staff, and students at Thomas Jefferson School. Check it out in the pictures of our students and their classes!

Miss Alex & her class

Miss Meredith & one of her classes

Miss Meredith, at her desk, waiting for students to arrive

Mr. Hector, Meredith's teacher, was ill the entire time we were in Chile. Meredith taught his classes.  We wish him a speedy recovery!

Miss Storey & her class

Miss Haley & her class

Children washing each others hands

Miss Jordan & her class

Miss Melissa & her class

Miss Allison & her class

Miss Amanda & her class

Miss Lauren & her class

Miss Anna & her class

Miss Blair & her class

Miss Madeline & her class

Miss Samantha & her class

Dr. Denny's new friend who took a shine to him

Miss Leah & Miss Deanna with Ms. Lorena (their teacher). So many thanks to her for all her help!

Ms Catherine & Ms Cecelia (the ladies behind the scenes at TJS).  Without them, this would not have been possible!

My final reflections from my Chilean educational lens:

1. To teach effectively is to teach clearly, directly, and actively in a multisensory format.

2. To teach is an outward expression of your received love from and given love for humanity.

And Now Its Time to Say Goodbye by Madeline Laiche

I cannot believe that in only two days I will be heading back to the states. This has been such an incredible experience!!! One that I will never forget! My last few days have been full of goodbyes. I will miss all of my adorable children from my class. In only three short weeks, each and every student has captured my heart!

Some of the cuties from my class :)

Sofia showing me her project from technology

Victor giving me his signature silly face haha

I was placed with Miss Ana who showed me that loving on the children is one of the best teaching methods. She is definitely an inspiration to me.

I'm going to miss views like this!!

This experience would be nothing without the love from my host family!! They will always have a piece of my heart, even when I am thousands of miles away.

Me and Mariana