School Days
University classes began this week, which means that my main objective is no longer just integrating into life in the city and exploring, but teaching! I hold 3 classes a week, each for 3 hours per session. That brings me to a grand total of 9 hours in the classroom, give or take, plus extra hours outside of class to prepare and grade. I’m the only instructor in the classroom, and my supervisors suggested I ask the students to call me ‘Professor’ instead of ‘Lauren’ as a sign of respect….
My two groups of first-year students are at or around the B1/B2 level, so my time with them will be spent furthering their vocabulary and grammar skills through reading, listening, and speaking. They have a separate writing and translation class.
My group of second-years are at or around the C1 level, so with them, vocabulary and grammar matter, but so does learning more colloquial ways of speaking and integrating their understanding of English with American culture. Fortunately, my colleagues are incredibly supportive — even though I feel in over my head, they are encouraging and glad to answer any questions I have.
My entire life, I’ve been fortunate to have amazing teachers and professors (many of whom read this blog 😌), and after the first week at university, I have major, newfound admiration for all of you whose chosen passion/profession is teaching. It is so much more challenging than it looks to deliver organized content while keeping it enjoyable and engaging, in addition to being flexible and infusing class with your own unique style.
In other news…
I’ve been settling into my apartment this week, and it is beginning to feel homey…. I operate best when I have a routine, so I’m currently trying to establish some daily and weekly rhythms.
I went to the US Embassy last week, and it was a little ‘home away from home’ moment. The whole Fulbright cohort had a briefing there, and it was great to finally meet everyone in person.
Rabotnicki Skopje, the team my American friend plays for, had a few qualifying games this week for the international circuit, but unfortunately they will only play in the Macedonian League. Still, a great team and an absolutely WILD fan base – they bring a huge bass drum and road flares (which they insist on lighting inside) to every game. 🏀
I’m looking forward to a few events in the city this month – a wine festival called VinoSkop and the Skopje Jazz Festival. Events like these seem to be mostly advertised through word-of-mouth, posters plastered around town, and Instagram, and they get a big turnout, plus it’s usually free to enter.
I might start playing French Horn again, this time in the city’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra… stay tuned! 🎶
(Song Credit: Stanley Clarke)
