I’ve talked a lot about the difficulties of living
in a new country, especially one with a different native language. I
cannot lie, it’s very hard at times. However, by only sharing the
difficulties, I’m also not sharing the whole truth. You see, there are
several positives about being from outside Argentina that have surprised me
along the way.
From my experience, Argentines are very welcoming
to visitors and are very excited to meet outsiders. Before ever being called by
my name, I am first known as “la chica de los Estados Unidos” (the girl
from the United States). This is not said in a negative way, but with
excitement and curiosity. People are interested in learning about where I
am from and why I am here. I have yet to to come across any North
Americans in La Plata despite there being a university with students from other
countries in attendance, so I think being from the US adds to the
curiosity.
In reality, I’m never called by my actual
name, Kristyn. Within Argentina I have transformed into “Kris”, pronounced
Krees with a rolled “rrr”. Kristyn Zollos is a bit difficult to pronounce
here. It is so amazing to me that depending on the language you speak,
different sounds are so difficult to make in a new language. I’m still
struggling to roll my “r’s”. And I mean really struggling.
Wow, I’ve gotten off topic. So, where was I?
Oh yes, Argentines are very welcoming to foreigners. People are excited
to share with me their culture and are interested in learning more about my
own. While sharing with me things like food and pop culture here, in
return they want to know if things are as they are portrayed on the television
programs and what foods I eat in the US. I’m very willing to debunk a few
myths that television has created with shows like the Simpsons (which plays 24
hours a day here), and I’m sad at times that I cannot. It was a
disappointing day when I had to say, "Yes, we do have child pageants with
ridiculous stage moms and girls who go by names like 'Honey Boo Boo” .
Luckily, I was able to respond to the question that followed with, “No, I never
participated in such pageants, my parents chose to get me involved in other
things.” And for that I am eternally grateful, mom and dad!
As an newcomer from the US, I also have an
automatic “in” with a lot of people, especially children, who have an interest
in the English language. Most of the children learn some English in
school and many enjoy telling me every single word they know within our
conversation. I love it. They count for me and point out the colors
in english. They are just so excited to share what they know of “my”
language. What they don’t know, they ask. And man, once they get
rolling on asking what things are in English or what things are like where I'm
from, they really get rolling.
The first thing that every child wants to know is
his or her name. Some are easy…Azule,? Well that means Blue. Abril?
That’s April. Ivan? You just sound it out differently. But then there are
the tricky ones. Ismail? Uhh… Ticiana? Well, let me think about that…
Do I break a small child’s heart by telling them there is no English equivalent
to their name or do I try to make something up on the spot in avoidance of the
horrible truth? And let me tell you if I got to making things up, kids
would be walking away with some ridiculous English names. I’m no good
with improv.
These kids that I am referring to are from a
comedor, or after-school (and before-school) program as it’s referred to in the
US. I originally was supposed to be working with a particular comedor
that did not work out. I was really bummed about this at first, but a
friend, who is a social work student, mentioned this particular comedor that he
has worked with in the past. A call was made to the organization and the
director was really excited to have me help out and asked if I could visit the
following day. The next day I was welcomed by many of the workers and
volunteers at the organization who she had asked to be there to meet me.
I also met another social work student from the university who is part of a group
of students working within the community. She invited me to come along
this past week as she and other students went around the community, to the
school and a home for children. This past Friday I also participated in the
student’s classes on bullying that they helping put on within the school.
I am extremely excited about being involved not
only in the comedor but in the community. I really love the idea about
truly understanding the place a whole, not just a single part of it. The
kids have already touched my heart with their joy for both learning and
teaching. Learning in this context is so beautiful for me because it is
all about sharing. I need their help and they need mine. Actually,
at this point I probably need their help more than they need mine. Sometimes I
think giving them love and attention is more needed than teaching, so I like to
think I'm contributing in some way. I am excited to share with you all
more of my experiences within this community as I continue to get involved.
To finish, I’d like to apologize for my lack of
pictures today. I can never remember to bring my camera and to take
pictures at the right moment. I also feel like a tourist when whipping
out my camera to document an event or place. Another confession: if you
look through any of my recent photos they are all of our pup. ALL of
them. I have probably have five or so photos on my phone of her with
feathers all over herself after eating a pigeon, but I lack a single photo of
my recent trips to the comedor. I’m going to take photos tomorrow and put
them up after. I am 80% sure this will happen.
Overall, I find myself extremely content with where
I am at and what I am doing. I am meeting amazing people constantly and
building upon those relationships already formed daily. I am experiencing new
things, many of which call me to take some large but necessary steps outside my
comfort zone. I continue to learn and grow everyday from both my struggles and
my achievements. Looking upon all of it, I know I have so much to be
thankful for, including my wonderful support system from afar. Thank you for
the continue thoughts and prayers!
Much love,
Kris:)
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