It's Time To Say Goodbye! :(

Monday, June 20

I can't believe how fast the last 10 days went!  While my time was so short at Boot National High School, it was definitely an experience that is difficult to put into words.

Our day started with our usual tardy trek to Boot and it was a quiet ride because we all wanted to take in our last drive to Boot.  We even had a few creatures escorting us to school. :)

We were immediately met with friendly faces and lots of hugs from the school community.  I almost forgot that we were also met with delicious homemade food-turon, menudo, and fried chicken.  The PTA president had Supreme Student Government shirts made for us.  Several people gave us homemade treats and cookies.  We also received shirts and jewelry.  The generosity of the community was overwhelming.  It seemed surreal that we would actually be leaving this community in a few short hours.  

A tradition that began with last year's TGC teachers was to plant trees behind the school as a part of Brigada Eskwela and to help beautify the back of the school.  It was quite an experience because we had officials from DepEd as well as students from the Alternative School to help with the planting.  Of course, I chose the most Charlie Brown-esque tree I could find to plant...hopefully, it survives the rainy season!

 

We had a farewell ceremony, which included performances from us as well as the kids.  Don't worry, the videos of our performances are already circulating on Facebook!  We presented small tokens of appreciation as well as certificates to our co-teachers, host teacher, and the school.  We were asked to speak to the students, so I choose to speak about the power of self-belief.  I told them how I never would have believed as a teenager that I would be traveling and teaching in the Philippines, but with the support of my family and teachers that gave me the power of self-belief and helped make my dreams come true.  I know that's a little cheesy, but it's the same message that I give to my own students each year.  Chef Jeff, who was emceeing the Farewell Ceremony, was quick to point out that during my speech I almost cried.  It's always hard for me to say goodbye to people that mean so much!

Wendi doing her best Mam Ria impersonation!