Who I Am

               Since being here, I like to think that I've made a good impression on both the locals and the other volunteers. Here's some proof that I'm really becoming something here:

• The Reading resources that I printed for the tutoring classes were being used today! I haven't been there in a week or so since I've been so busy, but I was so happy to see that the kids were using them and LEARNING from them. How awesome!
• I stopped by a school to look at their curriculum for Reading. When I introduced myself to the principal (who I hadn't met yet), she exclaims, "Oh, Meghan! You're the one doing the workshop on Friday, aren't you?!" It easily made my day yesterday. (In case you didn't already know... I'M SO EXCITED TO HOLD THIS TRAINING TOMORROW!)
• I stopped by the electronics store down the street to purchase some blank CDs to burn resources onto them. They cut me a deal for buying them in bulk, but I was about to run errands and didn't want to carry multiple CDs around with me. I asked if they would remember me if I came back later. They looked at my like I was crazy. That's when I remembered that I'm the tall blonde girl in Fiji... BUT AT LEAST THEY KNOW ME!
• We played a game called "Superlatives" last night. Basically, everyone writes down ridiculous superlatives, puts them in a bowl, and then we all vote on the winners. You'll be happy to hear that I won "Most Likely to Marry a Dwarf," "Most Likely to Sneeze Next," "Most Likely to Get Electrocuted in a Lightning Storm," and "Most Likely to Become a Carpet Salesman." I don't get it either.
• At Hilton, where they've nicknamed me M Smile, my name has taken a new twist. Instead of signing M Smile (by forming the letter M and then pointing to your smile), one student misinterpreted and thought it was M Fishhook. Now, whenever I show up, many students call me M Fishhook. #winning

               Happy 4th of July! We celebrated it here in Fiji by donning red, white, and blue clothing, having banana chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, and enjoying a delicious dinner of pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and watermelon (thanks, Lu!). (In case you were wondering, Lindsay, I did also play the traditional July 4th iTunes playlist which consists of any song in my library with the words "red," "white," "blue," "independent," "America," and "U.S.A." Ahh, memories!) This weekend, we're travelling to the Yasawa Islands of Fiji for a long, relaxing weekend on the beach. Google image Yasawa Islands in between spending time shooting off fireworks and eating American food. Enjoy!

               Lastly, I'm proud to say that I successfully executed my workshop today. I was in my element and loving every second of it! I had 12 of 15 teachers show up and we had great conversations and discussions about how to motivate students, various learning styles that people have, and how to incorporate some easy resources into everyday teaching. I'll consider it a win based on the fact that I was given two rounds of applause from the attendees afterwards, received very positive feedback on the post-evaluations, and was asked to hold another workshop next Friday. In addition, a couple of teachers asked if I would be willing to come and speak to the staff at their schools. So, I guess you could say... COMING SOON: Fijian schools where students are playing games and singing songs. Fun learning for the win! I LOVE FIJI!