2017-12-11
This blog post is way overdue. It’s about time I told y’all a lil about my host family and apprenticeship. I’m a new member of the Andrango family. The family consists of Yauri, my 21 year old brother who is currently studying in the capital of Quito; Yarina, my 18 year old sister...
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2017-12-10
Tchau Tchau Besides abacaxi, muito, and beleza, these words are the most common I speak in Portuguese. I like the feeling the farewell has as it rolls around in a rhythmic circle in my mouth. No, I do not enjoy saying goodbyes to everyone I meet here in this welcoming country. I am actually thrilled to...
Read More2017-12-09
Trying to make a university decision at only eighteen years old is difficult — even more difficult if you don’t know what you want to do yet (and if you do, chances are it will change). The popularity of bridge years — also known as gap years — is growing amongst high school seniors. ...
Read More2017-12-08
“Oh Isa, you have such a good heart.” “You are so brave, I admire you so much.” “You have such a caring heart, going to help the ones that need it the most.” “I am so proud of you, I couldn’t go to Africa to volunteer.” These are comments I have constantly...
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2017-12-08
This blog post is a little about two things I already knew intersecting to create a new lesson. Serendipity and Obama. Serendipity is a fortunate happenstance. I like to think of it as when you find a dollar on the street. Something good happens to you by chance, without you putting the effort...
Read More2017-12-06
When I came to Ecuador, I came with the preconceived notion that platano meant banana in all Spanish-speaking countries. I did not realize a simple fruit’s name could change based on the country you are in. I assumed platano was a universal word in Spanish. Ecuador does not take their produce lightly. They harvest at...
Read More2017-12-05
A photo essay about November 2nd, Día de los Difuntos, also known as Day of the Dead, not to be confused with the similar, but distinct, Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos. At 10:30am, we arrive at cemetery #1 in Ilumán, my host community. My host sister, Laymi, posing with flowers for the dead. My...
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