I Laughed, I Cried, I Cursed, I Graduated

What good is an ESL Diploma if you do not have a Bachelor's Degree and are over 50?
Did you know the following sentence is grammatically correct?
He said that, "that 'that' that that" man used was wrong.

How are these two questions related? First there are many opportunities being over 50 with an ESL Diploma and no Degree. I have taught in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico and am packing my bags for China. Second, you start remembering grammar rules but now you find them exciting (which I still find odd in my world). You also now know why you should have paid more attention to your high school English teacher. He said that, "that 'that' that that" man used was wrong is a grammatically correct sentence and I now know why. Come on! Mrs. Phillips would be very proud if I had not been chased from her class oh so long ago, but that is a story for another day.

These two outstanding realizations came to fruition as a result of time well spent with the International TEFL Academy in Leon Nicaragua. What easily could have been a minefield of challenges, Heather, Carmen and Jon took me by the hand and led me with great methods of understanding. As I do have the attention span of a goldfish never did their professionalism or skills waver. If I did not understand there was always a new patient way to show me which as it turned out I was actually showing myself.

The environment was inviting and the teaching observers, Luis, Amanda and Anna were genuinely excited to be a part of the teaching process. Post practicum (a word we all learned to fear) feedback was genuine, both positive and "needs improvement", which I respected. We had the resources and hot coffee to get through the never ending supply of assignments, projects, lesson planning, online quizzes and Thursday Night Salsa. Toss in a bit of Volcano Boarding, a few trips to the Beach and the views from the Cathedral and you have the ability to have a life changing experience.

Put your head down and pin your ears back for 4 weeks. You can do this but you must be ready to do the work! You will get all the tools and support you need to succeed. Now it's up to you.