My First Day- plus 5 tips for yours!

I have survived the first day of school! I was a little nervous heading into the day as someone who was starting two weeks into the school year. I had little information going into it so I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was prepared for anything. 

I’m lucky enough to have a simple commute of one bus, under an hour total with the bus stop only a 10 minute walk from my apartment. I had to be at school by 9am but with it being my first day I wanted to give myself extra time so I planned to leave my apartment at 7:30am. I was all ready to go and got to the bus stop but could not find my bus. After wandering around very confused, looking at all the bus stops on the street for about 30 minutes I realized I had to go inside the station to get to the correct bus. I finally got on at 8:10 and made it to school about 5 minutes late. I wished I had gone to the bus stop earlier in the week to make sure I knew exactly where to go.

Everyone at the school was so nice with helping me figure out where to go and they were very understanding with me being late. I started the day off with two classes in first grade. The kids were adorable and filled with energy. After that, I had a third grade class where the teacher had me take small groups to practice simple phrases in English. Then there was a 30 minute break where the kids go outside and play and the teachers have coffee and pastries. At that time I got to meet the other auxiliaries! It was so great to have other girls there in the same boat as me. 

I ended the day with two more classes and got on the bus back home around 2:30. I’ve never been too fond of public transportation so the idea of the bus was not one I loved. I will say my commute was not bad at all and it was nice to have the time to zone out. I plan to use the bus time to listen to some podcasts for Spanish learners or read a book. 

With all that being said, I am really excited to get to know all the kids and teachers at my school. If you are coming into this program and nervous about the first day of school, here are some quick tips to get you through it.

1. Be on time. 

Although I was late and everyone was very understanding, it’s always better to be on time and even better to be early! You’ll have to meet your teachers and do a little tour so showing up early to get the lay of the land is a great idea. Also there may be some paperwork or little housekeeping things that could be done before the day starts so I advise being there early. 

2.  Get rid of all expectations you have. 

I have no experience working in classrooms so I already didn’t have a clear picture of what to expect but Spanish schools are very different than what we know in American schools. The culture is different so the classroom is different. It’s best to get rid of anything you know about the American schooling system when starting because things are just different.

3. Keep an open mind.

I never thought I would want to teach or work with kids but even just after two days, there are so many positives to it. The kids are so cute and so nice. Some of the girls were giving me hugs and one of them even gave me something she colored. They are definitely still shy around me but as we get to know each other more, it will be so nice to get to work closely with them. 

4. Connect with your teachers and the other auxiliares 

Not every school will have multiple auxes but if you have others at your school, definitely get to know them. Say hi to all the teachers and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The first day can feel awkward and intimidating so just be open and approachable and you will be fine. 

5. Load up on Vitamin C 

You will get sick. Whether you have little kids or high schoolers, you will get sick. My roommates all did and I am starting to feel it already just after one day. Prioritize sleep, healthy meals, hydration and vitamin C. If you didn't bring any Emergen-C from home like I did, the pharmacies have vitamin c tablets with zinc which are great. 

6. Remind yourself how lucky you are! 

Working in schools can be so intimidating no matter age you’re working with. Kids have so much energy and it’s overwhelming and teenagers may not be eager to participate, but this opportunity and experience is SO worth it. Even if you aren’t thrilled about the work part, a job is a job and at the end of the day it is such an amazing experience.