Jennifer Bly - English Teaching Assistant to Uruguay
Home Institution: Shippensburg University, Pennsylvania
Grant Dates: 2008-2009
Jennifer Bly (left) being serenaded by a local musician in Montevideo
I almost toppled over. A sea of elementary children clad in white smocks and big blue bowties rushed at me with lips puckered and arms reaching upwards. Kiss kiss kiss. Each child, armed with colorful balloons and handmade posters, wanted to be the first to welcome the new English teacher from far far away with a big fat “beso.” The single kiss greeting, customary in Uruguay, was a far cry from the limp handshake I was familiar with in the States. Struggling to regain my balance amongst the swarm of smiling second graders, I knew I was in for a great adventure. And I was right. Being a Fulbright ETA has been one of the most exciting and fulfilling journeys I have dared to take. Each day I have had the opportunity to explore a new way of life and to make a special kind of difference in the lives of the teachers and students with whom I have worked.
I had the unique opportunity to be involved in the Uruguayan public education system across all levels in both the provinces and capital city. In Salto, I worked in a primary school and teaching training center called the Centro Regional de Profesores (CERP). In Montevideo, I worked in another teacher training center called Instituto de Profesores Artigas (IPA) and with the English inspection office for secondary schools. Each location was unique, and yet I made it my goal to improve English language education and to share American culture in each placement. When I look back on the time I spent there, I am overwhelmingly proud of the teachers and students. Together we shared culture, asked questions, analyzed poetry, debated globalization, played games, discussed modern art, pored over grammar rules, constructed narratives, designed advertisements, wrote letters, and so much more. The time we shared together has been extremely meaningful. Not only have I had the opportunity to share my skills and talents with eager and deserving individuals, but also to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Among many fond memories, there are a few that stand out. One was an impromptu attempt to teach a group of high school students how to dance to typical American music (and I am no dancer, mind you). The students at Building the Fulbright Future English Camp were all from severely disadvantaged neighborhoods in the suburbs of Montevideo. Their parents may scavenge dumpsters for a living or sell trinkets outside the bus station. Some of their houses are made of tin without basic necessities like running water. For a few days, these students got to forget all about all that and be teenagers again. After teaching the kids a classic swing dance, they begged to learn a hip-hop dance. “A hip-hop dance?” I thought, “That’s not exactly my specialty.” “Are you sure you want to learn a hip-hop dance?” I asked. “Yes!” they replied. “Hip-hop. Hip-hop. Hip-hop.” Well, ok. I guess I’ll try. All eyes on me, the students formed a close circle. What were some of those moves I learned in that Street Jam class I had taken last year? I never could have imagined they would come in handy. One-Two-Three-Four. Glide-Slide-Pop-Stop. Break it down. The students imitated my steps. Their movements were precise, their laughter heartwarming, and spirit unwavering. I feel fortunate to have taken a small part in encouraging them to reach for their dreams.
Another memory that will stay with me forever was a simple comment from one of my students at the IPA where I worked. I proposed that the English Department sponsor a symposium and publication where students could share their academic work with a larger audience. From my own educational experience in the U.S., I realized that opportunities to present my own research were foundational in helping me to think critically and to share in a community of ideas. My students in Uruguay did not have access to the same opportunities, hence the idea to create a symposium germinated. The planning and implementation was not easy, but at the end of the year the symposium went off without a single glitch. In the middle of the crowded amphitheater one my students turned to me and said, “You know, this is the first time, I’ve ever met any students outside of my year at IPA.” A few minutes later she turned to me again and said, “That presentation was really good.” It was at this moment I knew the English Symposium was a success.
Fulbright grants are about building bridges, exchanging ideas, and empowering others to succeed on their own. I like to think I challenged my students, taught them valuable information, and opened the doors for them to always continue learning and growing. I can confidently say that being Fulbright English Teaching Assistant has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I know that a little part of my heart will always belong in Uruguay. I can only hope I left as big of an impression on Uruguay as it has left on me.
To the U.S.-Uruguay Fulbright Program