First Day of Classes: A Wonderful Start!

Monday, 20 September


Thought for the Day: “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear” ~ Mark Twain


Today was the first day of classes after breakfast and packing lunches, everyone headed on their separate ways. While some only had two scheduled classes and others had five, it still was a wonderful start to the two weeks. Even as each school had welcoming hands, different volunteers faced their own challenges.

Jeanne had some strict curriculum guidelines to follow. Leslie had never taught before, Paul had some chatty students, Barbara had five classes, and Mary was not allowed to enjoy her break period but had to sit in on others classes. Still even when we reconvened at 2 PM for some organizational team work, the positive remarks far outweighed the negatives. We discussed our goals for the program, from the simple teaching of English, to the desire to learn more about the Hungarian culture, and the chance to remember the importance of giving back.

Afterwards, we experienced a Milt impromptu Hungarian language class where we learned some basic words which should allow us to get by. We had a twenty minute break before it was time to leave for evening classes.

When we divided up the participants at the evening classes, there were three large beginner classes and then one of each of the intermediate and advanced. It was a night of figuring out what needed to be worked on and handled in the coming days. Some wanted interview advice and others were still learning nouns.

Though we were tired, dinner awaited us to conclude this first day. For dinner, we went past the Remembrance museum to the Black Eagle down by the City Hall. We began our meals with cold cherry soup which seemed more like a dessert than a beginner curse, with it whipped cream and biscuit. With a salad and a half sized entree, not one plate was licked clean or any stomach not fully stretched. And yet, dessert could not be neglected with a mango ice cream and fruit the meal was complete.

With a brisk stroll home, the day was complete and the resting and preparations for the next day could begin.

Written by Volunteer Team Member: Leslie