Third Times a Charm
Where has the time gone? I have officially finished my third year of teaching and living in Ecuador. It feels less like I am "somewhere else" and more like I am home, though.
That isn't to say that my life has been a bed of roses. I know my "online presence" makes it seem like I am globetrotting but really I am focusing on the immediate things around me and living as normally as I can. In fact, this has been the single most difficult year of my life, so far. Sure, I've been busy working. I began a Master's program last Autumn. I also got accepted to be an IB evaluator, which has helped me understand the program I teach better. And aside from my "normal" responsibilities, I performed a blitzkrieg to renew my Wisconsin teaching license.
Less superficially, I've also had to deal with a lot of personal issues or matters. Last Summer, during that incredibly long and challenging solo-trip, I had to confront a lot of things from my past and figure how to allow these to move me forward in my life, and I still have those "things" to deal with. In November, I experienced sudden bilateral hearing loss (this type occurs in about 2% of the 20/100,000 people affected by sudden hearing loss) and tinnitus, simultaneously. Having my hearing affected is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Ever. The past twelve months have challenged the understanding I have of my own identity. But the thing I've learned throughout this past year is I am successful and persistent. I followed my dreams and passions, and I am succeeding.
My main piece of evidence: three years later, I am still here. I could not have done this, though, without my support system here... which is going to change drastically as the next school year begins. Two people, whom have been a major part of my life the last three years, are returning to the U.S.ofA. My roommate of the last three years, David, I will miss you much and hopefully we will cross paths in the future. Kate, my life will never be the same again and I will definitely visit you in L.A. Thank you both for being a big part of my life and journey. For it, I am indebted.
As I look forward to another year of life in Ecuador, I recognize how much I have changed as a person. I accept that when I return to Wisconsin, it will no longer be the same place I am from. Too much has changed since 2014. But that's exciting and I embrace the new challenges ahead of me.
With Love,
Greg
That isn't to say that my life has been a bed of roses. I know my "online presence" makes it seem like I am globetrotting but really I am focusing on the immediate things around me and living as normally as I can. In fact, this has been the single most difficult year of my life, so far. Sure, I've been busy working. I began a Master's program last Autumn. I also got accepted to be an IB evaluator, which has helped me understand the program I teach better. And aside from my "normal" responsibilities, I performed a blitzkrieg to renew my Wisconsin teaching license.
Less superficially, I've also had to deal with a lot of personal issues or matters. Last Summer, during that incredibly long and challenging solo-trip, I had to confront a lot of things from my past and figure how to allow these to move me forward in my life, and I still have those "things" to deal with. In November, I experienced sudden bilateral hearing loss (this type occurs in about 2% of the 20/100,000 people affected by sudden hearing loss) and tinnitus, simultaneously. Having my hearing affected is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Ever. The past twelve months have challenged the understanding I have of my own identity. But the thing I've learned throughout this past year is I am successful and persistent. I followed my dreams and passions, and I am succeeding.
My main piece of evidence: three years later, I am still here. I could not have done this, though, without my support system here... which is going to change drastically as the next school year begins. Two people, whom have been a major part of my life the last three years, are returning to the U.S.ofA. My roommate of the last three years, David, I will miss you much and hopefully we will cross paths in the future. Kate, my life will never be the same again and I will definitely visit you in L.A. Thank you both for being a big part of my life and journey. For it, I am indebted.
As I look forward to another year of life in Ecuador, I recognize how much I have changed as a person. I accept that when I return to Wisconsin, it will no longer be the same place I am from. Too much has changed since 2014. But that's exciting and I embrace the new challenges ahead of me.
With Love,
Greg
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