Flying High
Being hired by Gran Pacifica in the year 2003 as a coordinator of Social activities has been one of the most important decision, challenges and opportunities in my life. I come from a very poor family. Accompanied with the tragedy of my mom’s death when I only was 8 years old, it was a huge effort to complete my primary and secondary school. Actually, I did not want to study English but finished my career successfully at a Public University in Nicaragua. Right after university, I started to teach English in a rural community where I currently live.
My English proficiency was not so good at that time, but fortunately I had a job interview with Mike Cobb. I still remember his words. He said. “Helio, you will work with us part time because you will continue teaching English in your school”.”Oh my God,” I said! “That’s perfect.”
A new route was being opened for me and I began to practice the language not only with my students, but also with American people who were part of my new job. I also became involved in some of the programs that the US Embassy offers to teachers of English. I participated in a couple of Summer Camps. During this program every single minute counts because it is a week of intensive English. It is also an environment for learning new teaching methodologies, American culture, and above all, sharing experiences with our peers.
Many people have been an inspiration for me, including Michael Cobb who I consider a great entrepreneur and Janet Foerster and her husband who are friends of my family. As a result of these wonderful friendships, I have realized how important it is to work hard in order to get what you really want.
Another key issue is the excellent communication I have with US Embassy staff in charge of working with English teachers. They are always motivating us to participate in the different programs. I applied twice for the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA), and in my second attempt I was selected to be a TEA fellow. Thanks be to God, my effort, and dedicated service to Secondary Education, I will be participating in a six-week professional development program at a school of education at Appalachian State University departing Sept 18, 2012. This program combines academic seminars with experience observing and teaching in a U.S. secondary school. I also will be part of cultural and community activities. I hope to gain substantial knowledge and understanding throughout the program to bring back home to share with my students and peers.
Written by Helio Alfaro
Teacher of English at Public School Santa Rita
Villa El Carmen, Managua-Nicaragua
