Your hair smells bad

The school has been more than intimidating this past month.  Everytime I go it is extremely awkward and I don't do anything.  Cuz I'm not allowed to do anything.  But I still have to be a professional role model for the kids because eventually the goal is that I will teach in the school.  So it's a whole lot of awkwardly standing around with the teachers not understanding a thing they are saying.  "Observing" the classes and knowing the kids are making fun of you but not having a sassy reply back to defend yourself. 

Quick story.  The teacher is splitting the 6th graders up into groups in their guarani class which I was clearly not understanding and the teacher told me in front of the whole class that the kids didn't want me in their group because my hair smells bad.  Me, thinking this was weird because I had just showered ignored it and moved on.  Later to find out that your hair smells bad apparently is a metaphor for you're an idiot and not learning anything.  Who would have known?  Smart play munchkins.  Proved yourself right on that one.  

And indefinitely answering the so what are you doing here question with I'm not sure, what so you want me to do? Hence, not my favorite place.  

Which is weird.  Because in the states I love kids.  Love them.  I would babysit for free most days because they're just so awesome, although the extra cash is nice.  They just bring up your mood, give you freedom to be a kid again (who doesn't like dressing up as belle and building a princess castle to host our woodchip sale), and are a constant source of entertainment.  So in my mind, win, win, and win.  So why in the world would it be any different here? Kids are kids. That they are.  But here I'm missing that any sort of authority figure.  How can I be a role model when I don't know how to even say role model? That we shall see.  

But nonetheless i go, in hopes of one day it not being terribly awkward.  I go to the preschool class to learn left and right and get a few smiles and cuteness in and not be intimidated by anyone and everyone.  Refreshing.  But I also went to the 9th grade class and my love for teenagers stands strong.  Fine they make fun of me too, but they also teach me how to make fun back.  They desperately want to learn English (Holla!  Something I'm good at!) and instantly love me for teaching them the word crazy so they can go around calling each other that.  Fine, whatever makes you happy.  And most importantly for asking me when I was gonna come back.  Hey there 9th graders.  Thanks for being my not so little sunshines.  You're gonna do great things.  

Here's to better luck, less awkwardness, and being the role model these kids want and need in the school.  And a shoutout to all my San Diego kiddos. I love you to pieces and miss you like crazy :-)