One day, one of my advisors from college reached out and asked if I wanted to apply to live and teach with the Fulbright Program in Spain. As a lover of education and travel, I decided this was a wonderful opportunity and was lucky enough to be chosen as a grantee! Currently I am working as an auxiliar (language assistant) in Madrid, Spain. Before I left, I remember having the same kinds of feelings I felt before leaving to go to Costa Rica: anxiety, excitement and fear. I was going to be away for an entire year! It felt a bit disruptive as I had to quit all my jobs, take a break from school and pause the research I had been assisting with. However, I knew how worth it the experience would be. Being able to live in a Spanish-speaking country for a full year was always a dream I had and I knew taking this on, while scary, would be fulfilling that dream. Through all the uncertainty and paperwork of obtaining a tarjeta de extranjero (esidence card),I always reminded myself of the things that grounded me.
The first six weeks were a mix of ups and downs but being in this new place was more than I could have ever wanted it to be. In Madrid, I work outside of the city in a mountain town called Soto de Real and I absolutely love where I am! I often go on walks during my breaks and I can see las vacas (the cows) spread out in fields all around. Being able to see las montañas (the mountains) from the window of my school is calming and grounding. It is something I have been so thankful for.
Aside from working and traveling, I love to spend my time participating in hobbies!
