Last Updated:8:56 PM EST 2/24/10 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Submitted photo Morgan (center) and friends dressed up for Carnaval, a week-long celebration before lent that is similar to Mardi Gras or Halloween.

Media Credit: Submitted photo Morgan pretends to run with the bulls after the event has taken place.

When deciding which college to go to, St. John Fisher stood out to me because of its reputation throughout Rochester for giving back to the community. Thus, while I'm abroad I am looking for a way to get involved in my new community.

Recently I found a volunteer position as a teacher's aid in an English class. The kids are between the ages of 13 and 14, and their English is incredible. At first it appeared to be a typical classroom. One teacher to about 25 students. One student is autistic but is without assistance.

Their assignment was to write down five questions to ask me in English and, just like typical American students, some students were eager to talk to me and others figured that the assignment should be optional.

"What is your favorite color?" "Which state are you from?" Once they started asking me the more complicated questions, I started to notice cultural differences through the eyes of these young teens.

"What is your favorite sport in the U.S.? And in Spain? Who is your favorite Spanish fútbol (soccer) team and player?" The part that took me aback was that these questions were all from girls. I am just as much a feminist as any girl in our generation, but when the majority of sports questions came from girls I was slightly surprised.

On top of that, if I gave an answer they didn't agree with, there was a minor uproar. Even the professor was upset when I told her that I prefered Barcelona's soccer team over Madrid's.

"How is the food?" A big breakfast is key for us, usually something hot like eggs and toast or cereal. "Eggs for breakfast? And lunch?" Many Americans grab a sandwich or something of similar size. This is unheard of compared to their three-course meals with fruit and yogurt for dessert. Everyone goes home for lunch in Spain at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. We eat out. Then I tell them dinner is bigger and is at around 6 p.m. They eat a small meal at 9 p.m. They would be starving by 11:30 p.m. because it would be almost crazy for them to go to bed that early.

"How are the classes?" Their school goes from ages two to 17. It's interesting to note that when I asked the professor how old the kids in our class were she had to double check.
The children never switch rooms, only the teachers. In fact, the children only leave for a recess time on the patio (no yard) in the back of the school.

"Describe New York." By that they meant New York City. How does a person who has lived in little old Rochester all her life describe New York City? I told them it is fast-paced with lots of lights. Then I passed the question off to the teacher, who had spent a week there with her children a couple years ago.

In her words, "Going to New York is like being in a movie. I went to Central Park, and immediately recognized it from the movies. Rockefeller Center and Time Square are just as I imagined they would be. At times I wondered, 'Am I in a movie right now too?'" I think it's safe to say she had a better grasp on the city than I did.

I will be assisting with this class every Friday until the end of the semester, and I am excited to see how these students develop. I'm already attached.

I can't think of a more enjoyable way to learn about this community than to wholeheartedly participate in it.

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