The Spanish English Academy (SEA)

It's amazing, how quickly the time is going! One of the things that's keeping me busy is volunteering at the Spanish English Academy (SEA).

Barbara is the owner of SEA. She's a really nice American. My cousin Linda, who's retired, started volunteering at SEA in November.  Since then, Linda has been taking her "Teach English as a Second Language" (TESL) certification online, and is now teaching for pay.

I completed my TESL certification a few years ago. So when Linda told me about SEA, I was in!  As a volunteer. Monday to Thursday, from 7-8 pm, I help with a beginner class.  On Friday from 8 to about 9:30pm, I teach French.

Most of the students work really hard. A few of the teenagers, who's parents likely sent them to the classes, don't seem to fully appreciate the importance of learning English.  But here in Cozumel, it can likely make the difference between a good job and a less good job.  I like to think I'm helping them understand that.  And inspiring them with my "in progress" Spanish. :)

It's been a really nice way to give back to the community and meet new people.

Pictures
1-SEA from the outside at night.  It's a really cute airy little building.
2 - the reception desk. with the resident black cat.
3- the nutritional value of cacao, before you add all the sugar...
4- the vessel with the "cut-away" is for making hot chocolate. it's like a butter churn. the stick in it, and the ones below are to beat the mixture.  there are doodads on the sticks to make froth.  very clever!!