So I survived the first week of my midterms. I had three this week, and one more next Tuesday and then I will be done! I wanted to explain the Spanish grading system to you as it is quite different the United States. All assignments and exams are graded on a 10-point scale.
9.0-10 is the best possible grade and is called "sobresaliente" or outstanding
7-8.9 is called "notable" or very good
6-6.9 is called "bien" or good
5-5.9 is the lowest passing grade and is called "suficiente"or sufficient
And anything below a 5 is failing
The Spanish grading system is different from the American system in that, a B is an equivalent to a Spanish 7 or 8. In America, usually a 7 would mean a C--so it becomes a bit confusing, but fairly beneficial to us Americans :) So, I just wanted to inform all of you that I received a 10 on my Medieval History exam, and my professor was so excited that he basically announced it to the entire class. Apparently a 10 is very hard to earn on assignments and exams, the Spanish people say that the 10 is for God!
The other day I forgot my keys as I was leaving for class, and realized right after I had shut the door. Manolo was awake and the rest of my family was sleeping, so I contemplated ringing the doorbell, or just not having my keys. I chose to ring the doorbell and Manolo came to the door and he said, "I bet you forgot your keys!" And I said, "SI SI!" So now every time I leave for school he says "Tienes sus llaves?" (Do you have your keys)--and it has almost become a joke between us.
I was also told today at lunch with my family that I should be a Spanish teacher back in America. My family believes that it is very important for children to start learning a language at a young age, and they think I would be a great teacher! So, if the business world fails, perhaps I can pursue a career in teaching espanol! I also told Juani last night about my grade on my history exam, and she announced it at lunch today to the rest of my family and every one cheered, it was quite cute. Juani and I also talked about the differences between Spanish and American students as Spaniards usually choose a college that is very close to home so they can live at home and be with their families, and Americans usually choose to go to colleges that are further away from home. She asked me if I go home every weekend from college, and when I told her no, she was shocked! There are a lot of differences between our two cultures, and this would be one of them!
I'm not sure if I mentioned that fish was starting to grow on me and that I usually eat all of it every time it is given to me. Well, today was an exception. At lunch today we had fried fish--eyes and scales in tact. Although the fish didn't even look slightly appealing, I decided to give it a try as I made a promise to myself that I would keep an open mind about all foods that were given to me. So, I tried it and it was really bad--not poorly cooked or anything, I just wasn't a fan of the fishy taste. When I told Juani that I didn't like the fish she was so upset that she cooked something I didn't like and just kept saying Que lastima! (what a shame) So she promised me that for dinner tonight she would cook me a pizza because she KNOWS I love pizza--that's the italian in me! :)
I also wanted to share with you all that when I went to church this past Sunday with Juani, she talked to the priest and asked him to offer the mass for my Nana. This was easily one of the nicest gestures someone has ever done for me, and I was so moved at the fact that the entire congregation was praying for Rita (or Elvita in Spanish). The mass brought me to tears at point and I let Juani know how thankful I was for her thinking of Nana like that--I knew Nana was smiling down from heaven during that mass. I tell people how Nana's gift of prayer was the single best gift that she could give to anyone, and now she has people all over the world praying for her and returning the favor.
I believe that's about all for now. I also wanted to add a picture of the "mexican" food Dana and I ate one night. We both got tacos, but they didn't quite resemble tacos. That's okay! We ate them anyways. I wanted to inform you that it is starting to get "cold" here. In the mornings and the evenings, you definitely need a light jacket and sometimes I even wear a scarf. I'll have to put the flip flops away pretty soon, too! To be honest, though, I don't think it'll ever get as cold here as it already is back home! I hope everyone has a great weekend. I have a few things planned, so keep on the look out for a blog very soon. Love and prayers. Hasta luego!
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| "Tacos" |
Besos,
Lindsay
Spanish phrase of the day: "principe azul" if you were to literally translate this, this would mean blue prince, but it actually means prince charming :)
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