I worked with Eddy today. We did math together. Eddy doesn't speak much English, so talking with his really allowed me to practice my Spanish.
I worked with my student Olha today. We discussed how hot its been lately in DC and how the heat has been messing up my schedule. We talked about places we traveled with crazy weather (ie. when my family drove from San Diego to Arizona and the temperature went from 75 F to 116 F). Olha said she's never felt temperatures so high. In addition to talking about the weather, I talked to Olha about a presentation I am giving in one of my WGSS classes about AAVE within the queer community. She had never heard of AAVE so I think she took a lot from our discussion of my presentation.
I worked with my student Tanya. We discussed colonialism throughout the world which connected to one of my classes where I had to write an essay about the colonization of Hawaii. We talked about how Russia has played a large role as a colonizing country. In addition, we talked about how the US, according to Tanya, is obsessed with race. She explained to me that in Ukraine (and probably in much of Europe), they care more about nationality and make judgements of you based on where you are from, not just your skin. I found this conversation fascinating.
I worked with Aaron today. We did spelling and vocabulary practice relating to his Julius Caesar homework. Then we made flashcards for his religion and science classes to help him study.
I worked with my student Olha today. She had just come back from a vacation in Ireland with her family. We talked a lot about travel, the places we've been, and what we did in those countries. I told her I've never been to Europe but am planning on studying abroad in Ireland in a year. We also got talking about countries that are "safe" and "dangerous" to travel to as a queer person. I connected this to conversations I have had in my queer/trans theory classes.
I worked with my student Tanya today. We discussed weddings and wedding traditions in our respective cultures. We also got talking about April fools day and other recent celebrations. Apparently a news outlet in Ukraine pulled an April Fools joke that Putin died and everyone in Ukraine was celebrating. I shared that something similar would probably happen in the US if Trump died.
I attended the Q&A with the Children’s Team event with Amica. I listened to volunteers as questions to Taylor and Caroline. They discussed immigration law, what it is like to be an attorney for kids (vulnerable youth who need to be protected from abuse), and the impacts of current and past administration. It was a really inspiring way to immerse myself in a new organization. I hope to get more involved with Amica in the near future.
I worked with my student Tanya today. We discussed school systems in out respective countries. For example, we talked about which classes we take, when you take them, and how many you take at a time. I learned that Tanya used to take 12 classes in a semester, which sounds very overwhelming. We also talked about how students and their parents bribe teachers so that the students can get better grades.
I volunteered with Students Against Cancer at AU. We made no-sew blankets for children with cancer in MGSC.
I worked with Tanya today. We discussed technology and generational differences in our countries. We both shared the ages we got various technological devices and the socio-economic statuses associated with various technology in our respective countries. We also talked about if kids should be sheltered from technology or exposed to it, and how technology harms the underdeveloped brain, and if video games can have good side effects. We also talked about brain rot and tiktok and how Ukraine might ban Tiktok because Russia is able to track where Ukrainians are when they post and where Russia should target their rockets.