These past two weeks have been quite exciting again. I had the opportunity to teach the German class as a substitute for the first time. We conjugated verbs, discussed capitalization rules, and expanded our vocabulary. Stepping in front of the class was a unique experience and a challenge that I handled with confidence.

Bringing History to Life: The Berlin Wall

I showed the older students a short film about the Berlin Wall, focusing on the black market and smuggling operations of that era. It was important to illustrate the absurdity of the situation and the sacrifices people made for everyday items. This lead to a deep dive into historical questions regarding German Unity Day on October 3rd.

Oktoberfest & Classroom Projects

With the younger students, we celebrated the upcoming Oktoberfest by baking pretzels and decorating gingerbread hearts. We danced to German children’s songs and played soccer, bringing a piece of German tradition to the campus. Meanwhile, in the online classes, students are busy planning their California road trips to explore the effects of climate change.

Laguna Beach & Las Vegas Road Trip

In my free time, I explored Laguna Beach—home to the bluest water I’ve seen in a long time. To escape the cooler days, I joined friends for a road trip to Las Vegas. The 40-degree heat and the European-themed hotels like the Venetian and Paris Las Vegas were incredible sights. It’s a trip I would recommend to everyone!

I’m excited to see what the coming weeks will bring!