Flucation

Written last week when I was actually on flucation and away from my computer:

The oblast, or county, I work in closed its schools this past week due to a flu epidemic that has broken out this winter season. Many schools around Bulgaria have shut down as well and many TEFL volunteers including myself have found ourselves in the midst of a surprise vacation. That is not something I ever considered possibly (hence my usage of the word "surprise" in the previous sentence). At the most, I was looking forward to the prospect of a snow-day or two, something unheard of in my Sunny Southern California, but 7 full days of school off? All I can say is Woo Hoo!

I'm sure all the kids are excited as well, whether or not they're one of the many suffering from the flu, as final exams for the end of this first semester have been postponed. For some students this means the ability to momentarily put-off the inevitable F's that they know are coming their way because they crack open their books to study just about as often as they ask for extra chores or put themselves to bed early (though they'll act outraged when they receive their grades - it's a matter of principle, after all). For others, this will mean an opportunity to study further and do really well on their exams. From what I've seen of Bulgarian students, there's very little middle-ground. They either know the information or they don't. They either study all their subjects with dedication or they don't study at all.

Even at a young age, some students are aware that their future starts now. Ambition is an uncommon emotion for many students and because of this, an extremely valuable asset for those who have it. Others seem already doomed to a disappointingly mediocre fate regardless of their potential or any available opportunities. Much like the States, motivation and desire are everything and if the students lack these things, if they or, more importantly, their parents, aren't capable of valuing education and showcasing an optimistic attitude towards the future, they won't go far.

It's unfortunate but true.

Education is a problem here in Bulgaria, most Bulgarians will be the first to tell you. There needs to be a complete overhaul in the education system. Families from all over need to regard their local schools as an important part of the community and the learning going on inside as the future of Bulgaria - full of opportunity for prosperity.

Bulgaria's generally defeatist attitude, fostered under years of oppression where one's views and desires were of little importance because individual effort didn't influence the outcome of one's life, is what keeps them from making a united, proactive change. They have so much potential as a country part of the European Union and with genuinely clever youth who could grow up to make a real difference if raised with the right attitude and examples.

Basically, the problem is bigger than me but I can still do my part. My contribution, if combined with the contribution of others in my community in positions of influence: teachers, parents, directors, students, community leaders, and so on, can create a small change moving in the right direction. It seems lofty, because it is, but it's also absolutely possible.

But, right now, I'm on flucation and enjoying every minute of it...as are my students, each in their own way.

-Age