Revision of Oaxaca Application Essay

During the summer following my Junior year of high school, I worked with fourth grade students who had recently immigrated to the United States from various Latin American countries. As part of a Windham elementary school's summer school program, I worked to help the students improve their English reading skills. I left the program with greater Spanish fluency and a deeper understanding of Latin American culture. As a participant in the trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, I hope to continue to learn about the rich culture and language of this part of the world.


I am a Pre-Teaching Major and plan to study Secondary Social Studies Education. As an American teacher, I must be able to communicate effectively with all students. During the Fall 2008 semester, I facilitated group activities with Spanish-speaking fourth graders at Windham Center Elementary School in an effort to further explore the role of the Spanish language in the classroom.


As a future History teacher, I am particularly interested in learning about other cultures and political systems. Although I have spent many years studying European, American and Asian history, I have never had the opportunity to explore the history, political systems or culture of Mexico and Central America. In Oaxaca, I will have the opportunity to learn about and immerse myself in the culture of this old Mexican city. This program will provide me with academic challenges and would allow me to develop greater fluency in Spanish and a deeper understanding of the rich culture and history of Mexico.

-Sarah-