Wowowow. I only JUST got to my site and my school, but I’m already being treated like a local celebrity.
It’s all very intimidating and strange!
My school, Gymnasium No. 2, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and I was invited to attend a very festive celebration in the city center!
The celebration was held at the city’s philharmonic — the same place the recent fifth grade ceremony was held.
It was really good motivation to work on my Ukrainian language skills as much as possible. Nobody was able to translate for me, so I didn’t know what was going on for most of it.
But what I do know? I was asked to give a speech.
Eep!
50 years of this school and the newest teacher has to get up on stage and speak?! In a foreign language, nonetheless?! How nerve-wracking!
Regardless, I tried my best to convey what a wonderful first impression Gymnasium No. 2 made on me, and to express my complete gratitude for being able to play even a small part in this school’s history.
Oksana translated for me, and she was nervous as well.
I was probably the most boring part of the night.
Like all Ukrainian celebrations, there was music and dancing.
There was a lovely choir performance by (what I’m assuming?) Gymnasium No. 2 students.
There were also videos, skits and presentations highlighting the school’s history
And… dancing, of course!
I got to watch some of the fifth grade students perform their choreographed routines again, and there were new traditional dances I hadn’t seen performed yet.
It was a really impressive and fun night! I just wish I knew more Ukrainian so I could better understand everything.
This post was originally published Feb. 3, 2022. Its timestamp has been updated to better reflect the timeline of my Peace Corps service.
