Hello Buffaloes,
I think of you often and apologize for not being in contact sooner. I saw this article and I had to share it with my fellow Buffaloes. Maybe we should get a mascot for our meetings!
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/11/11/142249280/the-story-of-a-guy-and-his-pet-buffalo
Chile is amazing, and I am a little saddened by how quickly the time is going by (even though it means that I will see all of you soon).
I miss Toastmasters! In every meeting I attended, I learned so much. Speaking, listening, planning, setting agendas, following agendas….. And in addition to learning, I had a lot of fun! Each meeting is filled with laughter and smiles, I am really thankful to be a part of such a great group.
Speaking of agendas…..I miss those the most! Chile is not known for its agenda setting and/or following. It has definitely been a cultural learning experience for me and although I am open to different ways of doing things, I long for the days of planning and organizing
Aside from that, I love Chile. Santiago is a massive city, over 6 million people! It is definitely a change of pace from Colorado. I have gotten used to the crowded streets and the metro, and now that it is moving into summer the air is cleaning up considerably. With the Andes mountain range on one end and the Chilean Coastal mountain range on the other end, it makes for spectacular views (especially sunsets!).
I am also fortunate to be here during a time of big change. The students are protesting for educational reform: free, quality education. It is an amazing movement, the students have been protesting for almost 7 months (which means 7 months without classes!). In addition to the protests they have taken over many of the universities (they took over USACH, where I am studying, twice!).
Needless to say, it has been an interesting and valuable experience all around.
I would like to close by responding to a blog made by the wonderful Linda Knudsen regarding ‘firsts’ (check it out if you haven’t read it). Buffalo Toastmasters has introduced me to a bunch of firsts as well. I don’t think that I will ever forget the fear I felt before giving my Icebreaker speech. I remember sitting with Pamela at a coffee shop discussing and organizing my speech, thinking: how am I going to do this? But with the support of the Buffalo Toastmasters, and especially Pamela, I not only gave an Icebreaker, I finished my CC! In addition to that, I developed the confidence to take some firsts on my one, such as going to Chile! “Who knew such good things would come my way!” I appreciate all of the support you have all given me, I thank you tremendously!
And one final note (really), I am hugely out of public speaking practice, SO I hope that you all have been honing your um counting, grammarian and other evaluation skills while I have been gone
I hope that you are all well!
Caroline
