One of the greatest challenges of being a PCV is getting your bearings in a new culture. Before arriving in country, I thought I’d handle the process of integration well and without major incident, but after being here for over six months it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Currently, time management has been a big hang-up for me. On Monday I was supposed to teach an English class to my coworkers at 2. When I got to the school it was completely empty and no one ended up showing up for the lesson. I eventually went home and wasn’t all that surprised as these things happen frequently. The following day I was asked by my counterpart if I had taught my lesson the day before to which I told him I hadn’t. When asked why, I explained no one had showed up. My next lesson was slated for Wednesday and I figured since everyone had missed the previous lesson, people would be a bit more sensitive about showing up this time. Each lesson is 40 minutes and begins at 2 PM. At 3:30 as I was walking home, I could see teachers starting to roll into the school one-by-one. They all looked confused as to why I wasn’t getting ready to teach. I explained to them our lesson started at 2 and it was now nearly 4. I could tell by the looks on their faces they didn’t understand. I reassured them it was okay but reminded them to please try to be on time for our next lesson.
Now, sure, I could have gone back to school and taught my lesson even though people showed up late. I didn’t have anything else to do and was going home to make grilled cheese sandwiches. During PST we did an activity where we were presented with different scenarios and had to choose whether or not we felt they were worth fighting for. The point being you had to choose your battles carefully and in this instance I had decided to stand my ground. Here’s an excerpt from my friend Jenni’s blog which helps illustrate my point:
“More than anything, this week has been about deciding what matters and what doesn’t. In American workplaces, it’s all about that Outlook/Google calendar, cancelling or rescheduling appointments with notice, and sharing agendas before meetings begin. We operate on timelines, deadlines, check-ins, and follow-ups. Through college and the few years I worked/interned in D.C., I learned that this was the way things got done.”
And she’s right. As Americans, we plan our days with emails and color coded schedules – it’s how we get things done. That said, if we’re to truly make progress as individuals and with our community, PCVs need to develop habits which work for both Mongolians and volunteers. By that, I mean PCVs must be willing to set aside their predisposed notions of how work should be done. It’s our responsibility to offer flexibility and approaches to challenges which work for our HCAs and HCNs. This is point in which I still need to grow.
My biggest frustration has been personal space and privacy. In Mongolia, if something isn’t put away and locked up it’s fair to others. I’ve had people open up every drawer and cabinet in my ger, sift through the food in my fridge, and even start rearranging my furniture all without saying a word. At school teachers will pick up my camera or laptop without asking to use them without a thought. I’ve had random people on the street pull out my headphones to try and talk at me. I’ve had students reach over me and across my desk to try and grab some chips I’ve had. The list goes on.
I can’t lie, these are things I have a very hard time dealing with, and especially so when people come into a space I would normally view as “mine.” Like everything else, it’s an adjustment and growth which will take time. I usually try to take these moments as opportunities to explain how I feel with others but it’s hard to tell what sticks.
Anyways, I do need to brag about my students for a second – two in particular. Last week I didn’t have class with my 5th graders because for one I was alone and the other was cancelled. When we came back for class this Tuesday, two of my students showed me homework they had made up themselves and wanted me to check. I was blown away. Students don’t start learning English here until 5th grade and these two girls were already trying so hard. I mean, look at these notebooks!
They did this all on their own and I truly can’t find the words to express how proud I am. They even made color coordinated flash cards which I unfortunately forgot to take pictures of. These girls are the future of this country.
Номинэрдэнэ (Nome-ing-ear-dun) and Номиндарь (Nome-ing-dare). My two favorite students!
On an unrelated note, I had my leave request approved by Peace Corps, and I’ll be heading to Japan with fellow volunteers Jenni and Sandra in January. We’ll be skiing the days away and eating a lot of good food. I couldn’t be more excited. I hope everyone is doing well back home and hope you have a great day.
I don’t mind when this lady uses my camera.
My favorite table.
Some of my coworkers with out soums flag.
Chasing Mongolia 