I have been working as a Language and Culture Assistant since October and over this period of time I have been observing the children in my school. Comparing my experience in the U.S schools and in schools in Spain has led me to believe that, in many ways, kids all over the world are the same. They all freak out when you cut in line. They say whatever is on their minds. They all get deeply upset when a student they “tag” doesn’t become the tagger. They cry when they are sad. They smile when they are happy. They laugh. They are kids. Kids all over the world have so many similarities. However, they are not all the same. In many ways they are very different, each with their own unique story.
Every Wednesday afternoon I go to one of my favorite classes, 2.C. I walk into the class and am greeted by 25 6 and 7 year olds, each giving me hugs and dos besos. Included in this crazy, frantic mix of students is a child named David. David has grown to become one of my favorite students. He is 7 years old and in his 7 years he has endured many terrible things. For the sake of privacy I will just say that his life has been extremely difficult, and you will have to believe me. Because of reasons beyond his control, he wasn’t able to start school until way later than the rest of the children in his grade. Starting school so late and never practicing things like using scissors or coloring with markers at home caused a delay in his motor skill development. He is also very behind in his reading and in other subject areas. Last year he was very angry and almost never smiled. This year he has shown a dramatic improvement and is, for the most part, a happy child.
So why am I writing this? I’m writing to tell you about something so special and significant with this class. A lot of times myself and the classroom teacher, Ana, will modify things for David. Whenever David gets an answer correct, can you guess what happens? The class cheers. The entire class CHEERS! The room is filled with “Toma David!” or “Bien, tio!” The applause is so loud that the class next door can always hear. As I listen to my students congratulating their classmate and watch his face completely light up, I cannot help but to tear up. These kids believe in their friend. They support him and they don’t even know his story. I watch as it all passes, taking a deep breath, wiping the tears from my eyes, and thinking that this is truly the most beautiful thing I have seen in Spain. Not all of the gorgeous landscapes or the historical monuments but the beauty that exists within each of these children. The demonstration of true love and support….that, my friends, is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
