Blog #1

            I think the most honest thing I can say is that I am not at all sure what to expect from next week.  I signed up to be a facilitator because it sounded like an incredible opportunity to form close relationships with people from all over the world.  I was really interested in learning everything I could from students my age who grew up in other countries and I was really intrigued by the prospect of sharing what I know about living in the United States with them.  And of course, I still am. 

            But now that the first conversation circle is rapidly approaching, I am realizing that we will not form these close relationships within the first hour. I am realizing that it will be my responsibility to create an environment that fosters these types of relationships over the semester.  Since I’ve never had that responsibility fall on my shoulders alone, I don’t really know what I’m doing and so I’m starting to feel a bit nervous.

            I’m also starting to feel really excited.  I can’t wait to experiment with different ways of running things within the framework of the “Chat Café.”  I’m excited to meet all the students and hear about their families, their lives and their experiences.  I think it’s extremely important that they know I am just as interested in them and where they come from as they are in us and where we come from. 

            One thing I have been struggling with is how to create an informal, casual space where everyone can feel comfortable speaking up (especially if they are not confident in their English) while still making it clear that there are some more formal expectations (like attendance).

            Here’s hoping this will be a great semester!