01. Nick’s introduction

01. Nick’s introduction

Hi, my name is Nick Rossini and this year I am a English language assistant here at Hermanos Medina Revilla in Bailén. My state is named Minnesota and it is located in the northern part of the United States. I chose to teach here in Spain as a way to learn about Spanish culture and to help students improve their ability to communicate in a language of increasing importance in the world.

Upon my first few weeks working here in Bailén, I was initially struck by the uniformity of culture in Jaén. I attended a very large high school of more than 2400 students and I was exposed to many different cultures on a daily basis. Spending time surrounded by students from all walks of life changed my perspective for the better, and has left a lasting impact on my character. Growing up in a large metropolitan area allowed me to explore the diversity of the world without leaving the comfort of my hometown. To me, this is the greatest difference between my own high school experience and that of students here.

But as time has passed, I have also come to realize is that the experience of high school here in Bailén is more similar than different from my own. Hermanos Medina Revilla is a place where students come together each week and challenge themselves to improve their understand of our world. Whether its laughing at something in the hall, winning a basketball match at recess or conversing about a recent exam in class, students here bond in a way I see as ubiquitous to all high schools. It is through this commonality that I find a real connection to the students.

Overall, I look forward to getting to know the students better each week, and to watching them improve in the grasp of the English language. I’d like to say thanks to everyone here for being so welcoming to me and for catalyzing a memorable experience here in Spain.