6^th/7^th day (7/30/15-7/31/15):

            Tomorrow is the talent show and my students are both nervous and excited to perform. They have improved tremendously from the first time they sang “I’m Yours”. Their rhythm and intonation has improved after asking to drill it multiple times, they took initiative and memorized the words even though they could bring the lyrics onstage, and were much more confident, choosing to sing their hearts out instead of sitting quietly and practically whispering the words like they were doing the first day. The next day, my kids were jittery, awaiting their performance onstage before almost 500 teachers and fellow students. I gave them all a high-five and wished them luck. They sang beautifully. I was so proud I almost cried. During the performance however, I noticed that the some of the other teachers at the camp were acting inappropriately by laughing and jeering. Though they were just teenagers like me, I felt that what they were doing was very disrespectful and were acting ignorant of how much effort the students had put in. I was extremely disappointed in their behavior because my students had worked extremely hard to master a song to the best of their ability in a foreign language in only a few days. I felt like a protective mother. I was so surprised at my reaction to someone else’s disapproval of my kids after only knowing them for a week. However, in just a week, my students and I connected quickly and bonded in a way that I have never experienced outside of this camp. We were like a little family. I was extremely proud of them and I am so glad I got to witness their passion for learning and actually have the privilege of being a part of it. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I am already counting down the days till next year!