This past week, Paula Alfaro, Natalia Hernandez, Pastor Diego and students from their church have been touring and learning about LHS and the community nearby. Students from all levels of Spanish have had the opportunity to talk to the students from Costa Rica, and learn about the culture there and the differences between schools.
They also had an opportunity to visit EPIC and tour the facility, seeing all of the wonderful things it provides for students. During A Lunches, LHS students have spent time eating Chipotle, or other nearby foods with them, and bonding over sports and games.
In the Spanish classes, the Costa Rican students began with introductions, saying their ages and what activities they like to do outside of school. These consisted of listening to music, running, playing volleyball and much more. Then, we played a game called “Basta”, where a random letter of the alphabet was chosen and you had to come up with Spanish words in different categories, like a fruit or a country starting with the letter that was chosen. We played many rounds of this game, learning new words and having fun with our new friends, who joined and helped us each round.
After the game, we split into groups, and had the chance to talk to each student that was visiting. We heard stories about Costa Rica and the importance of the phrase “Pura Vida,” and stories about the famous Costa Rican coffee, and how it might be the best in the world. No matter who we talked to, we always formed a connection with each student, bonding over favorite animals or current TV shows we are binging.
The coolest part of their visit was learning their opinions and stories of their time in America. For many students it was their first time leaving the country, so this trip was a very exciting experience. We are so grateful to have been able to share our favorite stories with them and hear theirs.
While discussing with Pastor Diego about the differences between Costa Rica and Colorado, he said “I think my favorite thing is just to see a lot of opportunities that you have in your school, in terms of deciding what classes you want to take that are beyond the normal things we have in Costa Rica. So just to see a lot of options, extra options that you have in your school is really different from Costa Rica.”
”You guys have a different opportunity, and that is amazing. And I really love the school because you have a lot of students. But they are very cool,” Natalia Hernandez agreed.
It is really cool to have a new perspective on our school, now that people from a completely different area and culture have shared their stories with us. Talking to them not only was informative for everyone, but it also was a great practice of our Spanish skills!
“The Spanish classes that we have done, I have felt, like, you have received us really good. We have felt like you’re paying attention, and you’re really eager to learn from us. Because when you are a foreign into another country, you can be like really nervous about speaking, and so I felt like really accepted. Your Spanish teachers are great. Your building is great. I think you understand the gift that you have here, and you take advantage of it in a very good way.” said Paula Alfaro.
“Your Spanish level surprised me. You understand pretty much everything. And also you can respond and have a fluent conversation, which I didn’t expect in a way,” Pastor Diego said.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to talk to these lovely people about their country and their opinions on LHS. They invite all students to 6528 S Broadway Littleton, CO 80121 on Friday night to a silent disco with the local community, and fun games and food!
