Have I told you lately?

Well this a long time coming.

I've been teaching English for two months now. I haven't experienced this much anxiety since I found out I wouldn't be attending the college of my choice, but from what I hear this is normal. Being in a new element is bound to be stressful.

For the past three weeks I've had the most bipolar days I've ever experienced. I love the interaction with students, I just personally feel like I don't know anything. I'm so lucky to have a boss that truly wants me to succeed. She has allowed me to open up with her and I've discovered that I do have the potential. She tells me she would not have hesitated firing me if she didn't believe I was a good teacher. Not only that, but my students I no longer teach tell me they want me back. I love it! I must be doing something right!

In my attempts to get away from teaching by searching for alternative jobs I've realized what an idiot I would be if I left this job. Every turn I take in life I am given exceptional opportunities and this is yet another. Therefore I've decided I am going to calm down (aka enable my patience capability) and truly give this teaching thing a shot.

When the real time to move on comes, something else will be there. While I'm teaching, I have an internship at a Dietitian's Private Practice. I've signed up for an online Intro to Kinesiology class to complete my A.A. Degree in Kinesiology as I've been taking classes for that long in this field. I'm also going to be taking two business classes, a Marketing and a Public Relations class. I've a ton to focus on and look forward to.

I wish you all the best, and happy holidays!

MUCH LOVE!!!

The Grown Up Life

Well, I'm officially an ESL teacher. Who knew it would happen so quickly??? I taught my first class on Friday and I must say it was pretty successful. I'm going to be teaching 3 different classes, a beginner, intermediate and Survival English class. It's extremely easy right now because the teacher I'm replacing planned out the next week for me. I just need to add my own pizzazz to it. I got some compliments from the students regarding my attention to detail in terms of their needs.

Now I'm spending my Sunday night planning my activities for the week. I'm really excited to plan out my own lessons, everything has panned out so perfectly so far. I couldn't be happier.

So here's to the week to come!

MUCH LOVE!!!

What an exciting day!!

I've been a bit upset at how much I felt like my future depended on what I found out today. It had gotten to the point where this day was feeling bigger than my interview day for my Permanent Residency, and that was really pissing me off. Luckily time is great and I wasn't stressing out so much. Despite my optimism, I was prepared to hear that I couldn't leave the U.S. I even told some of my close friends I was preparing plans B and C.

Waiting in line at USCIS was pretty terrible. We didn't get to our appointment til an hour later, to find out that there are many many options available to me. So if I get a job offer for Japan, I can take it and not worry about ruining my eligibility for citizenship. Woohoo!

Second set of magnificent news, I just got a part-time teaching position offered at the English school in Santa Monica!!! Remember I interviewed for it towards the end of my TEFL Certification program and never heard anything about it after the second interview? Part time position just opened up and it has been offered to yours truly.

Life has a way to show that love, and I love it!

MUCH LOVE!!!

News Happenings

It's been a while since I've presented any current events. I've become a huge fan of flipboard, it's a great way to get informed about a lot of different things at once. Last night I came across this, Brown approves driver's licenses for young undocumented immigrants. You have no idea how much happiness this brought to me at 12:09am.

This is such a great advantage to have, you no longer have your hands tied about getting around. You can work! You have an identity supported by the government! I realize these things sound silly to most of you, but these are the things you stress out about as an undocumented immigrant.

I just can't say enough how much it means to see this happening, and on top of the deferment for DREAMers right now. It's beautiful. Right now is the time for happiness for this particular population. It's too bad this is just happening now, I certainly wish it would've happened earlier, but I don't know that I could've held out this long. I'll say it again, I would change none of what has happened. Everything happens for a reason.

MUCH LOVE!!!

Second Interview

I just had my second interview with a school I've been on the fence about, wasn't sure if it was real or not. It feels like I conducted the interview as it was mostly me having a list of questions answered. . . seems legit. We'll see if they get back to me and what their contract looks like. She did ask if I'd be available to leave in December, which would be pretty awesome eh? We shall see.

This week I've had a lot of reflection time even though I've been working. I've had to come to terms with the fact that I may not be in the position to take off to Japan. I haven't gotten concrete answers from the source yet, but it's possible. I am ready to accept a plan B. It's difficult to hide my disappointment and frustration. I've started running, which is never a bad release of excess emotion or effect on the body.

Regardless of what may be, I am getting my Mexican passport renewed next week. I took my passport photos earlier this week so I'm ready for anything! In two weeks I get to meet with an immigration officer to discuss my real options as a Permanent Resident.

Also in two weeks I'll start my volunteer tutoring "job"! I'll be tutoring ESL students. Not the same as working with EFL students, but still students that are struggling with the language so a great learning experience nonetheless.

I'm excited for whatever comes my way :)

MUCH LOVE!!!

First Verdict

I kept in touch with one of the girls that interviewed in my group and she got a call earlier this week with an offer but no school yet. I've been pretty anxious all week waiting for my call. Today at work while finishing my break, a call came in with a New York area code and I thought it might be AEON calling. I didn't pick it up because I had to get back to work. I spent the last of my shift thinking it was the call. Turns out it was a call completely unrelated to my teaching career. When I came home I relaxed, had lunch, and finally a couple hours after being home my mom tells me, "I wanted to wait until your dad came home but he's late. Stand up and walk towards the chimney." I got two steps to the chimney and I saw the AEON envelop, I instantly knew. It's official, Aeon will not have the honor of being represented by me next year.

Confusion and disappointment hit me. I spent the next couple hours in a cloud of anger and reflection. It took a walk to Trader Joe's and back to simmer down. I know everything happens for a reason, I truly believe that.

There are still some very important things I need to figure out before I go signing my 2013 away to Japan. As a Permanent Resident I need to maintain continuous residency if I plan to become a U.S. Citizen, which is obviously non-negotiable. Therefore I have to:
-> find out what U.S. territories will constitute maintenance of continuous residency.
-> get money together for my flight to Japan.
-> get a volunteer teaching position to gain a bit of experience.

No one likes rejection, but I am at peace with the news I received today. There is a reason for everything.

MUCH LOVE!!!

I'm still Here

This post is long over due and I apologize.

I am back in LA, and officially TEFL Certified from UCI Extension. Next year I will be in Japan, one way or another. I interviewed with AEON, made it to the final round of interviews (all two) and am now waiting on their decision. I've submitted several applications and will hopefully hear back from them as well.

I learned so much about applied linguistics and myself these last two months and met an amazing group of people. I finally feel confident and comfortable in this place in my life, and I am ready to get life on track.

MUCH LOVE!!!

The OC Life

My TEFL Certification program officially started this last Friday, June 22. I've been living in Orange Country for four days now, it feels like its been longer. We had orientation most of the day on Friday, we had our first class too! Monday all the madness will begin, the real classes will start. I have classes Monday through Friday 9am-3pm except Wednesdays, they decided to give us that day off.

I'm ready and excited for what lies ahead.

Painting Pictures

Today is Sunday June 3rd, I'm house-sitting this week and as always I wake up crazy early when I'm not in my own bed. This will be great for when I'm off in Irvine, I'll have no problem being up early to get to the gym before classes. Woohoo!

I started my morning with breakfast, and stumbled upon "Vanguard: This (Illegal) American Life", hosted by Mariana Van Zeller. What a great illustration of the two sides of this story. Allow me to share the trailer with you, just click on trailer. I tried to find the full episode but had no luck, maybe one of you will have better luck finding it, if you do please share it. I highly recommend you get your hands on it if you can. If I haven't been successful at painting a picture for you of what it is like to live undocumented you must watch this. Mariana I want to thank you for reporting on such a controversial and important part of this society.

This episode brought back all I ever felt and lived through and I could no be happier to be on the other end of this. To all those who are still waiting for their lives to be in their hands, be strong, life will get to you. I promise you that all your tears will not go unnoticed. Be strong and brave, you've made it this far.

MUCH LOVE!!!

PS: Today is exactly one month til my birthday!

TEA: Teach English Abroad

It's happening!! This week I received a welcoming e-mail to TEA, informing me about orientation and the first day of class all June 22. Woohoo!

The countdown has begun. I am feeling as excited about work as I did my first day on the job. Life is such a fabulous gift!

MUCH LOVE!!!

Share the Wealth: Happiness

I have been extremely selfish lately, keeping the mind-blowing and humbling life experiences all to myself. The last time you heard from me I had received an e-mail for that Assistant ESL Instructor opening. This morning I took the grammar portion of the exam, I felt confident for the most part. I'll find out in about two weeks whether I placed in the top 15 overall scores which will be the determining factor of whether I move on to the next level of interviews.

Things have been busy these last few weeks with my internship, I've had the chance to help out with other programs this organization has. My internship is coming to an end this Monday, we are having our culmination event and that'll be the end of it. I'll still be going into the office of course to make the last video and to make sure paperwork is in order. Click here to check out the videos I've put together myself and click -> SOSMentor ShapeUp to find out more about this wonderful organization. Photos and video are all done by yours truly.

Work at the retail store is very blah these days, I go in about every other day, about 4 times a week for four hour shifts. It is honestly very irritating but kind of nice because it allows me to reset myself and not be too annoyed when I'm there. I have now focused on enjoying my coworkers more than meeting specific sales numbers etc. Don't get the wrong idea, I still provide exceptional attention to customers when they need help, I am just not completely consumed with attaining specific sales numbers etc.

The certification program for UCI Extension starts June 22. I'll probably move that same week, into a place that has been donated to me, you heard right. My humbling experience for this week was meeting this wonderful woman who is a friend of a friend. I was introduced to her many many years ago without my knowing (Yes, that is possible). She has known me, not personally but through the words of a special someone who only speaks wonders of me. We have finally met after more than a decade of her knowing about me and she has changed my life. I've only known her for three days now, how has she changed my life you wonder . . .

I was originally introduced to her to house-sit. The day after we finally met at her house she calls me offering me to stay at her house in the Orange Country area, free of charge!!! You know that sinking feeling when you're descending on a roller coaster? That's exactly the feeling that came over me, not believing what I was hearing. I was in utter disbelief as I reflected on the curves life has thrown at me, both painful and rewarding. Life has such an unbelievable way of making up for its hard times.

I cannot say it enough, I LOVE LIFE! I LOVE LIFE! I LOVE LIFE!

Just one last thing I forgot to mention. I apologize for keeping all the excitement to myself, it has officially been one year since I received my Permanent Residency!!! Another thing I realized is that I get to have a double celebration on my birthday. May 3rd is the day my Residency was officially approved. July 3rd is the day I was born :) I always look forward to my birthday but this is going to be an exceptionally special one.

Thank you for keeping up.

MUCH LOVE!!!

Almost one year

Today I woke up to a wonderful email from a prospective job! I don't even have my certification to teach English yet and I'm already getting jobs! (well just one for now). It's not the job yet, but I got chosen to go into the first phase of the interview process. They will test my brain first, I will read as many books as possible in the next two weeks to pump up on my grammar. I'm nervous! It's funny because just yesterday my dad and I were talking about this job and how I'd given up hope I would get called to interview. I need to stop underestimating myself so much.

I have so much to look forward to these next few months! My internship is coming to a close in two weeks and a couple weeks later I'm off to Irvine! After Irvine it is a blur of more excitement because I'll have real opportunities to flourish. Life is finally coming together for me and this week it is going to be my one year anniversary since freedom. How far we've come, I love you life!

MUCH LOVE!!!

ONE. STEP. AT A TIME.

I've been feeling suffocated lately. Trapped. In terms of my career and money - what else do people worry about in life? I'm not good for a desk job on paper, they don't pay well, and yet I don't have experience for anything better.

This rat in a wheel feeling is not what I went to college for. Not what my parents moved to this country for. I realize this sounds like I take myself too seriously, but I constantly forget that I just started my life a year ago (omg it's almost going to be a year!!!!) Some of you may be thinking that I'm crazy for wanting to be settled into a successful job at this point (but it's not crazy). I'm so good at fooling myself into thinking I am like everyone else, I've been doing it since I was 8, and therefore I hold myself to the regular person's standards.

The great people surrounding my life right now are mostly younger than me, not that much younger than me, 2-4 year difference. And they are doing so well for themselves. It honestly makes me feel like a failure sometimes. I can't let go of the fact that I'm 25 and not independent and powerful. That's all I always dreamed of. I'm still working on accepting the cards life dealt me. It's going to take me a while to internalize the fact that I'm not like everyone else and accept that in time I will be where I need to be.

This post isn't meant to worry you, we all have life circumstances we have to come to terms with and be flexible. Life will give if you ask.

My time has come. Today, after a day of work with technology and Nutrition Workshop with my internship I checked my email and found a congratulatory letter from TEA (That stands for Teach English Abroad) UCI Extension!! This summer my life is going to change. I feel rejuvenated, purposeful, with a nice spring to my step. I had to blast my happy music in the car on my way home.

Watch out world. I am going to change you.

MUCH LOVE!!!

Changes

This will be the only day I post multiple posts (unless extenuating circumstances present themselves of course), this will be short and sweet. I just want to point out that I've finally changed my username. No longer CagedBird, as I am no longer shackled by the chains of being undocumented, this is long overdue I know. Also, the summary of this blog has been updated for a better understanding of the purpose of this blog.

Thank you for your time :)

Have a wonderful day!

The Immigrant in Your Life

I've got so much to say! This morning I saw an article that reminded me I meant to share something with you the other day but I didn't want to bombard you with multiple posts in one day and then I got busy. So here we are today.

First, I want to share a personal achievement with my interweb readers and friends. As most of you know I work in retail. It's not for me, I still can't figure out whether an existing position there truly fits me. A position I've been filling recently is one that doesn't formally exist but I've been playing all my life and am finally getting paid for it (kind of), translator. I get called for customer service in Spanish for sales, and customer service for repairs. I constantly feel like I'm the only one that speaks Spanish. I love it! Whenever I get asked to translate I feel extremely empowered and useful, my Spanish has improved so much. I can hardly believe how comfortable I feel speaking it on the job. I could totally live an all-Spanish speaking life. . . maybe haha.

Second order of business. Have you seen in the news that several people in places of power are advocating for Driver License to be given to undocumented immigrants? LA Police Chief Charlie Beck spoke out about this about a week ago, and a couple days ago Assemblyman Cedillo launched his bid for the same cause. This sincerely warms my heart yet worries me at the same time. If you read the article about Police Chief Charlie (which I've linked in their names), he believes Driver Licenses for undocumented immigrants should be labeled differently. I realize that any undocumented immigrant with the opportunity to have a Driver License, having the ability to avoid having his car impounded or possibly going to jail, would take it. But would they go for it if it was labelled saying: Provisional Driver License based on immigration status? I feel like this is going to lead to discrimination.

I know that when I was undocumented I wanted no one to know about it. I did everything not to be reminded of it, maybe it is different to be undocumented as a full grown adult? Perhaps you see things different. I suppose if you are a father and husband, with the chance to not get in trouble for driving "illegally" you'd take it because it would be one less thing to worry about. Now aside from the possible discrimination, I think this is great and it should be seriously considered. Driver License or not, an undocumented immigrant will drive because they need to survive. They didn't risk their lives crossing the border to sit around afraid to drive to work because they don't have a plastic card that says they can drive. Plus, there are plenty of people out there with those little plastic cards claiming they can drive and certainly put us in greater danger than the undocumented immigrants. Let me not get side-tracked. I am just trying to make a point. Aren't undocumented immigrants living with the shorter end of the stick as it is? First their countries are left with no chances for providing jobs since companies have infiltrated their industries and economies? They risk their lives coming to the land of promise to pick our vegetables, work the slaughter houses for your meats, take over your mom roles, keep your home, maintain your lawn, pick up your trash, make your food at your fancy restaurant so you don't have to go home and make it yourself? Isn't it time this country does something to recognize their extremely important role in this economy and society? Allowing them a Driver License is the least that can be done for them.

When government asks for your opinion about this, think about how much of your daily life depends on the presence of undocumented immigrants before you ask that they be sent back to their countries.

I think I've said my peace for today. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts with me! I love seeing how much more traffic is coming through here, I would love to hear from some of you.

MUCH LOVE!!!

Big Week!

I've been looking forward to this week and for good reason. I started the SOSMentor internship yesterday, it was so great having something that makes sense in my life. Working at my current job only makes sense because it's challenging and constantly evolving but it ends there. I need to make a more obvious and meaningful change in people's lives. As the intern for SOSMentor I act as an assistant to the teacher leading the workshops on healthy eating as well as the one in charge of making sure the program continues getting its funding. I get to make videos, take pictures, collect information, etc, etc. I'll share more as it becomes more involved.

W2 forms came in the mail a couple months ago, it was honestly intimidating. I started asking friends where they file their taxes, how they file their taxes, lots of interrogating. Since of course nothing in my life can be plain and simple I realized I'd have to find someone to do my taxes for me, turbotax was not going to work for me. Finally today I got to searching, and I got an estimate from H&R Block and then another one. The second one won. So today I filed my taxes!!! I'm a real working girl now! I'm very hopeful as I'll be closer to meeting monetary goals for getting certified to teach abroad with the tax return.

I've started writing my Personal Statement for the scholarship I'll be applying for. I've had a couple times where I've changed my mind about getting certified knowing that having this internship I'll have great prospective for a more fitting job, but travelling is a must. I need to reset my mind, my person so I can make better decisions in life. My momentary change of heart about the program was set off by a girl from work leaving to Japan to teach English. A coworker made a hateful comment about how everyone goes abroad to teach English. Writing about this now makes me think that she was jealous, who knows, it really doesn't matter. Everyone has their reasons for choosing their paths in life and it doesn't make it wrong. I'm excited!

I feel that ultimately regardless of what field I end up focusing on, there will be teaching involved. Active teaching. I'm excited.


MUCH LOVE!!

Time Needs Time

I'm sorry an update is way overdue especially since the last post is about me possibly getting Citizenship much earlier than expected. I did a little more digging and it turns out it's actually 5 years. Shame shame on the person who falsely got my hopes up, but it's ok life is still great!

I've been having a lot of free time, that dangerous free time for self-evaluation where I made myself think I'm wasting my time and need to do more. We are our most demanding critic after all. My time needs to be filled with productive, soul-fulfilling activities. On my days off I've been hiking and playing beach volleyball. I still can't get myself back to the gym, but one of these days. I also made some Ninja-speed moves and I now have a Nutrition Internship with SOSMentor. I'll be working at Uni High with an after-school program that teaches kids about healthy eating and proper ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I'll also get to do an eating disorders internship which will be once a month. SOSMentor will be for about 15 weeks and I am going to learn so much and I am sooooo excited!

The interview for the internship was today, I'd gotten an email from them a couple days ago saying my resume was "impressive". That made me feel so great! The last couple weeks have definitely picked up and I'm so excited for the weeks to come. I've set several goals for myself and I am finally coming to terms that I need to give time, time.

I've decided I need to travel, so I am going to get my certificate to teach English abroad. That way, I'll get my fulfilling life experience on as well as my travel in. I'll do that for a couple years and then come back and get my Masters, in what, right now it is up in the air whether it'll be in Nutrition or Latina American Studies and MBA. We shall seeee.

Life is beautiful.

LOTS OF LOVE!!!

A New Year

These last 6 months have been the best 6 months of my life yet, I grew and learned so much. Today I found out that instead of having to wait 5 years for my Citizenship it's only 6 months since I got my Residency based on my Dad's status. I just went back and it is going to be 7 months on the 3rd! Wowsers.

Here goes an amazing full year of all-out opportunities. Big move in life to be made this year. GRE. Grad school. Better job? Travelling! Visiting Mexico!!! I've decided I'm going to keep pursuing my nutrition/trainer dream. Life decisions are so intimidating but we all go through them. I've finally accepted and come to terms that it is impossible to make the absolute "right" decision. You have to start somewhere.

I am so excited!

MUCH LOVE!!!