Summer break is a time of boundless adventures and healing. Students all eagerly await this exhilarating moment when they finally break free from the stressful and competitive school environment. Though it may not seem like it, even teachers we see everyday, meticulously grading an endless pile of tests or diligently planning the next one hour lecture, think the exact same way about their upcoming vacations. The teachers’ fascinating lives and stories are revealed to their fullest in the summer.
Most SIS teachers plan to have a vacation of relaxation, with yoga and detox retreats emerging as one of the more popular choices. Kendall Sadler, English teacher, has plans for a five day yoga retreat in Bali to maintain her fit and healthy lifestyle within the tranquility and relaxing atmosphere of Bali. Similarly, Cecilia Michan, Spanish teacher, has enrolled for the retreat in Thailand to restore and strengthen her physical and mental stamina before another laborious school year.
“I love teaching Spanish, I love what I do, but it is nice to take a summer break and recharge for the next year,” Ms. Michan said. “I need time for myself and to catch up with my friends and family in Mexico, visit Señora Morales’s home country in Bolivia, and relax in Thailand. A yoga retreat would help in keeping me stress free and healthy in the summer. It’s something that I’m really looking forward to participating this summer.”
Summer vacation also provides the optimal opportunity for teachers to reconnect with old companions and family members overseas. Ms. Sadler plans on visiting her sister in Washington to hopefully help after the birth of her niece. James Tyvand, world history teacher, seems to also be focused on rebonding with his family members in Colorado and California, while enjoying the parameters of his newly bought vacation home in Oregon placed near some of the best hiking trails, rivers, and waterparks in the state.
Amidst the fun most teachers are generally looking forward to, Jonathan Ames, world history teacher, is planning to attend the renowned World Cup in Russia to avidly root for South Korea. His trip to the world tournament would be accompanied by his wife and Mark Dominguez, middle school math teacher.
“I am very excited to go to my first World Cup in Russia this summer,” Mr. Ames said. “I will be following and cheering for the Korean national team for all three of its opening matches in the different cities around Russia. You can look for me on television. One day I’ll be wearing a Hanbok as a Korean national dress, the next day a Korean flag, and maybe I’ll even dress up as a Korean superhero.”
Mr. Dominguez recounts winning the ticket raffle for the soccer championship and expressed his frenzy for the sport like many Mexicans and Latin Americans worldwide. He has attended the previous 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but is even more thrilled to be touring the seven cities of Russia, a culture that he is willing to explore with open mindedness and fascination. To spice things up even more, he also desires to make an appearance on international television by wearing a vibrant and flashy Kakao character costume with his wife during the games. Though concerned about the logistics of the trip — finding hotel accommodations and efficient transportation routes — nothing seems to get in the way for his summer dream to come true.
Even two months can bring forth a lot of adrenaline-pumping opportunities for teachers and a necessary healing time to relax and socialize. Teachers, no matter how monotonous their teaching schedules and routines may appear to be, have similar expectations for an unforgettable summer break.