I passed through the giant metal doors and continued around the corner to the main courtyard to find the students and teachers in a Mass. I made my way quietly to where a few teachers were observing and I began listening to the Father who was in the middle of his Sermon. He spoke about the dangers of online friendships, how you don’t really know who you’re talking to. He pleaded with the students to put down their phones and focus on the friend in front of them. He warned against a world in which we all pay more attention to the Internet than our fellow man. I could see the students growing restless, and hoped that at least a few would take his words to heart.
Many of them were eager to continue with the day’s events. It was Friday and the school was celebrating its anniversary, what I’ve come to equate to a Homecoming back in the States. I participated in the secondary school’s anniversary the year before, but was much more in tune with what was going on this year.
There had been activities all week. A Coronation to choose the Queens, soccer and volleyball games, and competitions in various subject areas. Classes had been canceled both Thursday and Friday for the activities, and the activities weren’t just for current students. Teachers from Julio Ponce played a game of volleyball against teachers from the other high school in town. Alumni (namely the graduating class of 1992) competed against current students.
On Friday, students gathered for a Mass, and then a ceremony consisting of performances mixed with awards being distributed. Teachers were honored for their dedication to the students and the school. Students were given prizes for competitions held earlier in the week. Groups executed well-rehearsed dances to the delight of the crowd. The environment was lighthearted, fun, and full of positive energy. I couldn’t help but get caught up in the moment.
Afterwards, the students were dismissed and I went with the teachers to enjoy a lunch. We feasted on ceviche, rice with duck, pisco sours, beer and Coca-Cola. We then danced to all sorts of music- cumbia, salsa and the likes. A few hours later, I called it a day and went home, grateful for the anniversary celebrations and how inclusive the school had been.
On Sunday, I walked to the main plaza where students, teachers and community members had congregated to continue the anniversary celebrations. The crowned anniversary queens, teachers and staff, members of the municipality and the student marching band walked around the square to kick off the event. Afterwards, flags were raised, the National Anthem was sung, and the Director gave a brief speech. Everyone once again lined up in the street for the official parade, similar to the one for Fiestas Patrias. Each graduating class that was represented walked the 100 meters or so of the street to applause, followed by teachers and then students. After, the school held a marching contest.
Since the conclusion of the events, I have found myself reflecting on the Father’s words, his plea and his warning. At times, I am no better than the students he was trying to reach. I have found myself glued to the Internet, ignoring people right in front of me to send a message or “like” a status update. But, sometimes this constant connection to my life in the States inhibits how much I can live in the moment here. And, it’s in the moments when I am without Internet, soaking in my surroundings that I really feel more connected. More connected to my host community, to nature, and most importantly to myself. When I’m offline, I’m able to thoroughly enjoy the volleyball games, the dancing events, the lunches with the teachers and the parades.
We only have one chance to live in the present, so why not?
Happy 54th Anniversary I.E. Julio Ponce Antunez de Mayolo, and thank you for teaching me something.
Brittany McGee 