If  teachers were assigned the famous “What I Did Over Summer Vacation” essay, Bridgeport High School’s Jenny Santilli would have quite a tale.  After teaching Spanish for 36 years, she was selected to spend two weeks in Cuernavaca, Mexico and experience life fully immersed in all things Spanish.  The unique opportunity came about when she won a scholarship to attend the Cemanahuac Education Institute, which included boarding with a local family, tuition and classes.

 

Although Santilli had visited Mexico five times prior to this trip, she had never gone with the intention of full immersion in the culture, language, arts and music.  Speaking only Spanish for the duration of the trip, she grew in her knowledge of conversational and advanced grammar as well as learning more about the day to day cultural norms and the history of Mexico.

 

One teacher is chosen from each state to attend the institute, which is located near Mexico City.  She was paired with a different roommate each week and attended classes each morning that focused on grammar and culture. 

“The classes were very intense,” she said.  “We listened to talk shows, music, stories, and interviews in an effort to better grasp the way the language is used by the locals. I also had the opportunity to tutor my host family in English and learn new ways to implement activities in my classroom.”

 

After class, the group visited the main town square, Zocalo, where they shopped at artisan markets, observed vendors, and partook of local cuisine. Although the area does have modern malls and stores, the traditional markets proved to be more intriguing as the merchants sold hand-made wares such as jewelry, ceramics, and bags.

 

“We visited Taxco, the Silver Capital, and witnessed demonstrations of how they create the ornate silver jewelry and pieces,” she said.  “We also toured the botanical gardens and a local drink company that specialized in unique tonics.”

 

Sometimes the art, history and culture collided to make an indelible mark on the group.  One such case happened when Santilli and a fellow student, Father Jim, were able to meet the local Bishop at the oldest Catholic church in the area. 

 

Unlike many of the teachers attending the institute, Father Jim was not learning Spanish in order to teach it back in his hometown of Chicago.  He was learning it in order to better communicate with his Hispanic students when teaching religion and English.  He blessed Santilli’s rosary and attended mass with her, where the duo witnessed the Bishop’s blessing.

 

In addition to adjusting to local directions, transportation and cuisine, Santilli marveled at the structures, both man-made and natural.

 

“One of the highlights was visiting the Pyramid of the Sun,” she said.  “We climbed the very steep structure and felt the energy shift as we reached the pinnacle.  We also had the opportunity to visit the Aztec ruins in Xochicalco, who were known for their astronomy skills.  There was a hole in the cave that created the set point to chart the stars, moon, and planets.  It was very emotional to feel God’s power in these places.”

 

Because art is such a part of Mexico, the group visited several studios.  LaTallera Studio by Siqueiros was designed to mimic the energy and creativity of women.  The Robert Brady Museum featured renowned artist Frida Kahlo’s work as well as works by Diego Ribiera.  The site was originally part of a monastery and had artifacts from all over the world.

 

 

“The Grotto Cacahuamilpa was a transformative collection of caves that made time stand still,” she said.  “The hiking was intense but so worth it to witness the beauty within.”

 

While on a daily excursion to the Aztec ruins, the group observed three fields for an ancient ball game called Tlatchtli. Played with a hard rubber ball on a long, narrow field, players used only their hips, shoulders and chest to try to get the ball through a ring.  Tradition says that the captain of the team was beheaded, which was an honor since the sport was played for the gods and had a spiritual incentive rather than a competitive one.

 

To finish off her summer adventure, Santilli had a meal that featured locally grown rice made from Japanese Mexicans interned during WWII.  Then, the group went Salsa dancing, wrapping up two incredible weeks of cultural immersion. 

 

“I am looking forward to sharing the stories of the trip with my students,” she said.  “It expanded my base of advanced grammar and helped me incorporate more everyday words into activities.  I also learned a lot more about Mexican history as I walked the very grounds on which it happened.”

 

Santilli will be one of the co-organizers of the annual International Fair held at BHS in November and will showcase some of her photos and souvenirs from the trip.