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Armenian |
 Downers Grove • Illinois |
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November 22 Journal |
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PHASE TWO: THE ARMENIAN ADVENTURE CONTINUES... Armine Hovhannisyan and Ruben Grigoryan set off on the second phase of the Teacher Exchange early on Tuesday November 16, 1999 in Yerevan. They left the Zvartnots Airport of Yerevan at 4:30a.m. to travel to Zurich for a four hour layover. Their impressions of this airport were large, crowded, people hustling and not comfortable for such a long stop. They flew Swiss Air to New York's Kennedy Airport to pass customs and passport control, then transfer to a flight to Washington D.C. Arriving in D.C. they were met by an ACCELS representative David and were taken to a local hotel. They were given instructions on the metro of D.C. and after a rest were off to see the sights. Their longest stop was at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum on the Mall. After a short visit to the Washington Monument, they were off to the ACCELS office to meet Justin Gibson and David again to be briefed on the school exchange.
That evening jet lag had really set in and after some rest, Ruben became restless and ventured out on the streets of D.C. after midnight. To Ruben's amazement, he was approached by a street person and asked for money. Ruben in his mild mannered way told him he had no money and needed some too. Did he have money to give Ruben? The solicitor was not used to this type of exchange and went off on his way to hassle someone else. On Thursday, November 18, the Armenian Teacher Exchange began its second phase. On that day Ms. Merilos and Mr. Hector left school early to pick up our new guests at O'Hare Airport. After a trying experience for both, the connection was made and we met Armineh and Ruben at a different terminal and a different flight. A little scary in the world's second busiest airport. After a quick lunch we headed off to North High where Mr. Wildermuth was waiting to meet us. His kind greeting made both feel at home quickly. As we walked through the halls several students, teachers, and staff stopped to introduce themselves and welcome our Armenian teachers to our school That evening was very special. We were all guests at the National Merit Dinner in which we met the best and brightest of both North and South High Schools. A good dinner, excellent entertainment, and a chance to meet so many wonderful people was an excellent way to get acquainted to our schools. On Friday Armineh went with Ms. Merilos and Ruben with Mr. Hector. While Armineh learned about the Roman Empire, Ruben saw a film about the settlement of the American West. A conversation later proved most enlightening. Ruben told us that the film he had seen was very interesting because it criticized the government. Such a film would not have been shown in the old Soviet Union. History is very difficult to teach in his country today because no one is sure of what the truth really is.
On Saturday we went to see Chicago. The trip to Navy Pier was short but all had a good time. Looking at stores and seeing the Children's Museum proved interesting but the conversations all had taught us a great deal about each others' societies. Armineh and Ruben told us of joining communist youth groups as a natural part of growing up and the importance of education in their country's future. We learned a great deal about the political, economic and social problems that Armenia is facing. This was a real way to learn about the problems of the world. That evening Ms. Merilos fixed a wonderful dinner that was shared by friends and a Deacon from the Armenian Church. Each of us shared stories of our families and friends who have impacted our lives. The evening ended and a very tired group headed home for a good night's sleep.
Sunday meant an Open House at Mr. Hector's home. Members of the faculty of both schools stopped by to greet both of our guests and important contacts were made. Ruben handed out special gifts from his country to all who came. At the end of the day we had lots of food and a new understanding of each other. It was noted by several that the problems that teachers have in Armenia are similar to those faced here in Downers Grove. Teaching is really a very common experience. For the next several days Ruben and Armenia will be visiting both North and South. On Monday there will be a reception at North and on Tuesday it will be South. It is hoped that everyone will take the opportunity to meet these very special teachers. |
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