Smith Fellowship to Argentina (2026)

Kindness I have learned that receiving acts of kindness is a kindness in itself. I’ve always loved giving aid but hated receiving it. Now I have learned to both give and receive, and have become better because of it. Every single day here, I am blown away by the kindness that is displayed by all those around me. From the students to the professors to the sisters to friends to strangers, there is a consideration and care for others that permeates every environment here. Let’s start in the school. The students are all so incredibly welcoming. They share their mate, their food, and their stories. I have more drawings and letters than I can count, and have taken more selfies and photos than ever before. One student in particular stood out. Memi, a senior here, loves to sing and play guitar. During a conversation, she mentioned that she would be performing at a concert, and I expressed interest in attending. It was more of a passing remark than anything, as I didn’t know whether I’d be allo...

 

An Ode to Women  Ninety percent of those I interact with daily are women: las hermanas, las profesoras, las estudiantes, mis amigas. In being so completely surrounded by them, my appreciation for my own sex has profoundly increased. Saint Teresa of Ávila once declared that she desired her convent to be a home where “all must be friends, all must be loved, all must be held dear, all must be helped.” How perfectly the sisters I live with embody this spirit. They are always looking out for one another—and for me. Sometimes in small ways, such as noticing the foods I like and going out of their way to buy them. Sometimes in larger ways, such as helping me find time with a very busy priest so that I could go to confession. Gabby taking me along on her walks when she discovered that I, too, love walking. Ro getting me an alfajor for the long bus ride to Buenos Aires. Grace helping me translate. Mariana inviting me to a garden party. These women show me daily acts of kindness. I believe ...

 

 

           "Give it four days," our desert guides Chris and CC said. "Thats the magic number, we don't know why, but it is." I decided that I would live by that here. After 4 days, you get used to the tempature, the sleep schedule, the food. Reality sinks in and you understand that you are here to stay. I have already lost track of what day it is, but I know that I have actually had the opportunity to teach for more than 4 days now. My camera roll is now littered with videos of me teaching "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," "If you're happy and you know it," and other songs. Photos of students beaming from ear to ear, a recent trip to the affulent downtown, and some photos of the garden in the court yard.       My stomach has begun to adjust to the different meal times. A normal day of eating used to be a large breakfast around 9, lunch at noon, and dinner around 6, with some snacks scattered throughout the day. Here however, "brea...