I decided to make a compilation of some of the life lessons and other interesting things I've learned while I've been on the Rez.
Environmental lessons:
- Sand and dirt get through everything. Everything.
- Don't step in the weeds. You may have stepped on some bullheads, which are just annoying and painful if they get through your shoes.
- Climbing rocks is actually pretty easy... at least the rocks I've climbed.
- Driving an hour to get somewhere isn't really all that bad.
- Once on the Reservation, you'll want to take a dog home realllllllly bad.
- If you want a training course for how the dirt roads are out here, go to Monument Valley Tribal Park and do the loop drive. It's just as bad as most of the rez backroads.
- Take as many photos as possible.
- Always carry cash with you... try to keep fives and ones if possible. If you buy something from a vendor, they may not have any change.
- If you're ever in the area, go to Goosenecks State Park in Mexican Hat, UT at night. The stars are fantastic, but it's super windy. Take a jacket, and possibly a sleeping bag.
- Canyon de Chelly is pronounced Canyon de Shay. It's from the Spanish spelling, so it's easily confused. Also, Canyon de Chelly is pretty cool. It's free, and it's awesome. You should go if you can.
- Fair season is the best. There is always something going on each weekend, and there are constantly parades. It is also pageant season for the little girls and the older girls who want to be their school princesses.
School lessons:
- Kids are kids. No matter where you are.
- The kids here eat way too much ground beef at school. And it's supposed to be a "healthy" lunch menu.
- Some kids have no respect. Their home lives are very difficult, and it is hard to deal with, but it's reality. You just have to do your best and try to get through to them.
- Being fenced in isn't fun.
- Don't talk about school with anyone. Ever. Just don't do it. It's really hard not to, but you'll be thankful you didn't talk about it.
- Always stay positive. Even when it seems really hard. I learned this with one of my students. He was having difficulties behaving in class, so we talked to his parents multiple times about his behavior. They said they had no idea what was going on with their son, and that they would talk to him. It worked for awhile, but his poor behavior started to creep back. I just had to remain positive with him and get really excited when he was having a good day. It turned out there were some issues at home the parents either didn't care to talk about or didn't think would matter.
- Some kids like sad or mad faces on their homework instead of happy faces.
- Smelly stickers are the best.
- Dances for 1st-8th grades are kind of crazy.
Fashion lessons:
- Cowboy/cowgirl boots are acceptable as everyday footwear, all year long.
- Dresses are the best, because if you happen to lose some weight, they usually still fit. Especially if they have a tie around the waist.
- Leggings make for great fall fashion underneath those dresses you wore all summer.
- Layering is essential. When you leave for breakfast at 6:30 in the morning, it may feel like it's 35 degrees out, but when you're walking back to the dorm at 4, it could be 80 degrees out. Also, if you layer a more conservative cami under your tops, there will be no worries about showing too much skin. Standards are different here than at home.
- The super-lightweight breathable tennis shoes are wonderful, but sand gets into them SO easily.
Lessons about home:
- Missing your family and friends is hard, but talking to them on the phone or skyping with them can be enough to get you through four months away from home.
- Texting is an excellent way to keep in touch with people.
- Facebook is an important link to those near and far. Sometimes it's even better than the phone. Sad, I know.
- Home is where you make it. I keep calling the dorm "home."
Lessons about relationships:
- The phone and Skype became my favorite ways to contact people.
- Post those photos to Facebook. It will help others feel connected to you, and you'll feel the love because people will probably comment on them. :)
- Even just a text a week can make someone feel super-loved. Keep that in mind.
