The relationships developed over the course of two weeks were also memorable. I know is the bond and experiences I've shared will not be forgotten. This trip should be on a reality television show. Take 15 teachers from different states, of different ages, races, political beliefs, and bladder control and put them together for 15 days and see who will survive. Luckily we didn't lose anyone. It definitely was an eclectic mix of people as there was a constituent from Georgia, the Midwest, California, and other parts of the good ol' USA. I can't stress enough how varied we were, yet somehow we were able to become a cohesive unit. I have been definitely humbled in the presence of so many teachers who share a similar passion for education and thirst for knowledge. Rarely am I in such company that continues to pursue understanding of culture and history. For as strong as the relationships are, I was definitely ready to go home by the end. I do miss my wife. This has set in with the last four days in Berlin or so as I long for her company. Summer has officially started back in Michigan and I would love to sit back and enjoy our time together. Thankfully, I'll be able to start it with a rich collection of exciting memories to share. I can't thank enough the TOP organization and the GOETHE Institute for this amazing opportunity.
It was only in November that I received an email from my assistant principal that set me off towards this great adventure. Fast forward to an application obsessive submission in February, to waiting a mere two weeks for TOP to tease a picture of the applications on their Facebook page. Coming home from conferences at Van Hoosen after my wife sent me a picture of the long awaited response letter made for one of the longest drives home. Celebrating an unreal opportunity to waiting and prepping for several months made this trip have an immense pressure to deliver upon unreal expectations of hype, which it most certainly did. Communicating ahead of time with the group made for a sense of familiarity with the group before meeting in person. The smile from my face could not be removed throughout the venture to Germany. To think someone had enough faith and confidence in me to provide me with an opportunity, was the lens I had throughout this trip. Now that this is over, the minimal tasks that TOP needs of me makes me feel like I owe them so much more for what they have provided me. I can't wait to share my experiences with my family, friends, and my school community.
The relationships developed over the course of two weeks were also memorable. I know is the bond and experiences I've shared will not be forgotten. This trip should be on a reality television show. Take 15 teachers from different states, of different ages, races, political beliefs, and bladder control and put them together for 15 days and see who will survive. Luckily we didn't lose anyone. It definitely was an eclectic mix of people as there was a constituent from Georgia, the Midwest, California, and other parts of the good ol' USA. I can't stress enough how varied we were, yet somehow we were able to become a cohesive unit. I have been definitely humbled in the presence of so many teachers who share a similar passion for education and thirst for knowledge. Rarely am I in such company that continues to pursue understanding of culture and history. For as strong as the relationships are, I was definitely ready to go home by the end. I do miss my wife. This has set in with the last four days in Berlin or so as I long for her company. Summer has officially started back in Michigan and I would love to sit back and enjoy our time together. Thankfully, I'll be able to start it with a rich collection of exciting memories to share. I can't thank enough the TOP organization and the GOETHE Institute for this amazing opportunity.
4 Comments
7/1/2015 06:32:29 am
Matt,
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9/23/2015 11:43:02 am
I think it is so amazing that you got to have this experience. I really liked the part when you said this should be a reality TV show i thought that was so funny. It sounds like you had a lot of fun there. I think you should go back to Germany this year.
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Olti Jakupllari
3/21/2017 06:09:47 pm
Mr.Cottone,
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Peyton Regalado
3/22/2017 12:14:39 pm
Having this opportunity would be great. your so lucky you get to travel the world through this organisation. going to Germany would be amazing and i hope i get to do this like you some day. It looks that you had a blast! If i go i will as well i hope!
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About Matthew CottoneExperience the World! This is my creed I bring to my classroom and my life. I'm a World Studies teacher at Van Hoosen Middle School and I have a passion for learning and experiencing the world. Archives
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