As I sat in my room on Thursday night, waiting until I went downstairs to greet the VOICE students, I wondered what it was going to be like for the next couple weeks. I had no idea what to really expect when I came for TESOL, so I had a very open mind.
The firstday was incredible. The level of enthusiasm of all the VOICE students was inspiring. To arrive at midnight, sleep for a few hours, and then start their day, and at the end of it still want to keep talking and interacting and learning, was impressive and showed the level of eagerness that they all have.
After breakfast the VOICE students had their first session, an orientation for the rest of their time here in Oklahoma. The 
TESOL students had class as well. Everybody got back together for lunch, and after lunch the VOICE students began the assessment tests. The tests consisted of a listening portion, a writing portion, and a speaking portion. These tests are very important so that each student can be placed in the proper level of English class.
After the testingwas over, auditions for the musical started! All of the students were divided into small groups, and practiced one of the scenes, and then performed in front of the directors of the play. It was a lot of fun to practice how to act out the different parts, and help the students learn the lines in English.
One of the most important meals of the day, dinner, was followed by a couple hours of “icebreaker” games. Simple games that helped everybody get to know each other, learn other students’ names, and be comfortable with each other.
Overall, the first day was very long and intense, but it was a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here in Oklahoma City!
–Alexander Ganahl, TESOL
http://thevoicejournal.blogspot.com
