I've learned to try new things. I live with a host family and my host mom cooks every meal for us, and if you don't eat what she makes, you're pretty much out of luck. I´ve tried so many foods I never would have eaten in the United States, and for the most part everything has been delicious. The point of studying abroad is to learn about other cultures and in doing so develop as a person and learn more about yourself through new experiences. You´re in a new country, so you might as well step outside of yourself and try things that you might never have had the nerve, desire, or opportunity to do at home. I discovered, for example, that I love salsa dancing. Two nights ago we went to La Salsera, danced till two or three in the morning, I´ve never had as much fun.
       I´ve also learned that I didn't realize how spoiled a life I lead back in the US. Never again will I take for granted a warm shower. Not even a long, hot shower, but a warm shower. The water in our apartment is ice cold and you're lucky if the water is lukewarm at the end of a shower. While there are many such luxuries that I cannot wait to return to, life in Granada has many advantages (fresh bread and homemade food everyday, living amongst all things historical, etc.) that I know I'm going to miss when my five months here are up.

by Jamie Curtis

       For those math majors out there that are interested in mathematics education and teaching, this is for you. As I am sure many of you are aware, there are tests you have to take, and pass, to become a certified teacher. All teachers in Oregon have to pass the MSATs which is the Multiple Subject Assessment Test for Teachers. This test covers topics from math, social studies, physical education, and art to literature. The test consists of 50 multiple choice questions and about 18 mini essays. Most all who take the test feel the effects of tired hands and brains by the end. It is a challenging test, but very doable if you want to become a teacher. 
       Those who want to teach in secondary schools must also take a test in their subject area. Most high school teachers have an undergraduate degree in their subject area. I am focusing on becoming a high school math teacher so on January 8^th I took the PRAXIS mathematics exam. The Praxis series is a series of Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers. They offer exams in any field that has requirements for teachers. The required tests vary state by state. Oregon has some of the highest standards for beginning teachers. 
       Oregon requires mathematics teachers to take two tests. The first test is Content Knowledge. This test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. From experience I will tell you that the Math track for Secondary Teachers is geared towards this test. The test covers arithmetic and basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, functions and their graphs, calculus, probability and statistics, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, computer science as well as mathematical reasoning and modeling. If you want to be a mathematics teacher and plan on teaching, I would suggest working hard to complete as many classes as early as you can so that you will be prepared for this exam. The questions range in difficulty, but one main challenge is that the exam covers such a broad range of subjects yet there are only 50 questions.