Magistral vs. Practical

Always go to the practical class, but the magistral is optional ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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My classes this semester are very interesting, but the setup is different from what I'm use to. For each class there is a practical, which is a small class where you work in groups to discuss the topic. Then there is the magistral, which is a large class where the professor lectures. My first full practical class was in Social Research Design. I've never learned how to research properly, so I thought it would be a fun class to take. Turns out that the students from UC3M have taken 6 classes that were similar to this class. Unfortunately, in our first practical class, those students ended up complaining to the professor the entire time about how it seems the same as their other classes and that they don't see a point in being there. In all honesty it seemed a little disrespectful to the professors and the students because I was there to learn and the professors wanted to teach us, but instead they wasted the entire class time. Who knows, maybe they would have learned something new.

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This past week has been an adventure. I started classes this week and realized I have a lot of time on my hands because I'm only taking 4 classes. I've met at least one person in each of my classes and I continue to meet new people every day. On Monday, I had four classes and I met my buddy, Juan! Then I went out with friends (bottom row, middle picture) and had a great time. On Tuesday, I rested and my homework for the week. On Wednesday, I only had one class, but I met up with Juan and Andrea (Juan's friend) and we had lunch together. On Thursday, I had three classes and then I went for tapas with Armana and new friends from CIEE (a program in some universities in the US). On Friday, I stayed the night at my great-aunt's house, which allowed me to spend time with her, my uncle and Amanda. When I went back to my apartment on Saturday I finished all my homework for the weekend because I wasn't going to have time on Sunday. On Sunday, I went to Toledo for the day with Pancho, Chris, MariJose, Ryan, and Armana (second row from the bottom, first picture, left to right). Toledo was absolutely gorgeous (almost every picture above)!!! We went on a free tour where I learned a few legends of Toledo, then we went to the third largest cathedral in the world (third row from the bottom, far right)! It was beautiful! After the cathedral, we went to Alcázar, which is a castle in Toledo. My favorite part was the courtyard (second row from the top, middle picture). Then we explored random places, which was a lot of fun! I was definitely exhausted after such a long day. However, on my way home, I found out that Chris (fourth row from the bottom, far right and far left photos) a) lived in Getafe and b) was a Christian! So we took the same route home and talked the entire time about our faith and how things were going spiritually so far. It was definitely an answer to prayers to find someone who is also truly pursuing Christ.

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During this next week, please pray for rest and safe travels! It has been a challenge to balance my me-time and spending time with others, and I plan to visit my family in Mallorca this weekend, which will likely be amazing but tiring. Also, please pray for wisdom in regards to churches because Chris and I are going to go to a church here in Getafe this week and I plan on going to Hillsong Madrid on Sunday. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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