Cristi Marchetti has traveled abroad before.
This time, however, the Lehighton Area High School teacher has a younger sidekick, her daughter Vivian, and she is seeing the world through a different lens.
Marchetti is one of 45 U.S. citizens traveling abroad through the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program in 2016-17. She is based out of Queen’s University Belfast researching Full Service Extended Schools and Community Use of Schools.
Vivian, meanwhile, is attending a partial term at the Preparatory School of Victoria College in Belfast. She is in second grade in Lehighton Area School District.
“I get to see the experience through her eyes,” Marchetti said. “Most surprising to me about her time here is what she’s reading for school. She brings home a book every week and likes them so much she reads the whole thing while I make dinner — she can’t stop on the page she’s supposed to.”
The books aren’t exactly your standard second-grade subject matter either.
Topics have included the Tower of London, including the bits about torture; bushwhacking, including basic survival skills; free trade; and The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“The kids in her class not only know and understand these topics, but have opinions about them and enjoy having dialogue with adults on the subjects,” Marchetti said. “As a parent, I still saw Vivian as being in learning mode, but parents here seem to expect their kids to engage with these big concepts at a young age.”
While that surprises mom, Vivian has a much more obvious observation.
“They drive on the wrong side of the road,” Vivian said.
Though the Fulbright research is clearly Marchetti’s cup of tea, she admits to missing the people back home.
To her students, however, she has not been a stranger.
“I was able to help a student with a speech she gave and it was wonderful to FaceTime with her from the Botanic Garden,” Marchetti said. “Vivian and I video chat with family and friends regularly and there are often letters and cards in the mailbox for Vivian. Visitors have kept us connected, too, but it’s not the same as seeing each other on a daily basis.”
Luckily for both of them, a familiar face will be making the trek across the pond next month.
Mahoning Elementary teacher Shirley Rodgers will be popping over for a visit.
“Aaron Sebelin, her principal is looking forward to FaceTiming or Skyping with her and Vivian while Mrs. Rodgers is visiting,” Marchetti added.
The Times News asked its readers a set of survey questions such as what would you like to know about Belfast, what foods would you like her to try and what most concerns you about connecting with your community?
Marchetti answered many of the survey responses in a recent blog post.
On the topic of food, Marchetti said the best known dish in Northern Ireland is the Ulster fry, which is distinguished by its griddle breads, soda bread and potato farls, fried until crisp and golden.
“As for me, I love their soups,” she said. “Irish stews and broths are divine.”
Irish stew is a hearty casserole traditionally made with meat, potatoes, carrots and onions.
Belfast is a place you could feel comfortable, Marchetti added.
“In fact, no matter where I’ve gone in this city, the people are friendly and welcoming and engaging,” she said. “Vivian and I have been to all parts of Belfast — north, south, east, west — and I have never felt our personal safety was in jeopardy.”
The people in Belfast are friendlier than any other place, she added.
“In Belfast, for example, when high school age kids see Vivian, they moderate their behavior and are more respectful because a kid is around,” Marchetti said.
From her personal experience, the people in Belfast, including those in the government, like Americans very much, but are “mystified by what’s happening politically in the United States.”
Cristi and Vivian’s upcoming schedule remains packed.
The duo will be seeing Romeo and Juliet at The Globe Theatre and have tickets to see the Harry Potter Movie Studio.
A full list of Marchetti’s responses and more on her experiences can be found on her blog at http://cristimarchetti.blogspot.com.
Fulbright award teacher shares experience with her daughter