Random Thoughts

So today was hump day! Another Wednesday in the books. I can feel that Christmas is getting closer. In class, we're listening to Christmas songs and the students fill in random blanks that correspond with the words they hear. Today, we listened to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" song. Yeah, a classic and one song that I really do like! I had both 3rd grade classes today and one 1st grade class, so not too bad of a day. I had quite a bit of down time so I actually studied some Kanji and worked on some other lesson planning.

As well, I didn't have as many classes today because there was a calligraphy instructor that came in to teach the kids calligraphy. And by calligraphy, I mean for Kanji. It's quite difficult! I visited the class while the kids were working on writing and some of the kids wanted me to try it. And so I did....but it was difficult!! Haha, I wrote my own name and even that was hard. It's not hard because I don't know how to write my name...but the brush and the strokes you need to use are different. It's a large brush. Think about trying to use a pointed paint brush or something and then trying to write legible characters. So my name looked "pretty" decent and legible, but definitely not official "Japanese Calligraphy" good.

But there were random thoughts that came to my mind as I was going about during the day. I was just thinking about how quickly my time is going by here in Japan and how much I've really enjoyed it here. And it's sad, because I came in at mid-year, so I only get to spend half the year with the 3rd graders who will be graduating this coming March. It seems far away, but really it's only a few short months away. And I was actually starting to feel sad inside...(tear tear) because I really do like the kids. They are all great and really funny, and they are all so kind and warm to me. Although not every single one always tries during English class or they may not be on their best behavior at every moment, I've really become attached to them and they're growing on me. It's going to be very sad when I see them graduate and it's time to really say "goodbye" and not just in the classroom context to end the class period.

Since the first day that I met them, the students were all curious about me and have treated me very well. I always feel very well respected by all the students and they definitely appreciate having me around. And I have a lot of fun talking with them and getting to know all of them. So it's going to be sad when the students that I'm used to talking with won't be there next year...I know today's post is sappy and sad, but it's true!

I guess what I'm trying to say is, that I really appreciate all the kids and people at my school. Before coming to Japan, I really had no idea what to expect. Sometimes, I thought that I was crazy for quitting my job at Target where I was getting good work experience and getting paid very well. It was a stable job and I could have worked there for the next 30-40 years of my life and been very comfortable. But after having thought about it over these past few months, I know that I made the right decision to come to Japan and get the work experience and life experience over here. I've made many new friends and formed new relationships that I would never find anywhere else. I've also seen and understand more about Japan and the rest of the world which I would not have seen if I were still in America. As well, the people at my school are incredible people who have taken me in with open arms and taught me lots. In exchange, I have obviously taught them a lot about English language and American culture. So I know it is a mutual benefit. But I feel that they have done so much to accommodate me and to host me in this country.

Well, I'm sure there is more exchange and other experiences to be shared while I spend the next X amount of time in Japan. All I can do right now is take advantage of the time I have with everyone and enjoy it!