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日本 ＋ 私 ＝ 愛
Mar. 25th, 2011 04:49 pmI forgot at the time, but four days ago was my one year in Japan anniversary. .^_^
The past year has had its ups and downs, of course, but even my worst day in Japan is better than... well, an average day in America.
There are still many things that are difficult for me, but I've also learned a lot. I've met a lot of great people, seen many wonderful and beautiful things, and tried all kinds of delicious, and not so delicious, foods. I've had entire conversations in Japanese. I've taught over 900 students of various ages and abilities, got to know what they're like, what they want to do, who they are. I've experienced real Japanese school life, and I've worked very hard, for a year now. I've done so much!
Wednesday I went up to my schools for the last time, to pick up my stuff that I'd left (since my time ended too suddenly) and pay for my lunches. At the junior high school they had me say a few words to the teachers in the staff room, but I didn't really know what to say, and only three people there would understand me anyway, so I just said a short "Thank you, I've had a good time." I felt a little rude, because I was very quick about coming in, getting my stuff, saying goodbye, then leaving, but the truth is, I did it like that because I didn't want to end up crying like the blubbering idiot that I am. I did get a little misty-eyed when some of the English teachers and the school's Kyoumu-sensei (head teacher) walked me out, but I didn't actually start any tears until I was gone.
But there were students roaming around, so I didn't really get to cry. .^^; Plus, I still had to go to the elementary school.
At the elementary school I also said goodbye, but they didn't have me speak to everyone at large. Someone always rushed to pour me a cup of coffee every time I went there this past year, and that day was no different. So I hung out a little bit and drank coffee, paid for my lunches. Then the Kyoto-sensei (vice principal) gave me a gift from all the teachers, which was a beautiful ceramic mug (I didn't open it until I got home, though). When she gave it to me, she said "It's ceramic, and... probably didn't get broken in the earthquake..." .^^ Leaving there, Kyoto-sensei and elementary's Kyoumu-sensei walked me out, but I didn't feel as teary. Just nostalgic.
I left Sekijyo feeling refreshed, but... I'm going to miss those schools. I'll miss my cute students and co-workers.
Now, my apartment is mostly empty. I sent the majority of my stuff off to my new place earlier today. Tomorrow someone from my new company is going to come pick me up and take me to Sano. I've spent all day cleaning, and am mostly done. For the most part, I'm ready to go.
I don't know if I'll ever come back to Chikusei. Probably will, if and when I-sensei invites me over for dinner or a BBQ or whatever. .^_^
From here on, everything will be new. New city, new school, new grades (a high school!), new students, new teachers. I'm scared! But I look forward to it.
The past year has had its ups and downs, of course, but even my worst day in Japan is better than... well, an average day in America.
There are still many things that are difficult for me, but I've also learned a lot. I've met a lot of great people, seen many wonderful and beautiful things, and tried all kinds of delicious, and not so delicious, foods. I've had entire conversations in Japanese. I've taught over 900 students of various ages and abilities, got to know what they're like, what they want to do, who they are. I've experienced real Japanese school life, and I've worked very hard, for a year now. I've done so much!
Wednesday I went up to my schools for the last time, to pick up my stuff that I'd left (since my time ended too suddenly) and pay for my lunches. At the junior high school they had me say a few words to the teachers in the staff room, but I didn't really know what to say, and only three people there would understand me anyway, so I just said a short "Thank you, I've had a good time." I felt a little rude, because I was very quick about coming in, getting my stuff, saying goodbye, then leaving, but the truth is, I did it like that because I didn't want to end up crying like the blubbering idiot that I am. I did get a little misty-eyed when some of the English teachers and the school's Kyoumu-sensei (head teacher) walked me out, but I didn't actually start any tears until I was gone.
But there were students roaming around, so I didn't really get to cry. .^^; Plus, I still had to go to the elementary school.
At the elementary school I also said goodbye, but they didn't have me speak to everyone at large. Someone always rushed to pour me a cup of coffee every time I went there this past year, and that day was no different. So I hung out a little bit and drank coffee, paid for my lunches. Then the Kyoto-sensei (vice principal) gave me a gift from all the teachers, which was a beautiful ceramic mug (I didn't open it until I got home, though). When she gave it to me, she said "It's ceramic, and... probably didn't get broken in the earthquake..." .^^ Leaving there, Kyoto-sensei and elementary's Kyoumu-sensei walked me out, but I didn't feel as teary. Just nostalgic.
I left Sekijyo feeling refreshed, but... I'm going to miss those schools. I'll miss my cute students and co-workers.
Now, my apartment is mostly empty. I sent the majority of my stuff off to my new place earlier today. Tomorrow someone from my new company is going to come pick me up and take me to Sano. I've spent all day cleaning, and am mostly done. For the most part, I'm ready to go.
I don't know if I'll ever come back to Chikusei. Probably will, if and when I-sensei invites me over for dinner or a BBQ or whatever. .^_^
From here on, everything will be new. New city, new school, new grades (a high school!), new students, new teachers. I'm scared! But I look forward to it.
