Monday, July 22, 2013

Spring Semester... Completeddddd

TGIF?

No, not quite. It is Monday, but it was the last day of classes for the GTI program! What an incredibly challenging and enjoyable semester it was.... AND we survived together!

I am looking forward to next semester. I plan to improve my teaching skills to help my students do better.  My first full semester done.  I am proud of all my students and the efforts that they have put into the school year... Also, whatever situation one may go through life goes on through the ups and downs... Keep on going with all that life has for us. Follow your dreams!

Thank you... Yashi, Yuki, Saki, Junta, Masaya, Mizuki, Miki, Yukiji, Mayu, Azuki, Ai, Emiri, Sucre, Sasuke, Yusuke, Susumu, Keiichiro, Yuuhei, Yuto, Takeru, Ikumi, Yuto M., Densol, Izumi, Daisuke, Rina, Sachie, Satomi, Mai T., Minami, Nao S., Nao K., Kento, Arisa, Ryo, Akihito, Mai F., Miyu, Ayumi, Rena, Kohei, Yuta.









Thursday, July 18, 2013

English Plaza Extravaganza







This didn't post when I originally created the post. BUT it's okay! This was two weeks ago when the new GTFs came to visit. woohoo!!

EC Finals... Check!

 Section 3 - Happiness after finishing their Final Exam for English Comprehension!  Thank you for bringing some snacks to share with the class!!!

Section 15 - Snack party time after their Final Exam.  :]  Thank you to those who brought some snacks to share!   It made my watermelon, bread and cookies seem so minuscule to the amount of snacks my students brought.  

I tried some new Japanese snacks! I brought some snacks for my students, and some of them contributed to the food pile.  I also made some "Class Awards" for my students on a card stock paper with their name, section, award, and my hanko stamp.  I think that my students are connected and are supportive of each other. It was a challenging semester, and... We survived the first semester!!! :]  Many things to look forward to for next semester. {inshallah}

I hope you all have a great summer vacation, and I hope to see you in the Fall starting in September!!! 


Sunday, July 14, 2013

ありがとう

Thank you~

6 days left.

Today I went to a church service in Japanese!  I didn't know exactly what was happening, but I think I got the gist of it. There was a bento lunch after service, and then we (Christine & I) walked back to the station in the nice humid weather. The people were very nice and welcoming. It was quite a learning experience to be around Japanese people at a Christian church.

Yesterday, I went to the BIGGEST mall that I have ever been to in my life.  It was three malls combined into one shopping mall.  http://www.aeon-laketown.jp/ It was surprising how many people and how many stores there were in this shopping area.  Everyone was shopping shopping shopping and there were so many people there that filled up the walkways! It was nice to be in the AC, but the store clerks shouting "いらっしゃいませ!" took its toll after a while.

Well, the final week of classes are HERE! WOW. WOW. WOW. Final exams here we go!!!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

asahi the good times roll...

After several e-mails back and forth and among various people, we finally were able to decide a date, time, and location to meet.  It was just your normal gathering of teachers in a small restaurant.  Then someone important from work joins us later in the evening.  The whole dynamics of the gathering changes.  I am intrigued how one person can have a significant impact on 5 people.  It was a fascinating experience!   I am left feeling reflective and appreciative.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

the end is in sight...

Last week we had 11 new teachers visitTIU!  It was a bit overwhelming for me.  Quiet mornings preparing for class were filled with excitement and chatter of 11 more people!   This week it looked like a tornado came through my cubicle.  There were piles of papers and notes and random things everywhere!  It was a needed moment to meet all the new staff!  Two will join us in the fall semester. We had a formal business dinner on Friday, and I chatted with the hard working Toru-san.  At times I can get frustrated and complain about work, but overall I am grateful for this opportunity.  It is a once in a lifetime opportunity!  I truly appreciate all that I hope to gain from this experience.
¤2 Weeks until the semester ends!
¤1 month until Thailand!
Chillin' in the English Lounge
With the AmAziNG Toru-san!