Saying Goodbye

“Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn't work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos.” - Charles M. Schulz

I was uncomfortable informing the Kinderbabies at my Monday school that I would not return after summer vacation. They were confused because they cannot yet comprehend time or space. They believed I returned home to the U.S. every night and then flew back to Japan every morning. It took them a few minutes, but they eventually understood - Gabi-sensei would not return to play with them anymore. Some cried while others hugged me and said,「また遊びに来て下さい」or "Please come back to play [with us] again [sometime]."

My three schools and board of education put in the effort to say a proper goodbye with assemblies for the students and farewell parties for the staff. I was presented with cards and expensive gifts but more importantly, I listened to touching speeches from those who thanked me for my two years of service in Ginoza. I was moved and ultimately heartbroken to say goodbye to my students and the people who were my second family. 

Speaking of second family, I didn't realize how difficult it would be saying goodbye to the OkiJETs until I was ugly crying in the club with my besties. Okinawa hosted a diverse group of JETs who came together during my final year to form a great community and support system. Luckily, I now have new places to visit on my travel bucket list!

I will return to Okinawa someday as a tourist but for now, I bid my OkiJET experience adieu. I'll miss the mad dash out of my apartment to make it to work on time; the rolling hills with the most beautiful sunsets; my kei car and its missing door handle; Hey boy heeeyyyyy; gossiping with my coworkers; all of my past and present kinderbabies; the incredible view from Matsuda Elementary; traveling to nearby countries; "Chill" nights; Thursdays a.k.a. beach days; Joshikai in the bathroom; pushing my students to do their best; Shommi, "I see you;" Spa nights with Yaya (surely); giving everyone the side-eye; Kanna Beach, my thinking spot; the talkative principal who held the longest staff meetings; Snapchatting during those meetings; walking down the hall and hearing "Gabi-sensei;" delicious onigiri, the love of my life; my sweetheart student neighbor; weird Japanese holidays; school lunches; arguing with Ian; scaring students by yelling "No Japanese!" during an interview exercise; eating three bowls of tofu cereal and immediately regretting it; doing eyebrows; obsessing over Nutella; 何人, 美人; having Genki Time with Hayley; my students singing the alphabet backwards; secret changing; Indian food; serious discussion with Nic and Matt; Aly's Line messages of truth; that student who told me my makeup was too dark; Tka's Line calls, discussing fecal matter with everyone; telling Mark he can't get to second base; my sassy dance teacher and the dancing grandmas; the way my students would say "What" or "oh my God;" kissing that cute Hawaiian JET (figure it out haha); popcorn; Bad Bitch nights; talking to my Japanese-American students; the call to assemble the ladies; Tka's dancing during a dancehall song; Japanese chocolate; Ashley's dancing and insight; the male teacher who told me to focus on myself; the teachers who cried with me when it all went down; my frenemy who was actually a friend; the person I thought was a friend, but turned out to be a frenemy; Eisa; not functioning the next morning; and salsa dancing with my instructor.

I'll miss it all! 

As for this blog, I'll add my experience with reverse culture shock and include a few retroactive posts.  But to my readers: whether you stubbled upon my blog, kept up with me for years, or creeped, thank you.  Seriously, thank you and good luck with your adventures.

P.S. can I now say the word "bully?" ;)

さよなら Kinderbabies!

It's important to live in the moment because once the moment is gone, you can never have it back. Ok! That's a little too morbid! Let's lighten the mood!

Yesterday, I watched my favorite kindergarten class, aptly named "The Kinderbabies," graduate. I teach kindergarten at two schools, but I wanted to watch the Kinderbabies, and not the Kindercrazies, graduate. The problem was that I was at my Kindercrazy school for the day, so I dressed for the ceremony, but told the head of school affairs that I would go to my Monday school to watch the Kinderbabies graduate. His response? "Why?"

I didn't understand why this was an issue. I travel between my three schools for graduation, sports day, recitals, festivals and welcome and farewell parties, so how was this any different? I told him that they asked me to come (truth), but he asked "why" again. So I lied and told him that they wanted me to give a speech. In reality, they wanted me to meet the parents but an official introduction was a part of the schedule. After I said this, he let the subject go. However, when it was time for me to leave, he turned to me and said "まじ" or "really?" I stopped for the moment, but the IT teacher told me to ignore him and go. Bye Felicia!

At the graduation and sat down with the parents and awaited the ceremony.

Their chairs and milk carton giraffes.

 The Kinderbabies were individually introduced and announced what they wanted to be when they grow up. There was a bout of laughter from the audience when one boy said he wanted to be a super hero, and there was a shocked response when a girl aspired to be a police officer. You go girl!  

The ceremony did not greatly differ from that of the U.S. We listened to speeches from the principal, clapped along to the kids' singing, and cried when the students received their diplomas. Yes, I cried! The Kinderbabies collected their diplomas from the principal and then walked down the red carpet to find their mother or father waiting to congratulate them. We were all beside ourselves when a mentally and physically disabled Kinderbaby, who is bound of a wheelchair, was pushed to greet her happily crying mother - it was a very touching moment.

Handing her a present

For me, I realized that English playtime with the Kinderbabies had ended.  Afterwards a few kinderbabies approached me and asked me to regard them favorably as 1st graders. I don't teach 1st grade at this school. Excuse me while I continue crying!

Goodbye babies! (Probably the only time I let them hug me lol)

That Time I Blurted Out the Word "Blow Job" at Work

The title of this blog post isn't a joke.

Preface

Last year at a farewell party, one of my coworkers from the board of education got super drunk and struck up a conversation about American porn. Had it been an older employee or a conversation on the "mechanics" of porn then I would have kindly excused myself, but my young coworker only commented about the freedom of porn in America. 

What, the freedom of porn? 

Yes, because all Japanese porn, whether purchased, streamed or downloaded, is censored. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of porn but highly pixelated Japanese porn kind of defeats the actual purpose of porn, right? Either way, the conversation ended with a list of his favorite American porn stars along with another round of admiration towards America's pornographic freedom. 

The Incident

Fast forward to a random Wednesday afternoon at the board of education where Justin (the middle school ALT) and I chatted quietly about the week's events, when we were suddenly interrupted by my porn-loving coworker. My coworker wanted me to recommend a good porn. What the ??? When did I become the authority on American porn? I knew of Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian's videos, but I didn't know any real porn. Wait, I knew one more! My mom and I were once huge fans of Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2, and I recently heard that one of the girls decided to start a career in pornography. I wikipedia'd the name of her porn and wrote it on the Post-It for my coworker.

Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom

My coworker looked at the Post-It for a few seconds than pointed to the name with a confused looked on his face. I said, "Farrah" out loud, thinking that he had an issue with pronouncing the name. He looked stunned for a second and then asked again. This time, I spoke a little louder and slower, "Far-rah." He took another moment and asked, "So this movie is about..." and made the typical gesture of a blow job - tongue to the cheek with a pumping fist.

I was f*cking mortified, but Justin was in a fit of laughter. I explained to my coworker that "Farrah" was the girl's name without really understanding the reason for his lewd gesture. It wasn't until later that Justin explained to me that フェラ fera, pronounced the same way as "Farrah," is the Japanese word for fellatio or "blow job." 

I said the Japanese word for "blow job" in the middle of my quiet board of education - TWICE!  Later on, my coworker admitted that he thought I was pretty brave for saying the word so loud (before he knew that it was a name), but not to worry about it because no one was actually listening anyway. I'm pretty sure that was lie to make me feel better. Earth please swallow me whole!

Moral of the Story 

Be careful! Innocent words in English might not be so innocent in Japanese! Also don't say フェラ "fera" or "Farrah" out loud. Like, ever!

It's Not Them, It's You!

I’m not a big fan of rage writing, but today is just one of those days. 

A couple weeks ago, one of my friends asked me to fill out a questionnaire for her website dedicated to helping applicants “get into the most competitive English teaching program in Japan,” the JET Program (woot). I was a bit taken aback by her thought-provoking questions, but I remember lingering on one specific question:

What do you think is the hardest challenge for ALTs on the job? 

At first, I wasn’t sure. Maybe it was the language barrier? Maybe it was the differences in our cultures? Maybe I could just invent some generic answer, but whom would that help? Instead I wrote a short, professional summery of what I believe is the hardest challenge for ALTs, leaving out the long, unprofessional summery for you to read shortly. 

Challenge #1: Get over yourself!

There! It’s written in this subsection’s title; I feel better already! There is a huge problem with overinflated egos and ramped nationalism among the foreign population in Japan. ALTs expect to be catered and fussed over, and then complain when their 15-minutes of fame ends unexpectedly. ALTs also have a habit of focusing on how thing are done in their own countries and instead of seeing things in a different perspective. Why is that Japan is “rules over logic,” when in reality it’s “when in Rome…?” 

I can hear some mentally saying, “Gabie, you’re such a hypocrite!” 

Am I? I am a complainer! I love to complain. I am complaining in this post. If there were a job out there where I could complain all day, I would do it. But I also get over it and myself, fairly quickly. At first I complained about Japanese "meteorological" bus companies calling the shots, but you know what happened next typhoon? I, like every other Japanese person on this island, waited for the announcement from the bus companies. You live. You learn. You move the hell on. I don’t let it change my opinion of Japan, and I don’t scream out to the far corners of the Internet that I hate the country that hosts me despite the fact that I willingly applied for this program. 

Challenge #2: What is your purpose? Oh, you have no purpose? Ok...

The reason we are here in Japan is to teach English, right? But what is your purpose? I’m not talking about some existential bullsh*t. How are you spending your free time? What are your goals? What do you want to take from this experience? Or are you just here to f*ck around? I mean that literally too! There are too many ALTs that come to Japan without a single purpose other than to find a Japanese boyfriend/girlfriend/bangbuddy. If you do reader-who-I-hope-this-applies-to, then get ready for disappointment. I am not saying that love can’t be found and sex can’t be had, but your “extracurricular activities” shouldn’t define your time in Japan. Period. 

Challenge #3: Work Culture

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a good relationship with your coworkers. Sometimes it’s out of your control, but you know what is in your control? You’re attitude? No matter how I feel that morning, I plaster a huge smile on my face and “Ohayo gozaimasu” the shit out of all of my coworkers. Who would be mean to a happy, energetic, pretty-pretty princess! It not “fake it until your make it;” it’s “reap what you sow.” However, the most important thing is that you show up on time and work hard. How can you expect your coworkers to bend over backwards for you, when you don’t stand up straight for them? Suck it up, get genki and work hard and maybe you too will get away with breaking rules every once in a while. 

TL;DR: Get over yourself, quit f*cking around, and work hard.

Teaching Update

We are almost at the 6th-month mark as my time as teacher here in Japan, and it's time for an update!

M. Elementary

There have been no changes aside from the 6th grade teacher taking a temporary leave of absence due to his health. Last semester, he was gone for a few days as the vice principal and another teacher temporarily took over the class. When he returned, I noticed that he was skipping lunch to drink what looked like baby formula. He was prohibited from eating solids for a week, and then afterwards changed to a bland diet. Last week, I was told that he would be out for the entire semester and would possibly have surgery in his intestines. I felt really bad for him. He and I are both 27, so I felt some camaraderie with him. I recently had a class with the substitute teacher. At first, I had my doubts because she seemed so quiet, but once I had English class I quickly noticed that she is a no nonsense woman. I think she was fairly surprised as well concerning the active participation of the 6th graders. This 6th grade class is full of class clowns but they really get into English class, so it's very enjoyable. I know I won't have issues for the rest of the semester, but I do hope the other teacher has a speedy recovery.

I also brought my boyfriend to the school where he helped out with an English class. Everyone was excited to meet him and it was very cute to see the exchanges between him and the students. Surprisingly, one 5th grade girl came up to him and asked him multiple questions in English. My instruction coming into fruition! Bam!

K. Elementary

Nothing has changed at this school aside from daily greetings from the substitute teacher that once ignored me (haha). Also, there is a new running gag/rumor about me being secretly in love with the 4th grade teacher. During the bonenkai, the 4th grade teacher expressed displeasure at the fact that he and I never talk. I replied saying, "Well, you're always on the computer, right?" which made him laugh because it's true. Either way, a couple weeks later someone asked me if I thought he was handsome and I sarcastically agreed. Well, sarcasm does not carry over in Japanese because the one day he wasn't there because of training, the vice principal said, "Oh Gabi, 4th grade sensei isn't here. That's too bad, huh?"  Umm? Ok? Sure?

Aside from my non-crush, the students and the classes are great! I know most of the 5th and 6th graders by name so it's nice to interact with them between classes.

G. Elementary

As you can imagine, not everything is perfect in Okinawa. I have expressed in my previous post that I feel as though I have not warmed up to this school. I think it would be correct to say that this school has not warmed up to me, as there have been several incidents that have made my Thrusdays and Fridays my least favorite days. First, the students are behaved aside from my Satan 6th Graders. They have not disrespected me since the first incident, but they remain uninterested in English. The one positive change is that the teacher is now more willing to harshly reprimand them during class. At first I think she was worried what I might think, but I think we both know that the students needed the discipline. The first time she yelled at a students she apologized to me afterwards. I told her that there was no need for an apology and reprimanding them was necessary. Out of the 38 student in that class I only know that names of four: two are in the disability class and the other two are tiny troublemakers. 

Second, my largest problem comes from two staff members. Let's start off with the gist of the problem: I think they see me as a distraction and probably don't think that highly of English education. I feel as though they do not want me to interact or speak with other teachers or staff members. 

The first time I noticed this was a few months back when I was speaking to the office lady (a.k.a. the tea lady) about my traditional Okinawan dance performance. I noticed she had a picture of the dance (not mine, but a general one) displayed on her desk and I told her that I knew the dance. She stated her surprise, but then she was suddenly interrupted by a staff member who swoops in, says there is work to be done, and proceeds to talk to the office lady. If this was the only incident, then I would have thought nothing of it, but it was not. The next few times involves one of the young teaching assistants. Since my classes are frequently canceled (for example, last week 3 out of my 4 classes were canceled), he and I would quietly chat during our free period. Twice, he has been asked by the staff members as to whether or not he had a class to attend. Mind you, they aren't asking him nicely. I genuinely felt bad and we both agreed not to speak unless it's during recess or during the breaks in between classes. During one of the interruptions, I was also asked if I can meet with the kindergarten teachers to see when I can teach there during my free time.

At first, you may think that they don't like him and this has nothing to do with me. However, if he speaks to anyone else, he's left alone. It's only when he's speaks to me that they interrupt. Maybe it's because he's guy and I'm a girl and Japan is conservative? Nope, he usually speaks and hangs out with the other teaching assistant who is also a woman (and this is 2014 people). Mind you, my Japanese is intermediate at best and he has no English, therefore these are not in-depth or long conversations, like those he has with his other coworkers. 

Last week, during one of the breaks, the same staff member asked us to sort out scantrons for the students upcoming test. The assistant later told me that it was a waste of time, because they get sorted out in the classroom. It seemed to me as though they were giving us busy work to keep us from talking to one another. Then, the next day, while I spoke to the younger girl assistant who sits next to me, the same staff member interrupts and asks me to put the now completed scantrons into numerical order. Once again, I felt as though they were trying to keep me busy. 

During recess that same day, the male assistant took a seat next to me. Five minutes into our conversation, the staff member announced their interruption and began to rip him a new one in the fastest Japanese I've ever heard (they already speak really fast, but this was like damn). Basically, they told him that although it may be fun to talk to me, all the teachers are busy working (they weren't, it was recess time) and that there was work to be done. Then, turned to me and began to rip me a new one as well. It was harder to for me to understand because I was put on the spot, but they said something along the lines of that I'm there to teach English and (I think) to interact with the children more. However, I understood the previous actions and words as a way telling me not to distract or speak with the other teachers.

After her tongue lashing, I went upstair to the second floor of the school and just sat there for a while. I also realized that I shouldn't mess with my iphone as often in this school and mused that with no one to talk to there will be nothing that needs to be translated. Later in the day, the male assistant apologized for getting me in trouble, and also stated he didn't know that he couldn't speak to me during recess time either. I told him that I was sorry since I knew he may or may not be at this school the following year, and I didn't want to harm his chances of getting re-contracted. The girl assistant who overheard everything also came by and told me that the  two staff members have never warmed up to him, and I told her that I feel as though they haven't warmed up to me either.  

After I gained some perspective, I realized that there is nothing that can be done to fix the situation aside from keeping quiet and staying out of the teacher's room. I just know that I'm not going to let this experience jade me. Plus, I could always hangout with them outside of school. :)

My future

* Side note: The purpose of this entirey is not to fiercely criticize the Japanese workplace, as issues can arise in any job, but instead share my experiences with family, friends and those interested in the JET Program.

Nago Sakura Matsuri and the Flu

On the weekend of January 25th, the Okinawa chapter of the Association for Japanese Exchange and Teaching  (OkiAJET) coordinated an event to attend the さくら祭り Sakura Matsuri (Cherry blossom Festival) in Nago City. January seems like an early date for cherry blossoms to bloom, but because of the Okinawa's unique and comparably hot weather, the cherry blossoms bloom between late January to early February. Moreover, the colors of Okinawan cherry blossoms slightly differ than the ones found in mainland Japan, which display a light pink as opposed to Okinawa's dark pink cherry blossoms (although light pink can be found as well).

In Japan, cherry blossom viewing parties or 花見 hanami are fairly common with friends and families meeting at parks to enjoy each other's company underneath a cherry tree. However, in Okinawa such cherry blossom viewing parties do not exist (or so I've been told). Instead, grand festivals are held where one can enjoy traditional Okinawan performances, eat a variety of food and wash it down with Orion Beer. The phrase, 花より団子 Hana yori dango or "food (lit. dumplings) over flowers" really described the situation perfectly as people were more interested in food and beer than the scarce cherry blossoms in Nago.

After our fill of food, I and my fellow OkiJETs were guided by a string of Orion Beer lanterns up to the top of Nago Castle Ruins Park, where we relaxed and enjoyed an incredible view of Nago.

The following day, I began to show symptoms of a cold and I spent most of the day resting. Four days later, on a Thursday, my cold was still present but I also began to shake with sudden chills. I found it very odd because it was a particularly hot day with highs up to 75℉. The schools librarian saw my failed attempts to warm up in sun and directed me to the nurses office to have her take my temperature. As I sat in the nurses office, I thought back to certain animes, but my reminiscing was cut short as I wondered why we didn't have school nurses at any of my schools in the U.S. Weird, huh? 

The nurse asked me to place a thermometer under my armpit and later it read 38.6℃, which meant nothing to me as an American (almost 102℉). She told me that I needed to go to the hospital to check whether or not I caught the flu. My usual hospital was closed for the day, so she called another clinic and informed me that they would not reopen until 2pm (it was almost lunch time). She advised that I go home and rest until I could go to the clinic. She informed the vice principal who practically pushed me out of the door.

Influenza is a big deal in Japan with school shutting down due to outbreaks. My school had all the 1st graders sent home for 3 days because of the flu.

At the clinic, the nurses and doctors worked quickly and efficiently. I was seen in a matter of minutes and after all the initial test, such as blood pressure, the doctor performed the despised influenza test.

For the influenza test, the doctor collects mucus by inserting a 6-inch long Q-tip up your nose and into your nasal sinus cavity. 

Yes, it hurt. It also tickled and made my eyes water. The doctor performed the procedure as quickly a physically possible, but I was stunned and now slightly (not so slightly) traumatized. Shortly after, the nurse informed me that I had influenza type A and inserted an IV to pump the medicine directly into my veins. Afterward, I was given medicine for my fever and runny nose. I informed my Board of Education and they were so worried that they sent water and Japanese Gatorade. 

JET Program side note: You don't (and should not) take any personal time off (年休) for sick days, instead take sick leave (病休). 

Not so "Easy Peasy" but very "Japanesey"

If I am to do any justice to the Internet community or to those who are interested in the JET Program (or any other program for that matter), then I would have to be frank and state that living in Japan is not easy. 

What?! What's so hard about living in a country that is so technologically advanced that they invent robots that can play the violin just for frickin' fun? If you don't know that answer or need to brush up, read the article "5 Things Nobody Tells You About Living in Japan" and become enlightened.

Japan doesn't sh*t glitter and Pokémon.
 Well, maybe not glitter.

In the U.S. I am a fairly independent person who has no problems whatsoever with everyday situations. This is simply not the case in Japan. Due to the need of constant assistance for the most mundane task, I feel as though I have regressed from adulthood. One reason for this juvenility is the huge language blockade. It’s a “blockade” because if it were something physical, it would look something like Gandalf the Grey standing on the Great Wall of China quoting that epic line:

Although I studied Japanese for quite some time, it didn’t prepare me for in-depth or complex conversations. It’s difficult to develop friendships or work-relationships when the language blockade does not let you pass the superficial. Luckily, the language blockade has not disrupted my relations with students as they thrive on superficial conversations. Japanese children are like tiny, drunk friends that love to comment on appearances. So far, they find my intonations (when speaking Japanese) and gestures cute, but I wouldn’t consider myself as “cute” when I speak English. Therefore, as a result of the language blockade, my personality has not carried over when I speak Japanese. 

Outside of work, the language blockade is affecting everything from making appointments to filling out forms. Stores or companies can refuse to assist me because they cannot explain (nor would I be able to understand) complex contractual terms. However, in cases when I am assisted by a patient employee, things will, and need to be, repeated to make sure that I completely understand. The smallest accomplishments feel like I’ve won the lottery, while failures feel as though my life is forever ruined. It’s a real roller coaster ride of emotions.  The language blockade doesn’t make me want to run back to the U.S, but it does motivate me to work harder on my Japanese in order to communicate more efficiently and so that I can show these Okinawans the true loca that I am. 

You May Call Me "Gabi-sensei"

How could I forget about the main purpose of coming to Okinawa? Just kidding! I didn't forget, but I have been extremely busy these last few weeks. Now that I have some downtime, I'll  update everyone on my ALT life in Okinawa. 

I am the Assistant Language Teacher or "ALT" at three elementary schools in my village of Ginoza (see below). I have been told that teaching at the elementary level is the most fun and rewarding because the curriculum is flexible and the students are eager to learn English. I can say, without conviction, that this is true. So far, the 5th and 6th grade teachers have been very open with communication and will often meet with me before class to discuss the day’s lesson. For the other grades, I plan the lesson based on an unofficial curriculum that all the schools seem to have and will ask the teachers to translate the game's rules (more of a T1 role). I have been successful in my lessons thus far, and I hope that this pattern continues. The students are sweet and very energetic, but I noticed that the younger the student, the more willing they are to participate. Therefore, I have included my self-made English class passport cards for the 5th and 6th graders who are "too cool for school" as an incentive to participate. If they participate, they receive stickers. It seems a bit strange, but kids go bat-shit crazy over stickers. I wish I could take credit for the passport, but I got the idea when I visited from a former friend who was also an ALT.

I also try to incorporate a lot of American cartoons and Japanese anime into my teaching materials. Any thing Disney works! Mickey Mouse and the gang as well as well as some throwback characters like Chip and Dale (...Rescue Rangers!) are very popular. Phineas and Ferb's Perry the Platypus has a fandom as well as the Minions from Despicable Me. However, you can't go wrong with One Piece. 

 

M. Elementary has undergone some drastic renovations (update not reflected on their website) and the school provides a fantastic view of the ocean. Within the teacher’s room, the staff and assistant teachers will often gossip with me or invite me to help with the school's festival preparations. I feel the most relaxed at M., in terms of manners, because I feel as though they have overlooked my "foreign-ness" and have stopped treating me like I am a guest. I find this interesting because I have spent the least amount of time at the school due to typhoons and three-day weekends.

A female principal, who spends most of her time gardening or attending meetings, oversees the elementary school. She is very sweet, plump, and jolly, and provides me with fresh veggies and flowers whenever she gets the chance. She's like the Japanese Mrs. Claus! Just to give an example: 

One day, I needed to leave work a little early to go see a doctor. It's been joked about that I could smile and excuse myself out the door whenever I wanted in the Japanese workplace. I decided to test that theory and do just that. Half way to my car, the principal stopped me to say that I was leaving early. I walked back to tell her about my situation, but she continued the conversation saying that she missed the opportunity the previous day (because of the typhoon) to give me a huge bag of okra and sweet potatoes. Turns out, I mistranslated what she said. She said that I was leaving quickly ("fast" and "early" are  the same word in Japanese). Either way, I felt bad and told her what was going on anyway. She couldn't care less that I was leaving early, as long as I used the veggies she gave me. 

The vice principal for M. Elementary is very comedic. He often greets me in English and is always game to practice every chance he gets. He seems very excited about my presence at the school, and has once commented that my boyfriend is his rival. However, he doesn't set of my creeper sirens (yet). My only gripe is that there is one teacher assistant who is still dead frightened of me. Dead frickin' frightened! He's a few years younger than me and our interaction has not gone past hellos and goodbyes. I also had this same interaction with the 6th grade teacher, who is my same age, but he has since opened up now that we teach classes together. I have the most fun in his class because the boys in the classroom are real class clowns. They goof around, but they are doing it while actively participating so it's fun.

Funny Story:  During their self-introductions, the main class clown told me he was on the baseball team. I asked if his position was the bench, and he felt the burn. Gabie-sensei's got jokes!

 

K. Elementary is my favorite school thus far. They have a very diverse set of teachers who are not only interested in practicing English, but also like to practice their Spanish with me as well. I also have the closest thing to a JTE, as there is a specific teacher who co-teaches English class with me for 5th and 6th grade.  The principal is a woman who is the polar opposite of M. Elementary's principal. She is a very refined, proper, and assertive woman, but still kind in her interactions with me. The vice principal is a Japanese Robert DeNiro. Seriously! He looks like Robert DeNiro! He loves golf and was ecstatic hear that I am from Florida, the land of golf courses. 

The girls at K. Elementary are locas and often ask me to play volleyball with them during break since I told them I played throughout middle and high school. They like to gossip with me, and I like to ask about their classmate crushes. It's really cute because the girls have no reservation concerning their love confessions. On the other hand, the boys are still fairly reserved with me, especially the 6th grade boys. I figure they are battling with there hormones and having a young and fairly attractive teacher makes them a bit uncomfortable (I'm sorry, but I'm not sorry).

Funny Story: During my first days of work, I was pleasantly surprised when one of the TA's, who also teaches high school history, scooted up next to me to ask what the Native Americans called the U.S. before Christopher Columbus discovered it. Although extremely random, I was happy to answer questions that deviated from my personal life.

G. Elementary was a little intimidating at first because it has double the teachers and students of my other two schools. However, the 5th grade teacher, who speaks English very well, has made my transition smooth. She is definitely an amazing teacher and our teaching styles complement each other favorably. We were both recently observed and evaluated by the G. Board of Education. Under normal circumstances I would have been extremely nervous, but we plan lessons so smoothly that it was really a piece of cake – even if we had around 10 people observing in the room. Yikes! 

 The only complaint is that this school seems to be a bit more rigid than my other school in terms of how they expect the students to behave. I get the sense that the students aren’t as cheerful in this school. One moment of complete shock was when I gave my self-introduction presentation to the 6th grade class. No amount of genki-ness on my behalf could shake their zombie-like expressions and responses. They were simply not amused. This has been the case sense, as refer to them as "The Satan 6th Graders." I just try to do my best to stay energetic, but I have to keep my eye on a few misbehaved children. Prior to Sports Day, the 6th graders did warm up enough to me to pull me aside and ask questions. I would have been glad under any other circumstances but the questions started with my age and ended with how to say various perverted words in English (tits, masturbate, sex, etc. I know WTF!). Those little demon children even included gestures with those questions! I wanted the earth to swallow me as I looked around for a teacher to pull me out of that awkward situation. Either way, I just told them that the words didn’t exist in English. Sometimes you can’t expect these things because they are kids, but I learned for next time how to cut the hentai (perv) questions short. I've also had one instance where I yelled at student who blatantly disrespected me during class. It hasn't happened since, but I made a good example out of him. I also teach English to four students with learning disabilities. I try my best to keep the lessons simple, engaging, and very hands on. I’m not exactly sure of the nature of their disabilities, but I try to use English games that incorporate a lot of hand-eye coordination. 

Aside from the issues with little demon children, I definitely bonded with some of the younger teachers (who are closer to my age), and I believe my time there will be great,

Funny Story #1 : One of those teachers that I bonded with may or may not have a crush on me. The custodian was commenting on my looks and suggested that the teacher tell me that I am beautiful. He looked me dead straight in my eyes and said, "Later." Moral of the story: Innuendos transcend language barriers. 

Funny Story #2: I think one of the boys from the 5th grade class may or may not have a crush on me (haha). He's the only boy in all of my schools that asks me to have lunch with the class (usually it's the girls who ask). I also see him every so often around the cultural center because he takes sanshin class (I think) while I take dance class. Either way, before class, he was writing his name (Yuuto) on the board in Roman letters. I told him he could write his name like "Yūto" since he has a double "u" in his name. A little later in class, the kids were asked to make their own shirts. He made a baseball shirt with "Yūto" on the back. <3