こんにちは konnichiwa
So I’ve been thinking about how I would write this big final goodbye as a way of closing my year here in Japan. To do that it almost feels impossible. How can I possibly describe what my experience has been like in one year in just one page of writing? But it’s something I’ve been thinking about especially when I will see people this summer who I haven’t kept in contact with frequently to describe what my year has been like since I’ve been living here in Nagoya.
When I was on the ferry in Okinawa on the way back to the airport, I was looking up at the clouds just contemplating the different things I’ve experienced this year and how I have changed in different ways. I found a bucket list I made last summer before I came to Japan and all I could do was laugh. I wrote things in such a general way it’s so hard to say if they will ever fully be checked off because things like that I feel like I will forever be striving towards. Exhibit a: continuing to learn how to be more of a minimalist (still not accomplished, but for those of you who know me well you know it probably never will be). I was hoping to post those again and see how I’ve changed but they were so vague it’s impossible to really say.
Before coming to Japan I had pretty false expectations of what this year would be like due to friends in college who studied abroad. I saw them go off to places I have never been to before, meet new friends they never thought they would have met, and also go to places that you can’t believe are real until you’re actually there yourself. And of course all of these said friends would say how their life had been changed and that they were so much more mature after traveling and that they had a different understanding and perspective on the world. To me this sounded wonderful and since I would be teaching abroad I thought my experience would be similar. Not only did I expect to learn more about teaching in an international school but I also had this unrealistic vision of me making friends from around the world, “finding myself” or whatever that’s supposed to mean, and also trying new cultural experiences as often as possible.
I’m not so sure how it didn’t really hit beforehand but obviously work comes first so as it is common for most teachers and especially teaching in a new school as a first year teacher, a lot of weekend time is taken away especially in the beginning. But other than that, in a sense some of those dreams were touched a bit, but mainly learning more about myself and the world. Being in Japan and getting to travel more in Asia has opened my eyes to a part of the world I never really pictured myself entering…ever. I’ve been able to experience different cultural experiences including food, festivals, dances, family traditions, and holidays from all different kinds of places. This has made me appreciate people in general a whole lot more. Regardless of race, religion, language, I want to know peoples stories. Where they came from, what their childhood was like, and what their home country is like. Part of this I think is from teaching in an international school, it’s a community environment that has fostered my love for people who come from all over the world.
But overall this past year has been comparable to a roller coaster ride. When it comes to moving to a new place especially with a language barrier and very different cultural mannerisms, there are going to be times that you’ll be feeling very low. Thankfully I had prepared myself somewhat for this, just not the continuation of it throughout the year. But when looking back my highs have definitely outweighed the lows. I’ve been to Thailand, Cambodia, Korea (if you count that time I vommed in a hostel all day and then flew back to Japan) and traveled all over Japan (Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagano, Takayama, Okinawa, Kumano Kodo, etc.) I’ve been in situations that have taught me some good lessons about traveling and also to make the most of every moment possible. For instance when my parents missed their flight and I took on Bangkok by myself. Or when Katiria and I went to karaoke by ourselves in Nagano because why not.
In terms of myself, I’ve learned I am not and probably will never be a rugged traveler who is okay with fully roughing it. But I’ve also learned that spending my money on traveling is far better than most things. Yes I did my fair shopping of things to bring back to Japan, but I also have seen so much this past year. These memories are the biggest treasure that I will take with me. Even though Japan is not the next step for me next year, it was the perfect chapter right after college. I’ve learned, grown, and seen a lot to prepare me for this next chapter. Will I go back to teaching internationally? Who knows, but I know this travel bug is definitely not leaving for a while and I’m totally okay with that.
Another thing that’s fully been made clear this year is TEACHING IS HARD. Not that I ever thought it was easy- do not get me wrong. I actually have always had inner anger about people who say it’s easy. To all those people, I’d like to see you teach and realize how much actually goes into being a good teacher. It’s really amazing when you stop and think about all that a teacher does. A teacher is someone who can juggle multiple hats and be a conoseour in all subject areas. You know- math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and even sometimes the arts. That’s a lot to specialize in.
Oh and then you can’t forget that every single student is different. A good teacher takes in the needs of all her students. This encompasses the following but is not limited to: knowing about their outside of school life, incorporating their interests into the classroom, adapting to any special needs they might have, and also modifying curriculum to meet the needs of second language learners. Oh but wait I’m not done! Good teachers plan their units and document document document. This can be written or through pictures (holla for anyone who knows Evernote) but it is never ending as learning is constant. Most importantly, a good teacher is a role model. Someone that his/her students should feel comfortable to approach and confide in. That of course is what makes teaching so special. Being the person a child can look up to and having an impact no matter what it may be on their lives.
Sometimes I question whether I was meant to teach but other times I have these moments with the kids and I think, “I was meant to do this.” and I have absolutely no doubt about that. I know it’s normal to question your career so who knows how long this will be my path but for now, this is where I’m meant to be. 🙂 With that said, I’d like to announce that next year I will be moving to NEW YORK CITY baby!!!!! I got a job at a school called Pine Street in Lower Manhattan right near wall street. It’s a newer school and still expanding so I will be starting in Pre-school using Montessori methods and also some PYP (the international curriculum I used this year). Then the following year I will move up to Elementary.
I could not be more excited for this opportunity. It’s close enough to home, it’s the city that never sleeps so there’s always something to do (unlike shitty-yama-ku), I know lots of people in the city (I don’t know what I will do without KK though), and there will be more than 3 restaurants to choose from hahah. I know I will grow as a teacher and I’m sure I’ll learn some life lessons from New York too 🙂
Lastly, goodbyes have been constant all week. We started off last Friday with a goodbye party at Chiyoko’s. She is the woman who we’ve done cooking classes with. We were felt so honored that she insisted on throwing us a goodbye party. KK and I made zucchini lasagna and some white sangria because we thought they were things they wouldn’t eat often. They loved them both it made us so happy 🙂 Her friend Naomi came over with her 2 sons and her husband joined us later. They had bought some sushi, inari (our favorite!), made a salad, Masaki made the most epic vegetable tempura ever (so fresh, and lightly coated I was in heaven), and Naomi made this Korean dish I really liked but I forget what it’s called 😦 We all cheers with a “kanpai!” as a toast. After our meal and being veryyyy full, we got up to teach them some salsa. Things got pretty rowdy when Masaki busted it and fell backwards. I was so close to peeing my pants of laughter. We stopped dancing for some matcha tea and dessert. Katiria and I headed downtown to meet some friends in the pouring rain which was a bit of a bust (as usual for Nagoya) but hey we tried
On Wednesday the 2nd to last day of school there was a school assembly where the leaving teachers were recognized. Our principal, Paul led the entire thing which was really nice. We were called up one by one to be recognized for our teaching at being at NIS. Even though I was dreading giving a wee speech it was the first time I really sat down and the emotions settled in. We all lost it a bit and had a hard time holding it together. They gave us some flowers, a certificate and a beautiful wind chime to help us think of NIS wherever we go. The 5th grade students performed “Best Day of My Life” which was very fitting but obviously made the water works come even more. Then there was a slideshow which helped bring a smile back to my face. As stressed as I’ve been with school, NIS has been the best possible first start of a first school for me to teach at. I have high expectations for next year and I will miss these kiddos more than words can say.
After school KK and I sent off our last boxes (4 each to be exact) for a nice $350… no big deal just throwing our money into the wind. We finished the week off with sorting trash with the complicated and tedious Japanese system and bringing things to school to get rid of. NOT a fun process I can tell you that, but hey we survived.
The last day was a special one as I was showered with love from the parents and the students. So many special gifts that I know I will truly treasure and wonderful cards from the kids that I also will bring along with me. The last day we had lots of time to play fun games (you know how much I love games) and just enjoy each other’s company. We handed out awards for the students and exchanged gifts and hugs.
Some other goodbyes from this week:
Staff party/last final hoorah downtown:
This is the beautiful “Sayonara doll” I received today. If you roll of the kimono there is a scroll where staff wrote beautiful goodbye messages. They were presented today and the people who are leaving nominated someone to speak on their behalf. Katiria and I spoke for each other and were the first ones to go. I didn’t think I would cry but I lost it. It was basically an hour and a half of balling. It was very emotional but I’m glad I had the chance to step back and recognize some of these emotions before I go home. I’m so glad I chased my dream and I will never forget how incredible this year has been. I’m excited to know people all over the world now and cherish our special times together. 🙂 
There are going to be so many things I miss and I feel grateful for the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had this year. I’m looking forward to staying in touch and having friends from near and far. I also can’t wait to squeeze all my friends and family from home. Prepare yourself for some big hugs people because I will see you back on the east coast after a much anticipated trip to see Sherry in California!!
Here are some quotes that have resonated with me and I hope to keep them in mind as I close this chapter and begin a new one…
“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”- Brad Henry
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
さようなら Sayonara for now 🙂
The Traveling Teacher 