I love walking around and seeing beauty in nature and people’s faces, actions, moves and smiles

Today I support you, and myself, in working toward our dreams with love, enthusiasm, imagination, courage, and patience

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4 through 8.  I became aware of that today, when our school honored us by giving us free pizza and teaching equipment.  I appreciate that.

I read my journal the other night.

What did I learn?  That I gave my first lesson as a teacher four years ago, on this very date, in Tokyo, Japan

Beautiful fun!

More new smiles!

I think my favorite part of giving final exams to students is that I get to talk to them one-on-one, however briefly.  Even though I call on all of them individually in class, they seem to tell me much more about their lives when I'm the only audience.  Best of all, they smile in these ways that are truly genuine, especially when they're talking about something that makes them happy.  Sometimes I learn we have more in common than I thought.  Sometimes not, but I still learn.  A few students talked about playing soccer or volleyball, and although I'd never played seriously, I did have fond memories of both from my childhood.  All it really took was a few leading questions, and they would talk forever if I didn't have to stop them for time.  Then again, some students are from countries with violent conflicts, and I cannot relate to their experiences or fears.  This is the only job I've had where I will read something in the news about some far off distant land and think it has nothing to do with me and then go to work and meet someone from that same place.  I wish I had more time to talk to them individually, as opposed to the quick tests.  Even so, the exercise gives them a chance to talk, and it gives me a chance to listen.  I know that some of them have improved their skills thanks to me, and I know that some of them haven't.  But all of them have improved my listening skills, and I thank them for that.  I have learned from experience that doing things with some effort and exertion will often help you later on in some unforeseeable way, even if you think those skills weren't useful.  Climbing ladders to paint houses built my courage to travel, and taught me about focus while living a careful balancing act.  Traveling taught me courage when faced with constant uncertainty, and how to talk to people I didn't know.  That helped me get a job.  Teaching this language helps me employ it on my own time.  Doing that helps me do all of this

I asked the class why people travel, and they said:


romantic search

meet people

confidence

inspiration

travel bug

stories

language

sex

broaden your horizons

cultural enrichment

experience

stir crazy

open your mind

discover yourself

joy

relaxation

challenge

shopping

contribute to economies

food

perspective

spread DNA

new eyes

feels good

knowledge

education

work

business

adventure

relationships

vacation

honeymoon

wisdom

photography

make memories

escape reality

overcome fear

we can