K-Pop Dancers at Nishinomiya Festival

Turning 25 in Japan!

Waking up this morning, I thought to myself, "wow, I'm turn 25 in Japan". Good thing my alarm didn't fail me, because I was on a mission to figure out what lesson I would be teaching today. I knew that I would be teaching with my favorite JTE (Japanese Teacher of English), but she disappeared last Friday afternoon, so I didn't know what I was going to do when I came into today. This made me stress a little during the weekend because I always touch base with my teachers before the following week. After I shut off my alarm, I climbed down from my sleeping area, and started playing some 2NE1  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdKTgwffmdo) to get me ready for the day. I was happy that I went shopping yesterday because I wanted to wear something a little more casual for work, so my idea of wearing a burgundy cardigan with a black undershirt and black chino pants and shoes was right on the mark. I left my apartment a little earlier just so I could arrive at school and discuss lesson plans with my favorite sensei. 

I must have been really lost in my own world because I got to school in less time than it normal takes me. As I walked up the stairs of my school, I was thinking about the many ways this day could play out, not that I was worried. I walked in the teachers room and greeted everyone before settling at my desk. I noticed a small blue post-it note from my favorite sensei wishing me happy birthday along with the lesson we would be teaching; she's the best! I assumed she wrote it last week because I didn't see her until 20 minutes later. The target structure was "What do you want to do on your birthday?", which was perfect for the occasion. 

Each class was so fun because I got to rotate to each group and have them ask me questions using the target structure. While many students asked me common questions, such as "what do you want to do on your birthday? and what do you want to eat?", there were a few interesting ones. I was impressed by those that asked me who I wanted to spend time with on my birthday because that's an important question even for me as I like to be in the presence of good company, especially on this day and in the absence of my best friends. One student asked me what I wanted to be in the future. This was deep because even though I'm adult doing something I truly enjoy, I wouldn't say that I've found my end goal. There are many avenues I'd like to consider during my time in Japan, so I'm not exactly sure about  my future. Then there was the funny question from one of my favorites. I've been able to spot when a funny question is coming. It usually looks like a group of students huddling together to discuss a plan of attack, or the "honcho" or group leader giving a smirk to another student before they ask the question. For privacy purposes, I'll nickname this kid Bigbag because he's so small compared to his bag. He asked me who I wanted to get a valentines day gift from. At this moment, my "ah-hah" light came on. because I'm teaching with my favorite sensei, who is close in age, I knew he was expecting my to say her name. Instead I replied "my friends" and then asked if he would like to receive a valentine day gift from said sensei. He immediately blushed and let out a huge "NOOO"(priceless).

After classes were over. Everyone began setting up for the art show tomorrow. I wasn't aware of that this event was coming up, so I walked around to several classrooms to see students and their artwork. There were many miniature food samples, drawings, paintings, and projects about the cultures of the world. Eventually I found myself helping members of the PTA and students by using my long legs and arms to hang things up for them. One of the 1st year students artwork caught my attention. Her project was about the cultures of the USA, South Korea, and two other countries. She wrote all her info in English and I could see how much effort she put into it. I even helped correct some minor errors here and there. A group of girls that I was familiar with huddled close to me and one started asking me questions in broken English and in Japanese about whether or not I knew a guy that had moved into my area during the summer. It was a full on game of charades that last about 6 minutes. It was fun trying to put together this puzzle. Eventually, I figured out that the person my student was asking me about was the same old foreigner that I met the first day I moved into my area 2 months ago that is now back in America. He helped me out quite a bit and even introduced me to his family that has lived here for over 10 years. We all let out a huge "yay" upon figuring this out. Afterwards, I thanked the girls for letting me help them set up their projects and said my good-bye for the day. 30 seconds later, I heard people running from behind me and a loud "Brian-sensei" , so I turned around to see the group of girls that I had just said good-bye to. They wanted to tell me that they had fun speaking with me in English and that they wanted to me to join their English club tomorrow. I said that I would and they were so happy. They even wished me a happy birthday before running back to their classroom. I headed into the teachers room to grab my things and meet my friends for dinner. I saw my favorite sensei across the room, so I said goodbye to her and thanked her for everything. As I tried to make a run for the door, she walked towards me and told me to enjoy the rest of my birthday in front of many staff members. They were nice enough to sing happy birthday to me, so I appreciated that.

My day was great, and I finished it off with dinner with two friends where my favorite waiter surprised us with dessert!

Into the minds of the 1st Year Junior High School Students

Last week was so much fun, but exhausting. My main objective was to correct the self introductions of about 130 1st year Junior High School students. It was a rewarding because I got to learn more about the students in a way that I normally don't get to. Reading about their aspirations, likes and dislikes, and whatever was on the brain allowed me to see how unique the students are on paper. One student wrote about how he had guns and other weapons, but NOT before letting me know that these were toys, so the whole time I was reading this student's self intro, I was like, "Eeeeeeeh!!?" I learned that he wants a toy missile, and has an interest in Islam. Mind you, he wrote his intro in perfect English. Then there was a funny student who wrote "I like ripe females" I can make many assumptions as to what he was trying to say. I also learned that one of my students like Oda Noubunaga, someone I complete forgot, even after the student said his name many times to me. It wasn't until an hour later when I returned to the staff room, that I remembered who he was. A lot of students like Mine Craft, want money, and they like Sekai No Owari, so I started listening to them and their music and videos are interesting. Since then, I've been taking notes about artists and other aspects of their interest so I can get up to date with their world.