I know this for many reasons. Obviously, one is that I get up and go to class or my office every day. Also, I spend much time working on lesson prep. It's also hard to ignore the thousands of students wandering or jogging or marching around our campus. But if I ignore the obvious facts, feelings alone would convince me that school has started, and I'm actually a teacher again.
I'm sitting on my (totally brand new, cool, and slightly funky smelling) couch. I haven't changed from my work clothes because I'm too tired to move. The kitchen is filthy, the bathroom is scary, and I'm surrounded by student papers, empty glasses, and a box of partially eaten Oreo O cereal. I've got enough energy to move my fingers to type, but not enough to take off my shoes. I know I really should clean or do schoolwork, but I just want to sit here and stare at the wall. Wow! It's that wonderful, familiar exhaustion that I remember from my first stint as a teacher.
There are many differences between my teaching experience years ago and what is happening now. So many changes in the situation, in the location, and even in me. Some noticeable good differences: 1)I've got a seemingly infinitely expanding supply of mooncakes to tide me over should I ever begin to starve 2)The apartment is smaller so there is less to clean should I attempt to clean it 3)I really only prep for two lessons a week. I just teach them over and over. 4)Did I mention the brand new, cool, only slightly smelly couch? 5) I think I'm a better teacher now. PTL!
It was a long day, but it was crowned with a relational breakthrough! Two of my freshmen students (most of whom are still quite nervous to talk to me) came and talked to me for an hour during my office time. We talked about important issues to them: learning English better, life in America, why don't Americans have to learn Chinese in school like they learn English (such a good point), and also how many definitions there might be for the word asset. Then they asked if I would eat dinner with them in the dining hall. Hurrah! Even though, I had to practically jump up and down to keep class 3 awake today, class 2 is eager to eat dinner with me! It is a good start to me having relationships with my students. Another plus of eating with freshmen is that their English does have limits so I learn lots of Chinese words.
So now. Now, I'm going to spend some time cleaning my kitchen and bathroom, watch the first episode of NCIS with Kelly (she's never seen the show!), and then work on the sophomore writing lesson for tomorrow. Also listen to joyful music or a MS podcast. Also avoid talking on skype to Ryan my new (not a stalker, Justin) online friend.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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