I just finished one semester of teaching. Technically speaking, the sem's not yet over because grades have not been released yet and there can still be appeals and last minute changes. But as far as teaching's concerned, my sem's over.
It was a good ride. There were moments when I felt that I could not connect to my students. I admit that those times were really frustrating. But God knows that I need re-affirmation once in a while. So when I start feeling down, He sends me good vibes - students complimenting me for replying to their texts and e-mails immediately or students sharing with me cookies that they baked because they love me or students bringing me Filipino treats because they know I miss them or getting good feedback for work that I've done. If God knows hu das not pay, He also knows who needs some TLC. Hehe.
One thing I learned from my first semester is that you should never judge a book by its cover. Oo, cliche. But this was so evident the past few months. I had students who did so well in class - good presentations, participative during discussions, etc. - but were not so good in exams. On the other hand, some quiet ones tend to perform really well during exams.
I had a class that I really dreaded. 75% of the students in the class were boys. And when you put teenage boys in one class, you know it will be a headache. It was in that class where I first showed my fangs. I scolded them, I almost walked out on them. I felt they were just hopeless. But they turned out to be really lovable and sweet and genuinely interested in our lessons. They didn't mind asking me if I were always "professional" because I was more strict with them. One time when they were too noisy so I kept quiet and appeared so serious, one of them asked me why I looked so angry. They wondered why I preferred to come to their country when they knew that the Philippines was more beautiful.
Do I look forward to the coming semester? I think so. I'm excited to meet new students and to have new adventures and journeys with them. I'd like to think that I know a bit better this time so hopefully, I can share more with them.
The exam period was quite stressful. We were under a tight deadline and there was so much to do. They really take their exams seriously. I hope the worst is over.
*****
Daddy Lo's in the hospital. They suspect he suffered a mild stroke. Hope he'll get better soon.
*****
We've had a couple of visitors the past few week and it was fun seeing relatives again. Yun nga lang, they make me miss home more, hehe.
*****
Things are quite light at work this week, which means I get more idle time. And idle time's not good for me (in the same manner that stressful times are not good for me either, hohum). It gives me time to think about serious stuff, which can lead to some anxiety. Will we extend? Will we get what we've been praying for soon? Unfortunately, I don't hold the answers to these questions. There are some things that are just beyond my control. So when I get tired of thinking, I always go back to that one thing that will appease me - the thought that everything will happen in God's own time. If they do not happen, then they're not meant for us. If they are meant for us, they will come eventually, sooner or later. And all the anxiety just goes away. :)
It was a good ride. There were moments when I felt that I could not connect to my students. I admit that those times were really frustrating. But God knows that I need re-affirmation once in a while. So when I start feeling down, He sends me good vibes - students complimenting me for replying to their texts and e-mails immediately or students sharing with me cookies that they baked because they love me or students bringing me Filipino treats because they know I miss them or getting good feedback for work that I've done. If God knows hu das not pay, He also knows who needs some TLC. Hehe.
One thing I learned from my first semester is that you should never judge a book by its cover. Oo, cliche. But this was so evident the past few months. I had students who did so well in class - good presentations, participative during discussions, etc. - but were not so good in exams. On the other hand, some quiet ones tend to perform really well during exams.
I had a class that I really dreaded. 75% of the students in the class were boys. And when you put teenage boys in one class, you know it will be a headache. It was in that class where I first showed my fangs. I scolded them, I almost walked out on them. I felt they were just hopeless. But they turned out to be really lovable and sweet and genuinely interested in our lessons. They didn't mind asking me if I were always "professional" because I was more strict with them. One time when they were too noisy so I kept quiet and appeared so serious, one of them asked me why I looked so angry. They wondered why I preferred to come to their country when they knew that the Philippines was more beautiful.
Do I look forward to the coming semester? I think so. I'm excited to meet new students and to have new adventures and journeys with them. I'd like to think that I know a bit better this time so hopefully, I can share more with them.
The exam period was quite stressful. We were under a tight deadline and there was so much to do. They really take their exams seriously. I hope the worst is over.
*****
Daddy Lo's in the hospital. They suspect he suffered a mild stroke. Hope he'll get better soon.
*****
We've had a couple of visitors the past few week and it was fun seeing relatives again. Yun nga lang, they make me miss home more, hehe.
*****
Things are quite light at work this week, which means I get more idle time. And idle time's not good for me (in the same manner that stressful times are not good for me either, hohum). It gives me time to think about serious stuff, which can lead to some anxiety. Will we extend? Will we get what we've been praying for soon? Unfortunately, I don't hold the answers to these questions. There are some things that are just beyond my control. So when I get tired of thinking, I always go back to that one thing that will appease me - the thought that everything will happen in God's own time. If they do not happen, then they're not meant for us. If they are meant for us, they will come eventually, sooner or later. And all the anxiety just goes away. :)
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