Career blah May 6, 2007

I officially started my new job yesterday (checks time)…on Friday, May 4th. But I already reported to the office on the 2nd and 3rd for trainings. I can’t say much about it since I am only a few days old into the job. Will post more probably after my first week. All I can say is that…freedom is so good! We have YM!! And MSN! And iTunes! And a lot more! Wipee! Goodbye proxies. ^_~

Speaking of careers, I had a chance to think about what I really want to do with my life. And that is to teach Japanese. I know that there is absolutely no money in teaching. I know that people actually expected me to be some big-shot banker, economist, corporate planner or a CFA but I am only 75%-80% convinced that I can be happy being any of those. I mean, really happy. I know people will say that if I pursue the teaching path, my economics degree will go to waste and that the cum laude (kung laude?) thingie would mean nothing.

So what?

模擬授業 - Trial/practice class March 23, 2007

Mojica-sensei (Edwin-sensei) told us that Kouchou-sensei (Betty-sensei) wants our class to have a 模擬授業 as soon as we finish Chapter 5 of the book. As expected, everyone was surprised with the announcement. We weren’t happy with it…we were scared! Besides, we thought it was too early to be doing practice classes. Those usually come in the second semester. But Kouchou-sensei insisted that we have it. ASAP. We did bargain that the practice be moved to after the Holy Week, so we have the long vacation to think about what to teach and how to teach. Wipee…not.

Why am I scared? I suppose it’s not because I’m scared of teaching…I’m scared of making a fool of myself in front of Kouchou-sensei! Her presence is always so intimidating. If she weren’t there, it wouldn’t be so bad, but the thing is, she wanted to be there and observe everyone. 校長先生がいなければ、大丈夫かもしれません。でも、模擬授業は先生のアイデアです。ですからいるはずです。恐い。。。

But why should I be scared? Shouldn’t I be proud that one of the best Nihongo teachers in the country will be observing me in class? I do not exaggerate when I say ‘one of the best’. Kouchou-sensei has been recognized by the Emperor of Japan for her contributions to Nihongo education in the country. Together with Edwin-sensei and Ogata-sensei, they are the pioneers of teaching Nihongo in the country. I am proud to say that I am studying under the very best people in Nihongo education in the Philippines. Reading this speech by Ambassador Yamazaki during the conferment of Kouchou-sensei’s Order of the Rising Sun made me really happy and proud….Teacher ko yan!

Geez…if only it was so easy to measure up to the three of them…just as it is easy to feel proud that I am their student. ^_~

PS: Pag ako naging teacher na, sure ako na magiging mabait ako sa mga estudyante ko…hindi ako mahirap ayain sa gimik. Pag gusto nila ng karaoke, papayag agad ako. Yun na! ^_~