I arrived back home to Calgary a few days ago and it already feels like my time in Japan was a dream. It’s so strange that something I have been looking forward to for so long is over now. I’m already missing my usual hangout spots like Namba Parks and Taito Station. I especially miss the Suito students and akll of the amazing staff. My last day at the school was very emotional. The students drew a beautiful card for me, and I will treasure it forever! Although I’m sad this adventure has come to an end, I am grateful for everything I got to learn and experience while there.
My favourite part of TAB was getting to connect with students and staff at the school. Connection is really important to effective teaching, and I am so glad that I had a chance to practice relationship and rapport building at Suito. Coming home during the current state of education in Alberta is certainly a bit daunting, but I feel like I gained a lot of resilience when I was in Japan. There were times where I didn’t know how I was going to teach a lesson or have enough time to complete all of my school assignments, but there was no choice but to simply do it. This is a mindset I am hoping to carry with me for the rest of my practicum and career: even when it seems impossible, it must be done anyway. That’s what teachers do; we do the impossible, day after day.
I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to teach in Japan, and I will always remember this experience and the people I met. Here’s to a new chapter of learning during Field III and beyond. 🙂