Teachers are powerful leaders.

In one of my earlier posts I said that I was a good teacher. I take that back. Well actually, I'd like to rephrase it. I think I have the ability to genuinely understand the heart of another person, and this makes it easier for me recognize what they're motivated by, thus teach them. But I could always be a better teacher. It's just one of those skills that can never be perfected, only strengthened. I have definitely improved as a teacher during my stay so far, and I hope to continue doing so throughout my life. Korea has put me to the test because I have to teach when I don't know the language at all. (I know a little more now, but it's still not enough to actually use during my teaching unless I'm disciplining the kids.)

So how does someone become a better teacher anyways? For one, there's spending time making a good lesson plan. If you're a teacher, I sincerely doubt that spending 20 minutes on a lesson plan will create the most effective lesson. The more time you take to plan a lesson, and create materials, the better your lesson will be. So even if you can create an amazing lesson in 20 minutes, it'll probably be even more valuable if you spent 40 minutes on it. ;)

Other than the more obvious "work harder" advice which goes for all skills, having an open mind is really important. If students are putting in the effort, don't blame them for not understanding a concept. Be flexible in your methods of teaching, and have patience. Be able to take criticism, but be confident in what works for you. All teachers are different. Don't limit your view of teaching as something that's a personal skill you take pride in, but a skill that can be utilized for the "greater good" (end purpose which is passing on knowledge). So that means, help other teachers, and share your ideas with others. What has worked? What hasn't worked? I love talking to other teachers about lesson plans honestly. 8) Teachers are powerful leaders.

Not sure if I've mentioned this yet, but in my free time I've been volunteering to teach soldiers, and it's been great! In Korea, males are required to complete 2 years of military service (usually during the university age) and they are placed in different branches. It's not uncommon to see soldiers walking around everywhere in Korea. (No worries, I usually don't see them carrying guns.) At first, I was a bit awed by this and stare at the military trucks. But now I'm completely unfazed. I've even forgotten that this isn't as common of a sight in the States. So the students I teach in particular, are placed in the police department and completing police officer duty. Since I'm doing this voluntarily, they're really flexible with my schedule, and I usually teach around 2 hours per week. Teaching adults is so different, and very fun! The games I can play are more complex and I can actually be a part of them as well. We've played games such as hot seat, alibi, taboo, charades, tongue twisters etc. I teach them about grammar, pronunciation, and help them speak English more "naturally". It mostly serves as a conversation class, and sometimes it feels like I'm just hanging out with my friends.

I honestly don't know who I like teaching better at this point. Kids, or adults. On one hand, I can teach the kids a variety of material and have tons of fun with them. And on the other hand, adults don't need disciplining. They're in class because they want to be. That makes a huge difference.

Well I have to go plan my Halloween lessons for tomorrow now. :) We're going to have some spOoOoky fun! Hopefully, I feel motivated enough to write here more often. I've realized that I can't document every part of my journey, so you'll have to settle for my momentary thoughts.

I hope that you're having a happy week!
Love,
Anisha

A Belated Summer

This was the first time I've experienced a "summer vacation" outside of college. In my previous job, we didn't get a summer vacation. I don't think my career set-up will always be like this, so I'm enjoying every second of it.

Since it's only a short flight away, I decided to visit Japan during summer vacation with Huma and Leek. This was my second time visiting Japan, the first being in High School. This time we explored the Kansai province (Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto) Visiting Japan again as an adult was so worthwhile for me. I noticed so many different things. I was mostly fascinated by the different lifestyle, the cleanliness, the architecture, diversity, and the silence. The whole atmosphere was foreign, yet familiar to me. And I can definitely assure you that anime characters are designed after the wonderful Japanese people. I was in a real life anime, with the small compact spaces, people smoking using cigarette holders in tiny cafes while reading manga, school girls + boys cycling, the grandparents yelling at kids in the markets, the ramen♥, the okonomiyaki!!♥, the sushi ♥, quirky convenient contraptions (like UV proof umbrellas held up on your bike), tatami mats, sliding doors, squishy ominous cats, and a 100% absence of English.

The manga is brilliant. I went to a manga exhibit in Kyoto and found the first original copies of Dragon Ball Z published in 1989. What?! Unfortunately photography is strictly prohibited in most anime museums. But this exhibit was cool because it talked about the rise of manga and how it all started, and the way it gained popularity across the world. My favorite part was the variety of manga there was. Manga was and IS for everyone, of all ages, ethnicities, genders, etc. It's even a news source. I saw many elderly men and women read it on the train, teens read it in cafés, business  men and women, mothers, children, everyone! It's not seen as some sort of cool or uncool culture, like it is in America ~ "I'm into anime." (I'm not saying that's a good thing or a bad thing.) It's a completely normal part of Japanese life. No one bats an eye.

One best parts of my journey was the Nara lantern festival. Thousands of lanterns were sprawled out over the grass and in some areas the lanterns made intricate designs. Guys, it was absolutely breathtaking. No picture can do it justice. The three of us naturally wandered in different directions because we were so taken aback by the sea of lanterns. That was the closest I've ever come to floating through outer space. I felt tiny. ~*~*~*~*And in that moment I was infinite~*~*~*~*~ But really though. It made me tear up.

So that's all I'll be discussing on my trip to Japan. If you have any questions about my trip, feel free to comment below. I highly recommend that everyone visit Japan at least once in your life. :) It's great for solo-adventuring, or even a family trip!

Hope you're having an amazing day!
Love,
Anisha