仕事 - Work

Work was pretty busy last year. We had a few seminars that required a great deal of planning on all of the ALT's parts. One of the seminars had us break into pairs and do a 15 minute presentation/game/etc... on some sort of cultural thing. My partner and I ended up doing tarot, and got really into it. I drew all the cards that we used and dressed up. We really went all out. 

I also had a lot of my own work to do to get ready for classes. Junior high requires A LOT more planning and prep work than elementary school does. In Hazu, I had elementary school twice a week. Now, I only get to go once a week. I miss working at an elementary school twice a week. Playing around with the kids was so fun! I was really able to bond with them.

I got really involved in the art club at Nakano. I even got to teach a couple of art lessons there! I taught them how to use copics and how to make eraser stamps. It was really fun (and challenging!). Going to the art club allowed me to get close to a lot of the quieter kids.

March 31 was my last official day at Nakano. I cried so much. Before spring break started, there was an assembly to see off all of the teachers that were leaving. I gave a speech in Japanese.

My last classes were pretty tough too. I cried a few times. I really loved those kids. I got letters from each of the 2nd and 3rd year students.

Saying goodbye to my elementary students was REALLY tough. My favorite class sang an anime song (Again by Yui) for me as a goodbye present. I cried SO much. I'll never forget that as long as I live.

Another class gave a short presentation (in English!) about our year together. They gave me cards and letters that I will keep forever.

I'm really gonna miss those kids. On to Aihara.