Anyway, to actual updates.
My finals I felt went really well because Iijima-Sensei added some things to the exams that just made it easy for the American students to comprehend (peeved at the fact that she said we would have to study, but then when the grammar means were given, it made it feel like time I wasted studying). My report (paper sort of speak) was kind of more difficult, and my corrector (aka Hiro) having little time to correct said paper. So whom knows what is going to happen about grades.
I finally got around to having a talk with the teacher that runs the ESS, and I realized that I like that system a lot more than the forced system that the language lab seems to be. It took previous students (from IUPUI) only a month or two to figure that out, but with everyone being busy and me being the only one (out of Keleih, Beth, and I) that knew the location of said ESS office, I would have been the only one to do something about it. But, I avoided ESS like the plague. I knew about ESS and where it was at within the first few weeks of being here, but around that same time with "you must only speak in English" type of situations I experienced, I avoided it (ESS) like the plague. I really wanted to improve on my ability in Japanese, so I avoided it. But, against most odds, when we were told to use as much as English as possible in the language lab, I refused. I felt if I relied to much on my own language, I felt I would never be able to speak and understand another one. But, at ESS, I was proven incorrect on some notions. I don't necessarily have to speak always in English in/at ESS, but it's more about making a personal connection with students--students that want to enjoy learning English and meeting people from other cultures and learning about them. The message of ESS I really enjoyed.
Despite not knowing about ESS, we realized that making students come 5 times a month to the language lab wasn't the answer at all. Many came in with groups because they were afraid to use what English they knew. But, we spruced up the place and had fun with the students there to make sure that they would come back, perhaps on their own volition instead of their teachers. But, generally that didn't happen. But, I guess that really can't be helped. So, I (and I am sure Keleih too) next semester will make more of an effort to attend ESS and be around in general for more students. ESS's message has inspired me to work harder at teaching English, but to relate and have fun with more students than I could have been in the past.
Other than that, currently working on a video to show at my sister graduation open house today. I need to figure out how to boost the volume that the mic catches sound. I didn't want to skip out on Kyudo today (third Saturday doing so), but I feel a bit sick today. Figures the first time I am sick in Japan, I would have to be in the Summer. This humidity is crazy. Tomorrow is the Oyama Gion festival (not sure what it's about), but if I am better, I probably participate. Monday is Uminohi and I might go somewhere for that maybe. 30 dollars is expensive to go anywhere though. Tuseday is Brian's and the other Taiwanese formal going away ceremony. Wednesday, I have my first trial session with a potential student at the language school. Wish me luck!
"This is a picture of the classroom where the foreign exchange students have classes"
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