| | Saying goodbye is proving to be far more difficult than I thought!
Today was the last day of English class for the first year students, before summer vacation begins next Thursday, July 19. But by the time classes start again, I won't be here, so I asked Miss Ishiyama if we could take class photos. After we finished doing 1-on-1 interview tests and the students had settled back into their seats, Miss Ishiyama asked me to explain what I wanted.
"Today's your last day of class until summer vacation," I began. "And I want to take some pictures with you guys."
As Miss Ishiyama translated this into Japanese, the students bobbed their heads in understanding, murmuring "Shasshin! Pictures!"
Then Miss Ishiyama carefully explained the reason why I wanted to take class photos was because I was leaving Kumenan and a new ALT would come to replace me in August. There was a huge, collective gasp and a loud "Ehhhhhhhhh???" from all 25 students. They were completely stunned (even though most of the teachers and staff knew about my decision not to re-contract since March, none of the students were informed), shocked, and in disbelief. All the kids started talking loudly, yelling, "Why? Nani? Nani?", and looking at me with these sad, forlorn little faces. Then Miss Ishiyama said, "So is it okay to take pictures?" and all the students (many of whom dislike taking photographs) shouted, "HAI!!!"
My eyes actually watered as the students rushed up to me, held my hand, hugged me tight, clamored around me, asked me why I was leaving. We went outside to take pictures, group by group, and ended with a class photo at the end. The suddenness of the news really hit them and it touched me so much to see the first years (mostly the girls) stare at me with big, sad eyes and stroke my hair and talk in rapid Japanese about how much they'd miss me and implore me not to go.
The routine happened twice (for both first year classes, 1A and 1B) and I honestly had to struggle to maintain my composure. The students were so obliging about taking pictures, so affectionate. I have four more sets of classes to break the news to, then a goodbye speech (in Japanese!) at the closing ceremony next week, so it's not going to be easy.
 
 
 
They drew a picture of me!!
 
 
Sayonara...!
|
| | Posted 7/11/2007 11:01 AM - 48 Views - 6 eProps - 4 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- share
- email
 - sent0
|
great time there...i miss the place...but i still hoping u be bak here asap!! i just talked to ur mom last nite...we should do a celebration when u r bak!
