Japan knows how to do autumn. I’ve never truly seen colours like I have here. All those pictures associated with autumn – the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves – I thought to be just a myth; a fabricated image to make the disappearance of summer less of a depressing transition. However, I was wrong.
Two weekends ago, I visited Okayama’s Korakuen and Hiroshima’s Miyajima Island. I was literally blown away from the beauty both of these places offered. I feel I was blessed with the weather this weekend, as the sun was perfect. It helped to illuminate the trees’ colours, making a sunset canopy over head.
This one is from Okayama Korakuen. And no, no filters were necessary!
One from Miyajima Island - absolutely stunning!
The pictures truly don’t do it justice. I only wish Australia could have the same. Alas, these colours are only this magnificent due to the large amount of rain in summer, followed by the sudden drop in temperature come autumn. In other words, Japan’s perfect climate! The sakura (cherry blossoms) may be pretty, but the autumn colours are truly majestic. Japan is in a whole other league!
Over the past Friday and Saturday, I had another English camp with senior high school students. It was held in the oldest, free-public school in the world – Shizutani School. Of course, we stayed in the more updated section of the campus, where it was definitely warmer and more resourceful!
Being in charge of eight students on my own definitely felt daunting. It was too bad if they didn’t like me, cos they were stuck with me for the remainder of the camp! However, I soon learnt of the unique members of my group. While not extremely loud, they were very bright and academic students. It took me being a little bit of an idiot to get them laughing and relaxing a little. Including a great adlib in our song contest, in which I am sure I not only embarrassed my group, but also myself!
Nevertheless, seeing how motivated these students were to learn and practice their English was beyond impressive! I am almost envious that my own students don’t show the same enthusiasm. However, this is English camp, where the atmosphere is totally different. It is electric and contagious! It didn’t matter how tired I was becoming, the students always seemed to make me feel happy and motivated for more! That being said, on return from the camp I slept for a full 13 hours (and for those of you who know me, that is a lot of sleep for me)! It was sad leaving the students behind. I almost want to stay a second year so I can attend the camp again!!!
On another good note, some of the third year students I have been working tirelessly with for the past few weeks in preparation for their university entrance exams, received their results over the past week. All the students I have been working alongside have successfully passed their entrance exams! I think I was almost as excited as the students. Nothing says I am making progress, like students coming to thank you for your help in their preparation. #proudteachermoment
And this feeling, this is why I love being a teacher. Every little success the students achieve, the more I feel I have had an impact in their lives. That somehow, something I have said has helped them to be where they want to be in life. I truly hope I am becoming a good and supportive role model to these students. And most of all, I hope that they can also see me as a friend to turn to when things get tough!
