Last Day of Class!
Today was my last day to teach my freshmen English class. I'm so sad it's over. They were such a good class. My freshmen were always eager to learn, and seemed to enjoy my lessons a lot more than my sophomores do. Though, when you first start out college, you are really excited to learn. I guess that excitement just fades away...which is a shame. I hope my freshmen can keep up their enthusiasm for the rest of their college experience. I almost started to cry when the bell rang. Almost. Fortunately, my stoicism returned almost immediately and I went off to deliver my next lesson on advertising. Have I mentioned I don't really like teaching business concepts? I don't think I have. Except for right there. I'll say it again. I don't like teaching business concepts. Alas, I am teaching Business English majors...
Anyway, the time is fast approaching where Jeff and I are going to pack up and go back home. Which is sad, in a way, but I'm also excited. After all, in the United States, we have heaters. They don't have those in China. And they don't have stoves you can turn on to keep you warm. I was talking to one of my students, Max. Apparently last year there was a terrible cold front. The power went down, so all they could use to keep warm was bundles of clothing and by heating water. Which would not be fun. Given how high Chinese ceilings are, keeping even a decently-sized room warm would be rather hard.
After class, Coin (Jeff's co-teacher) invited us over for dinner, cooked by her mother. It was delicious! I felt very welcome by her mother, sisters, and nephews and neice. We watched a little television after eating, and talked a bit about the economy. Apparently it is hard for graduates in China to find jobs...much like it is in the United States. Coin is a lot of fun--she's the freshmen's advisor. My co-teacher, Helen, is off visiting one of her friends...which means I think I'll be asking Coin how to submit my grades.
I meant to take some pictures of my freshmen...but, sadly, forgot to get my camera out. I know, I'm terrible... I suppose you'll just have to live with that fact. So, no visual stimuli. I suppose I could draw a picture using paint and put it up...but that would take a while, eh?
Oh! Before I forget...Jeff and I decided to play with Google maps the other day and pinpoint where we live. I've got it all marked out. You can check it out here.
posted by Erica @ 12:24 AM
3 Comments:
I can't believe that you are almost done teaching in China! Adelle is counting down the days until you get home! I loved the map and notes of your hot spots. I love that you marked the KFC and McDonalds!
I wish I was coming with Mom and Kathy to pick you guys up. Oh, by the way, isn't your Birthday coming up? What are you going to do to celebrate??
I cry for you for being over with your freshmen. Of course, I'm also very happy because you will be coming home and I'll have you back here in the states so that I might torment you in person once more. I'm also glad that you will be coming home to heaters (and boy will you need them). I liked your map. Remember to look for postcards. I think I'll send you the address of that friend of mine that I'm forcing you to get a postcard for. Might be a good idea. Please and thank you!
Yay! So exciting for Erica to almost be home! I might be coming home to Utah too. I'm glad you went and did this! I think this was an experience of a life time for you! Sometime I'm gonne have to do something adventurous like that!
Oh yeah, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (I know it's not your birthday in America, yet, but it is for you there by the time you read this!) I'm glad you're 22 now! It's kinda an exciting time, the growing up phase of life. Now you're really an adult, not a new one, but a year old adult! ^_^
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