Party Time

I am so blessed. For as difficult as this year has been, for the (many) times when we did things beyond what this program expects or advertises for, and for the sacrifices of missing weddings, graduations and celebrations that come with living abroad for a year, I still have the joy and ability to proclaim to all the world that I am blessed beyond measure.

Part of that whole being-asked-to-do-more-than-what-is-advertised incorporates the fact that I spent my entire time every week with 80 wonderful students. While other teachers in this program see their students for 2 hours a week, I saw mine for 6…and then some. That means some awesome time to build relationships, a deep familiarity with one another and many many inside jokes, giggles, and routines. You may think that 6 hours a week isn't a lot. Consider this: the average high school teacher sees their students only 3 3/4 hours a week. Yes, I have more student interaction teaching in China than I would in an American high school. This works out perfectly for me because through this entire experience I've discovered one critical truth: I'm passionate about students.

Really good students and really good times leads to really good closure. Closure looks like being handed a balloon and being forced to do whatever the paper inside the balloon says, be it "singing", "joking", or "dancing". Closure means at-the-ready with camera and video, and having a performance piece in your back pocket at all times. Closure means making up the words to Justin Biber's "Baby" and dancing as crazy as you possibly can.

Really good closure means surprise performances, not only by you but also by the students. It involves that discovering the quietest, mildest and most well mannered student in the class has a huge and vibrant voice [see: Catherine]. It involves having "You Raise Me Up"  dedicated to you by the student who failed 2 of their four classes with the foreign teachers [see: Tracy]. It involves being creative with the extra frosting that lying around [see: Simon]. It involves being forced in the middle of the circle and having every student speak their heart to you before their entire class, and a outpouring of tears between teachers and students alike.

My two classes and one of Laura's classes decided to throw end-of-the-year parties. Laura's class wanted a cake party, in which they decorated cakes and ate them [brilliant idea, right?]. My classes parties were… well, you can watch the video and see for yourself. (Laura's cake party is also featured on the video).