This year vs. last year

It my second year teaching at a local highschool in HK and I've noticed a couple differences in terms of how I yeah this year compared to last year. It's kind of interesting how things change

Last year I told the students I didn't know any Chinese and asked them not to speak to me in that language hoping that it would push them to practice their English. Instead, I found myself constantly worrying about being found out that I had lied to them. Whenever parents called or came to talk to me I got so nervous about speaking to them because my secret would be exposed. It ended up hurting my teaching more than it helped.

This year I just told my class st the start that I knew a little bit of Chinese, enough for me to understand that they are fussing each other or swearing in class. Kids have responded nicely and haven't hounded me asking whether I know Chinese. It's freed me up to actually talk to parents and focus on my teaching. It's a liberating feeling.

Another difference I've noticed is just how calm I am about things that have happened. Last year I stressed so much about what to do when, which rules needed to be obeyed, etc. This year things are more familiar and I don't stress the small stuff. When kids don't follow the rules I just explain what the expectations are and move on. When coworkers butt in and interrupt I just figure it's expected and the culture here. I just roll with it.

Last thing I've noticed is that I've been able to spend so much more time marking and doing actual planning during school as opposed to wedding planning every spare moment I had. It's nice because when it's 5, I cab clock out and go home. Not that its a badge of honour I am proud of, but I am happy that I am able to balance my work and home life to spend time with Michelle and continue building our marriage. It's important in a culture that values work at the expense of family. I'm glad that things are more familiar so that I can be more productive.

Overall I'm relate happy about this year. It's exciting because I feel free to do the actual parts of teaching I enjoy like interacting with kids and hopefully getting to know them as individuals. And what's more is that I was able to start a ball hockey club after school so that has me planning for practices and matches to come in the future!





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