Here is a picture of Debbie and Sevinc (Sev). Neither of them have taught before and it looks like they are having fun with it. Debbie quit her job as an accountant before coming to Thailand to teach. I think Sev did that same thing before coming here. Both are having fun with their lives and taking this time to volunteer and travel. In a way we are all here for the same reasons...
Today was the first day of teaching. We are at a vocational college teaching 13-16 years old. I didn't think that three hours sounded like a lot to teach but after 2 hours I was hot, tired, and ready to be done. We have one class for each hour. I did not have the enthusiasm that I did in the first two classes. Everything was chaotic and unorganized. Over all it was a good experience though. We rode our bikes to get there. It takes about 15 minutes or so and that right there made me tired. The heat is killer here. Even when i don't do a lot I'm tried and lazy because of the heat. Right now I am ready to sit in an air conditioned building for the rest of the day (not going to happen though). I have a few hours off before I have my first Thai language lesson and then this evening Sev and I are going to teach the Monks. I have been told that the first hour with the Monks is grammar and then second is conversation.
Yesterday was a hard day emotionally. I had a meeting with Dave, he is in charge of the teaching aspect of T2T. Talking to him left me depressed. It seems like there is so little I can do in such a short amount of time and that volunteers all just start from the same place... so it doesn't seem like much progress is made. Sev did a good job of cheering me up. She told me that Dave is trying to change so much, the system, and after three years it doesn't seem like he has done much. Really it sounds like he has for the class he teaches... but as a whole it is hard. But with us being volunteers, and here for such a short amount of time, we should have fun with it... and not get caught up with everything. Dave said that there isn't a system so we can't do any wrong... everything that we try is helping. My attitude has changed a little... being in the classroom was a good experience. Just like any set of classes some are better/more excited than others.
Today was the first day of teaching. We are at a vocational college teaching 13-16 years old. I didn't think that three hours sounded like a lot to teach but after 2 hours I was hot, tired, and ready to be done. We have one class for each hour. I did not have the enthusiasm that I did in the first two classes. Everything was chaotic and unorganized. Over all it was a good experience though. We rode our bikes to get there. It takes about 15 minutes or so and that right there made me tired. The heat is killer here. Even when i don't do a lot I'm tried and lazy because of the heat. Right now I am ready to sit in an air conditioned building for the rest of the day (not going to happen though). I have a few hours off before I have my first Thai language lesson and then this evening Sev and I are going to teach the Monks. I have been told that the first hour with the Monks is grammar and then second is conversation.
Yesterday was a hard day emotionally. I had a meeting with Dave, he is in charge of the teaching aspect of T2T. Talking to him left me depressed. It seems like there is so little I can do in such a short amount of time and that volunteers all just start from the same place... so it doesn't seem like much progress is made. Sev did a good job of cheering me up. She told me that Dave is trying to change so much, the system, and after three years it doesn't seem like he has done much. Really it sounds like he has for the class he teaches... but as a whole it is hard. But with us being volunteers, and here for such a short amount of time, we should have fun with it... and not get caught up with everything. Dave said that there isn't a system so we can't do any wrong... everything that we try is helping. My attitude has changed a little... being in the classroom was a good experience. Just like any set of classes some are better/more excited than others.
5 comments:
Hey! It's great to hear that things are going well and you really seem to be settling in quite fast! Seems like you've started to build some friendships and that you enjoy what you're doing! What have you been eating? It's great to see pictures - you look great! Hopefully we will get to chat on gchat or something soon! I love you!
My buddy Wes has the same frustrations in the Peace Corps, where it seems like you should be able to do so much but not a lot happens. Listen to Sev. Wes still hasn't come to terms with how hard it is to accomplish anything in his village, but he kind of settled down after 6 months. Of course, he is there for 2 years. so just relax, have fun, and enjoy the programs that you are in. (You know all that! sorry!)
Be Safe!
You being there alone will make a difference. Your presence is bringing the world together and that is a great gift! I am glad to see a picture of folks you are working with. I hope the heat breaks for you!
It must be frustrating to look at how much the program is trying to accomplish, and not have an overarching system in place. You're an amazing person, and just by being there and talking with people you are sure to make a difference. Your personality won't allow you to do any less!!! I can't wait to hear about your experience with the monks! I'm glad Sev and Debbie seem to be so nice, and understand where you are coming from! Love you tons!
Hey Amy. Keep your chin up, girl (and all that rah rah shit). I can only imagine that it would be frustrating. But I would think that every little bit counts and you're at least doing something. You are only one person and you are making a difference. Beats working retail.
And the heat. It sounds oppressive. I don't do so well in the heat either. Just give yourself a break and stay hydrated.
xoxo
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