I was trying to find a good picture to portray "tired" for this post because I think sleep is going to be optional until this trip is over. In the process, I discovered that people and animals look really wierd when they yawn! As for me, everytime I close my eyes I think of a million more things I need to do in order to get ready for my time in Japan. At the same time, a million questions pop into my head. The craziest thing is that I leave in a little over a month! It has been a really long process getting to this point.
I first heard about the JFMF program when my friend Stacy was accepted 2 years ago. It was Easter Monday and we were driving home from Vermont after skiing for the weekend. She got a phone call from her mom telling her she was accepted into the program. She explained the program to me and I was so excited for her. Unfortunately, I was so busy with other things the following year that the thought of the JFMF Teacher Program slipped my mind until I had already missed the application deadline. Last year, however, I was determined not to let the opportunity pass me by again and I completed the application. It was a month-long process (at least!) of writing essays, editing them, asking friends and co-workers to proofread them, and then editing them again. I am so grateful to everyone who helped me with that process! The application was due in December, so by the time the letter arrived in April I had almost forgotten I even applied. It was Easter Monday again and I was sitting in a coffee shop working on my National Board Certification portfolio when my mom called me. She told me that a letter came for me from Japan and asked me if she should open it. I went outside and waited for the news. When she read the line that stated I was accepted into the program I started jumping up and down and screaming. At the moment I forgot that I was standing on the busy sidewalk of 15th Street in Philadelphia in front of the large glass windows of the coffee shop. I was reminded a minute later when I looked inside and realized that all of the people were either laughing at me or really annoyed with my behavior. I got myself together, went back inside, and tried to get more work done, but I was way too excited.
So now I have just over a month until I leave and there is SO MUCH to do! I'm anxiously awaiting the email with the translation for my meishi (business cards) so I can design my cards and send them to the printer. In her graduate class today, my sister learned the proper way to give and accept meishi. She did a demonstration for me and it made me think that I need a proper place to put the meishi I receive instead of shoving them into my back pocket or dropping them in my purse like I usually do. Japanese people place high importance on these cards and it is crucial that we treat them with respect. Maybe I will find a nice notebook with a little pocket in the back that I will carry with me at all times. That way I can take notes about my experiences and the people I meet, and I will have a place to tuck papers and cards along the way!
Another thing I need to do before I leave is fill out the form for the formal draft of my "follow-on plan". This is the plan that I will implement in the classroom, school, district, and community upon my return. Laying out the plan before the trip will help me focus on my topic while I'm away. One of the elements of Japanese society I want to study is the culture of Respect in Japan, and how that is incorporated into schools classrooms. As all of my students know, respect is the guiding principle in room C214 at William Penn Middle School! I've also heard that groupwork and teamwork are a big part of Japanese culture. I am looking forward to learning how these are used in the classroom to help develop a sense of community and responsibility among the members of the class.
Finally, I am excited to open up the door for dialogue between my students at William Penn and the students in the schools that I visit. One of the questions I would like to ask my students and the Japanese students is, "What are the biggest concerns in your life right now...both in and out of school? What do you spend most of your time thinking about?"
So Team 8B, what's the answer? I can't wait to hear what you have to say!
3 comments:
Hey Abby...your list of things to do sounds a little too familiar! Time is getting away! I just got my meishi translated and now need to take it to the printer. My sis-in-law tells me she has a business card holder for me, too, so I treat their cards properly.
I like your focus on learning how the Japanese teach respect. I am interested in how they teach empathy in their schools. From what I understand, this teaching effects their entire society - in that everyone really follows the golden rule, so to speak. In my opinion, our kids (and adults!)could use a bit more of that.
Hi Mrs. Brigman! I'm so excited that my meishi are on their way! I ordered a card holder with my cards, so that has been taken care of, too.
I would love to learn more about how the Japanese teach empathy. I agree that we could all use more of that! I wonder if this teaching has its roots in the Shinto religion. I know that Shinto customs and beliefs are prevalent in Japanese society and that Shinto believes that everything and everyone has a soul or spiritual side that must be respected. It is one of my goals to learn more about Shinto before we leave for our trip.
I hope you are making progress with your preparations!
Ms. Brazina, To answer your question, Most of the time I am worrying about my education and musical activities. These are my top priorities right now. I also have a question for you. Won't it be difficult to adjust to the time zone? Day and night will be practically reversed!
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