Hello, Hivers! It's me, Jera back again with another blog! I want to share to you how I spent my summer vacation last year. Is it really a vacation or not? š¤
Last summer, I took a new challenge: instead of soaking to the pool or going to the beach and just enjoying the summer, I choose to teach and become a part-time English as Second Language (ESL) teacher at Howdy English Academy. I thought it would be just a job-something to fill my days and maybe make a bit of extra cash. Little did I know, it would turn into an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, learning, and some truly special friendship.
When I first started, I expected my time at the academy to be pretty straightforward. I would teach my classes, help my Japanese students learn English, and then go home. Thatās it! With the students coming and going every week, I assumed our connections would be short-lived. But as I walked into that classroom on the first day, I realized just how wrong I was!
As the day passed, I found myself forming bonds and connection I never expected. We shared laughs over silly English phrases, celebrated āaha!ā moments when they finally grasped and understand a tricky concept, and even exchanged stories about dream country destination, local food and delicacies, K-pop groups and we also had a drawing session (even if I donāt know how to drawš
). Those little connections began to grow into something special. They became more than just students to me- they felt like my friends.
What surprised me the most was how much I learned from them, too. As we tackled English, they were eager to teach me some Japanese words as well! Even Japanese writing style like Kanji, Hiragani and Katakana (omg I find it too complicatedš«Ø). We exchange language lessons like precious gifts, and each new word made me feel a little closer to their culture. It was incredible how, in just few weeks, we could bridge the gap between languages and create a sense of understanding.
Sometimes, they tell me if we can just play a game instead of solely focusing on the book. Who am I to refuse when they behaved so well. So sometimes, we play games like bato bato pick or rock, paper scissors in English, and some clap games. The one who loses the game will be painted an emoji on the nails. It was so much fun, not just for the students but for me as well š. I also introduced some Filipino foods like balut (It is a street food common here in the Philippines and it is a fertilized developing egg embryo that is boiled or steamed and eaten from the shell) dried mangoes and dried tamarind but sadly the only food I was able to gave was the dried mangoes and tamarind because I wasnāt able to find ābalutā in my area (trust me I did my best to find any).
As the week flew by, the thought of saying goodbye started to sink in. It was a bittersweet moment for us. I knew I would miss our daily chats , conversations and the way they would light up when they mastered a new word. On our last day, we all exchanged hugs, gifts and promises to keep in touch. They even leave me a letter which made me cry like a baby. It hit me then that in just short time, we had built something meaningful.
Every Friday, after their graduation, we were given the chance to have a dinner together with our students. Sitting around the dinner table with my students felt like a family gathering. We shared stories, laughed until our stomach hurts, and talked about our hopes for the future and that includes meeting again one day. We even took pictures, and videos so that if we miss each other, we can somehow take a look at the pictures and videos we captured. I didnāt even notice that tears were already dropping from my eyes as my students hug me so tight (Ah! attachment issue was hitting me so hard).
My experience at Howdy English Academy taught me so much more than just being a part- time teacher but also being a friend and a big sister. I learned about the amazing power of connection, the beauty of different cultures, and how we built friendship even in a short span of time. As I look back and think about it, I couldnāt help but to smile and feel grateful for every moment that we shared and every smile we exchanged with my students. Who would have thought that a few weeks could lead to such wonderful and unforgettable memories? The experience I had will always have a special place in my heart. I must say, a summer well spent!
To all my students, you may have come into my life for just a moment, but you have left a lasting impact in my heart. Thank you for the joy, laughter, and countless lessons we shared together. I canāt wait to see what the future holds for each of you! I hope we meet again someday. Teacher Jera misses you so much and I canāt hold my tears anymore while writing this. Until next time, my babies! Sending love from Philippines to Japan šš.
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I've been an ESL teacher for a month too. Grabe ka jud ka rewarding and fulfilling ang job experience. š
That's such a nice experience.
Ahhh reading this made me think of my students too. I miss them a lot. That summer was one of the best ones and I'm glad I got to spend it with y'all.