Expressive

Expressive:

It took one trip to open my eyes to a harsh reality! I always thought I was a completely humble individual who did not take the "simple" things for granted. Oh my....BOY WAS I WRONG...I have taken every simple thing I have received for granted. Back home my basic necessities were the following: car, food, debit card, cell-phone and shelter. Now my basic necessities are: comfortable flats, toilet tissue, bottled water, translator, food that is recognizable, running water, and water less tooth brushes. My face is in constant shock at what I see and I look for the same reaction that I have from others rather their faces remain at rest because it is the norm for them. I go to sleep each night and lay in bed trying to think positively so that I can make it through the next few weeks here. What I am experiencing here people have labeled as culture shock but I can quite label it as that. Later in this trip I hope to be able to provide you all with the right word to describe what I am feeling. For right now.... I will say that when I reach Raleigh, N.C. it will be a true "PARTY IN THE U.S.A."!!!

To be continued.....

"It is not good or bad but different"....Prior to departure from the US to China I attended weekly pre-departure courses to help prepare us for teaching abroad. The opening quote was told to us by our instructor. When I first heard this, I honestly let it go in one ear and out the other because I figured it would not phase me. Over the course of this week I have found myself saying...."It is not good or bad but different". I am beginning to adjust to the environment here in China. Last week, everything that I had known for 27 years was brought to a screeching halt. My eyes were open to a whole new way of life through the immersion of a new culture. This week I have mastered the skill of using chopsticks and I can also order simple food items in Mandarin. The use of pictures on menus is like a dream come true. I have always considered myself as a visual leaner. However, the use of visuals are universal for all types of learners. When I return to NC I will make an earnest effort to make sure visual cues are used and labeled throughout the entire classroom.

To be continued....

Have you ever watched the show MONK? If not, it is a show about a man who is a detective and he has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Monk is obsessive about everything and is afraid of germs. Recently, I have found myself to be the same way. Back home I look at the sanitation rates prior to going into a restaurant. If the grade is low then I will not eat there. On this trip I have seen many things that will cause people to have OCD. It grosses me out to see people hock luggies(spit) everywhere and then use the bathroom all over the place. Riding the buses you can see people pick their noses and have no shame. I am constantly washing my hands and watching where I step. I am afraid that by the end of this trip, I will be so used to it that it will not gross me out anymore. I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IT!!! :(

To be continued.....

While I was working in NC my CT recommended that I use 21st century terms and strategies during instruction. I took her advice and did lots of interactive group work, turn-and-talk, knee-to-knee, and used lots of technology. When the students used these strategies they were engaged in the lesson and all were able to participate. During my time Abroad, I have not witnessed any 21st century strategies or terms used. The students do not participate in the classes and struggle to stay awake. I wish the teachers would think of new ways to lead instruction. Observing and working in classrooms where there is little participation and engagement makes it difficult for not just students but the teacher as well to be enthusiastic.

To be continued....

I have been in Beijing for almost 5 weeks now. By now I would think that I would be accustomed not having personal space or accustomed to being pushed/elbowed. NOPE NOPE NOPE I am not over it. It blows my mind how people will push even older people. I witnessed an older lady (maybe in her 70s) get pushed and shoved onto the bus. It bothered me but it did not even phase the old lady. I looked at her with amazement and disbelief. Why did it upset me? Maybe because I respect older people and think that other would too. I am still adjusting to the culture and not certain that I would ever be able to get used to the pushing and shoving of older people. Lucky for me I am heading back to the States this weekend!!!

