"Hey Shawn, by the way, you have an update due tomorrow," was one of the last things I heard from Ginger before I went to bed Wednesday night...
"An update?" I thought to myself, "I don't even remember reading the updates that others have put on the Light2Taiwan website!" I didn't have a clue as to what kind of content an 'update' included! "Besides, who reads them anyway?"
That disillusioned question quickly disappeared as I caught up on some of the recent updates from other Taiwan TESOL members and even some of my own team members here in Kinmen. I found out things that were going on with other teams that I had not known about, even people on my own team here on Kinmen who I see every day!!! For example... I had NO IDEA that my roomate was the "Coolest Guy in Taiwan!!!" I'm in shock! To think that I've roomed with him for over 3 weeks and didn't even know that he held that title, until I read his update! So all you people out there, keep reading these updates, it is a great source of information on us TESOL teachers (seriously).
Now I shall start the actual "update" part of this entry. Today I completed my first week of teaching!! YAHOO! It was a real blessing to be able to have Ginger introduce me to most of her schools, teachers, and students my first week, since I am going to be teaching at her schools for this semester. I wasn't sure how the whole process worked, me being an "assistant teacher" and everything. It was a new experience for me, because the only English teaching I had ever done was at English camps. However, now that the week is over, and I have experienced most of the classes, I feel more prepared for the role that I will be playing this semester.
One thing that I had been encouraged to do when I began teaching at the schools was: "maintain classroom order." That has never been easy for me! I sometimes can act worse than the class-clown! Needless to say, I prayed a lot! I really asked God to help me with being firm with the kids, yet likable too. God answered my prayers. I was pleasantly suprised at how little the classes got disorganized and rowdy! It probably was a combo of prayer, my good looks, and large muscular build.... oh and not to mention my very humble attitude(just joking). With all kidding aside... I know that God really helped me through this week, and I am greatly appreciative to Him and His grace. I'm also thankful for all my family and friends who have been (and hopefully will continue too) praying for me.
Well, I shall stop with my ramblings and go find my roomie and ask for his autograph... =D
Blessings,
Shawn Searle, from Kinmen
