In a world filled with pessimism and bad news coverage and reality TV, there's something to be said about Thailand and its cross-cultural history and beautiful landscape.
The flooding--as the news have been covering quite sufficiently--has had some impact in our exploration of the city of Bangkok (*also known as "Krung Thept" by the Thai people, and officially "Krungthepmahanakhon Amornrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit") as many taxi drivers are unwilling to travel too far into Bangkok in fear of being caught in the flood. However, the areas we were lucky enough to explore were filled with exotic smells and tastes.
We left for Chon Buri a day earlier than was scheduled, and we all practiced the idea of "ไม่เป็นไร (Mai Pen Rai)" (don't mind--let it go) and began to understand to 'go with the flow', for lack of a better term. We spent good time on the beach after our last meeting and teaching courses, and we are now ready to, supposedly, jump into the classroom and teach and inspire and motivate young Thai students to enjoy learning the English language.
I'm feeling anxious. I get mistaken for being a Thai person all of the time, even in America, and my insecurities with my understanding of the Thai language and culture prevents me from feeling excited. I'm nervous that I can't teach these students well, and I'm just a whole bundle of nerves.
I hope that the first week will go by somewhat smoothly before I launch into full Thailand immersion. For now, I'll lead my way into Thai life, and will learn to smile as the Thais do.
This sounds so exciting! I've never formally taught anybody anything, but I've heard from many various people that the kids you teach will end up teaching you a whole lot more.
ReplyDeleteI know telling you not to worry, won't really stop you from worrying (it never works that way for me), but I think incorporating the 'going with the flow mentality' of Thailand can certainly help you here. I know you'll do great, and I'm sure your natural love of the English language will shine through to the kids you teach.
I know my favorite teachers were always ones that were really engaged in what they were teaching. And you're already there, so no worries!
I'm excited to hear more about your travels!
Worry seems normal and natural here, but I know you'll find your place. Holy bejeesus Bangkok's real name is long. I mean, I always feel bad about the way foreigners change the names of places, but I'm sort of glad it's shortened in this case.
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity, is Mai Pen Rai pronounced "May Pen Ray" or "My Pen Rye" or some other way? I'm curious.
Hang in there. <3
@Allya: Thanks for reading T^T -- I'll try to engage my students, but jeebus...
ReplyDelete@Cerasi: It's pronounced "My pen rye" actually. hahaah~~ Except the 'r' sound in rai is borderline 'l' sound. ahhaha~