Apart from all that

I got through my first term. I got through my first term break. Now, school is starting up again. Looking back on what I did, I realize that it could not have been done any other way. I needed to make the mistakes I did in order to become a better teacher. I had to fail in order to succeed (is that a cliche, because if not I'm trademarking that one (I must have heard it somewhere)).

The one thing I'm proud I accomplished is that I did it. I went to every hour of every day and didn't once skip a class. My students saw that. Whether they know it themselves or not, they have become a little more comfortable with me. So their English has barely improved and they're still scared to speak it, but is that maybe because our relationship wasn't as strong as it is now? The challenges I face here are not physical and are only mildly mental, but are more often than not, personal.

I've set goals for myself that have not yet come close to being reached. That first semester was used to feel things out. Term break was a time to reflect. Now it's time to start pushing again, this time a little harder.

I love to play sports, I love geography, and I do what I can to help the environment. I see these three things being the most important influences in my future here next to the Mekong River.