Exam Days

my morning commute

Exam days usually mean that my classes are cancelled, and I'm left to "work" at my desk.  

Sometimes, I really appreciate these days because I read a book, study Japanese and Spanish, derp around on the Internet, and just relax.  I get to work on that one manga I started forever ago.  And I do a little creative writing in Google Docs too.  It's nice sometimes to have what is the equivalent of an extended study period like when I was a student stuck at school with nothing to do.

Sometimes, I really loathe these days because I get so bored and antsy just sitting around for the work day while everyone else is busy running around administering tests and then taking care of kids and making sure they get out of school and then organizing and grading those tests from earlier.  I finish any work I have pretty early and then die of boredom inside.  When the students leave, I stand near the exit and say goodbye to them.  I get up a dozen times to make tea or coffee, use the bathroom, and find a reason to walk somewhere nearby like to check out the printers or maybe chat with a teacher who also just "looks busy."

cake made by a student

Today, I'm feeling more of the former, and I went to work not so early.  I took my time washing my hair this morning and then buying myself lunch at the convenience store before taking the bus.  (There's usually no school lunch on exam days since the students have early dismissal, which ends RIGHT BEFORE LUNCH.)  And today, I've just been chillaxing and taking my time to do any tasks I have to do.

Exam days are pretty fun and relaxing for the Special Education crew too.  One of the younger female students hung out with two of the teacher aids in the cooking room and made cake for themselves and a few of the other teachers who were in the staff room.  So sweet!  Both the treat and the thought!  I was offered a piece, and it was yummy.

I'm thinking about what reviews to write up next.  I finished watching Jessica Jones a couple of weeks ago, and two nights ago, I watched all of season 1 of No Game No Life.  And I can't stop thinking about wither of those shows!!!  I almost want to re-watch No Game No Life since I binged it, and it was over too fast.  It's such a pretty anime and so brightly colored. 　うわぁぁ～

https://images6.alphacoders.com/512/512323.jpg

Tips for Joining the Japanese Workplace (School Edition)

Hey, so it's that time of year when many fresh graduates in the West are looking for jobs, and some are looking abroad...specifically, towards Japan.  For example, recently applicants for the JET program have been notified of their acceptance (or not) into the program, and many others are applying to work at eikaiwas, or conversation schools (they're kinda like the Sylvan learning centers or Kumon of Japan for English conversation).  I'm not some kind of cultural expert or claim to be any kind of pro at interactions in the workplace, but I thought I might share some tips that I've learned as I've been working and living in Japan for the past 9 or so months.  So here we go!

Aisatsu  (Greetings)

Aisatsu is the Japanese word for greetings and goodbyes, and aisatsu is very important.  The way you greet and leave a person or situation makes the biggest impressions and can set the tone for all the interactions to come.  Thus, it's really important to greet everyone with a hearty おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) in the morning when you first arrive at work and nice clear お先に失礼します (O saki ni shitsurei shimasu) when you leave the workplace at the end of the day.

In fact, there have been reports of Japanese school employees feeling as if the foreign coworker is standoffish or cold because they don't greet anyone in the mornings or say anything when they leave at the end of the day.  (I know...I don't have a citation for this one, but I learned about it through my work orientation and trainings and from talking to Japanese coworkers.)  To the Japanese employees, it's rude and the opposite of friendly.  Sometimes it may feel like you have to initiate more often than not or that it's really scary to almost yell out Good Morning, but, I promise, your greetings will be returned and greatly appreciated, which will help your coworkers feel more at ease and more willing and excited to welcome you to the workplace.