12-04-2014: When Times Get Tough...

Hello all,
On Thursday, I received some slightly unnerving news and, for some reason, I handle stress through lack of eating and nausea. Apparently that isn't healthy, but I do lose my appetite in times of stress. Sometimes this non-hunger lasts only an evening; sometimes, it will be for a few days. I don't recommend stress as a way to lose weight, it's killer.
That being said, a lot of my living here has given me some training on managing my stress. Instead of having a few days of my brain starving my body, and me having restless nights, I've gone down to one or two days. It's an improvement. I also have learned more about talking to resources, and not being as fatalistic in my outlook, or one-track minded. I've become more keen to looking for resources that may give me more opportunity, and I am practicing my research skills, as well as my problem-solving skills.
Optimism is definitely key in searching for your open windows and opportunities. Just remember: when a door closes, there will be a window somewhere; you just need to look for it. Or, better yet, you better bust through a wall to make it happen. Either way, you do need to make a lot of effort. you also should set a long-term goal or two and figure out the steps you need to take to achieve it, and what you backup plan may be in the case you take a stumble. Don't lose confidence in yourself, because that is a one-way ticket to the demise of a dream. Also, don't let other people demean your value, live above their expectations and push through the hardships. Understand that life is hard, but it can be a lot of fun if you find your way, even if you stumble.
If money-making is your goal, you will work hard; you might work many jobs at once, and not find joy for a while. That's okay. You may go out very little and limit your spending so that you can save up money. Again, this is perfectly fine.
If you want to travel the world and don't have money, you will need to find a way to earn it, whether it is through donations, working two jobs and saving, and you may work the odd job while you are abroad. I would suggest that you do work the odd jobs. Many of these jobs are in hotels, hostels, and adventure companies. You will end up meeting a lot of people from around the world, either working with you or as a customer. Enjoy each experience, even if you are a housekeeper. Enjoy each location.
Personally, I know that I would love to take a holiday to somewhere in the world, although I am not sure exactly where I would like to stay. My experience with some young Swedish men I met while in Thailand landed some excitement and keenness to travel to Scandinavia. Australia always has adventures in store; so do Spain and South America, I feel. Honestly, I want to visit five out of the seven continents if possible, and I am constantly trying to figure out my options that will make this possible. So far, I have accomplished 3 continents: North America, Asia, and Australia. Next up: Europe and South America; probably Australia again.
If I visit Europe, though, I think a job is completely necessary. Maybe as an Au pair, where I can practice my care-taking skills, learn a new language, and still have some time to visit other countries.

As for now, I would like to find other like-minded people who might feel a little bit clueless about their life path, but willing to go on the ride, through the thick and thin, knowing that life isn't over yet.
I would like to close this post with a famous quote:

"Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end"

 It says a lot about what's going on in life, and to not give up even when things are tough.

Until next time,
K.

P.S.- I'm wondering if I should make any reviews of any products or such. It's just a thought.

21-3-2014: Some quick hints that I picked up so far.

Good afternoon (or evening, to the other side of the world who stays up late),
Per normal, I haven't posted anything in a while due to my lack of inspiration. Today is different.
I have gotten into the rhythm of my work and ongoings, and I do enjoy it. Things have gradually improved since the last few months. For that, I am thankful.
Now, let's get on with the latest updates.
We are coming down to my fourth week of teaching, and I am starting to feel more comfortable in the teaching, as well as feeling more on top of things, organization-wise. Note to anybody: Track you lessons, whether you have a planning book or a day-to-day journal. Seriously.

 If you haven't picked up on why you should already, let me explain the massively important reasons:
1. This will act as your guide.

• That way, you will not be caught clueless with your pants down when it comes to Lesson Day.
• You can write activities.
• Games to use.
• Documents you may need.

2. This will act as a record.

• What did you teach?
• Did you complete the lesson? What do you need to teach for the next class?
• What activities did you use?
• Which ones worked? Which didn't?
• What is the next step?
• How is the progress of the class?

So, if you think you can keep this all to memory, be my guest, but don't expect to provide evolution if, a month after one of your lessons, you are not able to recall what you taught. This is important especially if your superiors ask: "What have you been teaching them?" This also is important for students who miss class, because you may need to teach them the lesson.

Another tip for guidance in this line of work is to keep in touch with your students outside of the classroom.

• By this, I mean the minimum amount of contact should be through email, and at least once a week. This is important for giving updates. I use email to send important documents, documents for the past lessons, and documents for upcoming class lessons so that students will feel more prepared because that have some semblance of guidance, or knowledge of the upcoming activities. I also use this so that students can announce to me upcoming absences, or to be able to ask questions in their comfort zones.
• Also, because of where I work, I am surrounded by my students everyday. It is good to keep in touch, and say hello whenever you do not have class because that:
• 1) Helps create a more solid relationship with the student, because you know what they look like, it is more personable
• 2) Helps them practice their English material.
• 3) It reminds them that you are checking in. You know who is missing class and who isn't. The more you check in, the more likely they are to inform you that they can or cannot come to class.

Lastly, HAVE PATIENCE. In any aspect, really, just have it. If you are in another culture, you should always respect it. Different cultures work in different ways, especially when it comes to time. More often than not, at least 50% of my class students arrive easily fifteen to thirty minutes after my scheduled class has started. For me, the patience is necessary, because of where I teach. Many of the students are working that day, therefore, are needing to excuse themselves from work in order to attend. The other part of the patience, is being patient with each student. They all learn at their own pace; Some students learn more quickly, and others not so much. Patience is key. Plus, impatience will lead the teacher, often, to blame the student, and to become more angry. Angry teachers are not paid attention to, and their success rate falters. Don't be that kind of teacher.

I hope some of this was insightful. If not, it was really just me typing my thoughts.

Until next time,

K