Job Discussion Forums

[gaijinalways]

[zaneth]

I've learned that Americans are not the most ignorant or patriotic or insular people in the world. Some small nations also have super patriots.

I've learned that I am definitely American, even in my un-American-ness.

I've learned that my grandmother's kooky habit of cooking bacon grease into everything had a certain logic to it (apologies to the vegetarian OP).

And I've learned that I, West Coast former vegetarian liberal, am not immune to the classic Rightward shift with age.

[fadedgirl]

I was the girl in high school who said she never wanted to have kids.
Now that I've taught 27 four year olds...even one who hated English so much that he refused to even say yes or no and threatened to bring a gun to school...well, I'd like to have some of my own. And yes, I will miss my little rugrats.

I'm less likely to take anyone's shit. My patience is saved for the kids. No one else.

It's better to let the momma's boy student sleep through class.

I went to France as a language assistant for high schoolers.
I realized that not only do I not like small towns...I can't stand them. And I grew up in a big city. (sometimes wanting a new experience is completely unnecessary...especially in the big city vs. small town debate )

After 12 years of classes in French, I came back from France TERRIFIED of speaking French.
I thought I'd make friends with the other American assistants, and it turns out that the Danish and the German assistants were the coolest.

there's lots more I'm sure...but it's all nuances. I'm just a work in progress anyways.

[Rin]

I've learned to stand up for myself.

I left Canada a scared little girl who said Sorry to everything and everyone when it wasn't even my fault. And I used to let people walk all over me.

I've retained my sense of Canadian politiness, but I don't let people push me around anymore and I don't say Sorry when it isn't my fault.

[thrifty]

I can atttest to that.

Rin tore a strip off me for correcting her spelling.

[Rin]

[Will.]

One more posting on this thread.

I have learnt that it is difficult to hold my tongue but sometimes necessary, despite my urgent need to be vociferous, as one sometimes learns more this way. It is often easier to wait for another to deliver that once in a lifetime witty criticism...and watch from a safe distance.

[mondrian]

[lollercauster]

[guangho]

Hmmmm.....

In China I learned to be amazed
In Korea I learned to be cynical
In Poland I'm learning that not every woman is after my passport
In Israel I learned to belong (somewhat)
In Hungary I learned that you can go home again but nobody will recognize you
In America I learned not to expect too much or dvelve too deep below the surface

But above all I'm in the process of learning that I'm messed up and should be okay with it.

[william wallace]

nil

[Gordon]

I've learned to apperciate my family, and my friends "back home" who are becoming fewer and fewer as the years go on.

[denise]

[anospi]

After a year in Cambodia I learned that you really don't need much. Two years ago I was materialistic, now I'm a minimalist.

[mandivided]

Personally, I have developed quite a tough skin (after stints in Russia, Poland and Italy). Moreover, I have become quite adept at spotting and screwing over dishonest directors/owners of schools before they totally screwed me over - due to their greed, ignorance, hang-ups etc.

On a positive note, having learned what to watch out for (Dave's ESL Cafe having played no small part) I have landed in a nice school (great resources; fair pay; a staff room; functioning photocopier etc.) and I am ha-ha-happy again!

AND keeping it 'real'. 'Seacrest OUT!'