Shell in China
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen
Well, the next step of this process has begun…the good-byes. My 8th graders had their Recognition Night on Wednesday (this is a compromise between the old 8th grade graduation and our desire for them to see that there is much more education beyond 8th grade—they are not at the end of anything, so we’ve gone this route as a school) and then our last day together on Thursday. At Recognition Night the 8th graders surprised me with a giant pink basket full of gifts for my time in China. It included a pink journal covered in shoes, a pair of shoes (!), lots of goodies and Pepsi. It was very sweet of them. Then, the kids went home on Thursday at 11 AM and that was when I had to say my good-byes to them. Some were, of course, easier to say than others.
Then Friday was our last day as teachers and I had to get my room cleaned out and then check out for the final time. I was doing great with the clean-out and even the check-out process until I had to turn in my keys. I didn’t know those little pieces of metal meant so much! I guess it was the end of the end and handing them in signified the turning over of my position to the yet-to-be-hired new English teacher. Ack!! That was tough. Then, I kind of took the easy way out on the good-byes. (My apologies go out to anyone who thinks I skipped them- I didn’t really say them to anyone because good-byes are tough and I chickened out. Hopefully I will see most of you at the send-off BBQ in June.) After the end of the year lunch I just walked out with Shannon and went to my afternoon appointment.
So, for now I am officially unemployed and have a month (actually, exactly a month from today!) to get everything packed and ready to go. We still have the lists on the fridge, but little has been crossed off of them except for “turn in keys…”
2 Comments:
hey i sent that picture to u.
Blog of a Peace Corps China volunteer serving as a TEFL teacher in Cheng Xian, Gansu, China.
About Me
-
- Name: Michelle Ross
- Location: Chengxian, Gansu, CN
In America, I teach 8th grade English and reading and really enjoy spending time with middle school students. Some people think I am crazy for it, but Marsing has a great group of kids and I love being a part of their lives as they grow up! Right now I live in China and teach English and teaching methods to students who want to be teachers. I am here through Peace Corps, which I think is a fabulous experience and something that more people should look into doing! The application process can be a bit of a pain, but it is well worth the time and effort. Check out Peace Corps and give something back to the world that has given you so much!! Teaching runs in the family, as just about everyone is involved in education in one way or another. My dad is retired, but he was a teacher, counselor and principal for 30+ years, my mom is an elementary counselor, my sister and husband are both teachers and my brother will finish his teaching degree this next spring! "Those who can, do; those who can do magic, teach!"
Archive
- current
- March 2006
- May 2006
- June 2006
- July 2006
- August 2006
- September 2006
- October 2006
- November 2006
- December 2006
- January 2007
- March 2007
My links
- {add your own links here}
