This week marked the end of my first academic year working at Awano JHS. It's hard to put into words how much I've enjoyed every second of this hands-on experience of interacting with real students (especially outside of the classroom). In many levels, there are days in which they remind me of the very committed and serious students I once worked with while in Beijing. Most days, however, they simply remind me of my campers at YMCA camp Elphinstone. The joy in each of their faces, their curiosity, their innocence, and the slow but very visible changes which take place in each and every one of them on a daily basis. It goes without saying that in many ways I've learned more from them than I think I have taught them. I suppose that's why teaching is such a rewarding "profession"; it works both ways.
I'm sure it'll take me a few months to truly digest all I got to experience during the past few months. I'm amazed at how quickly it all came to an end, and I mean that in a positive way. I'm excited to have taken part (even if for an instant) in the lives of the 270 students who graduated today. In many ways, I think their letters of appreciation are worth more than any degree or diploma I could possibly be given.
It is now time to turn yet another page in the story of my life, and begin a new one. After all,
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
who's that handsome white guy with the white tie?
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