Goodbyes, Exams, Travels

On the 28th, I began saying goodbye to students. Some of them were sad, some were happy (but they didn't show it), and all of them wished me "Happy every day." Happy every day used to annoy me, but I really like it now. Not Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary, but Happy EVERY DAY.
My writing students wrote me letters. I wanted to know if they learned anything, what they would like to see in the future, and what should I tell the next teacher. Here are a few clips of my favorites:
"I had four foreigner as teacher during two year. But I think you are the best one. Because you told me how to write a E-mail and let me knew the difference from CVs and resume. I really get something from you."
"I hope you smile more, you are beautiful when you smile. When we have mistakes, you should take more pains. In a word, you are a nice person."
"Maybe someone will feel you are so mean, but I know what you do is to protect us from making mistakes in our future work."
"But I think your class is so boring. I have been tired sometimes. You can give me something that can be interesting....I think you can let us bring our cellphone."
"I have learned something about writing more or less."
"You have tried to smile more and tried to be more attractive. Thank you."
"I hope next teacher would be serious but smile, too. The voice should be loud just as you that it's can be heard clearly."

During the last class, we reviewed and then took pictures. I took pictures with each class. It was a nice way to end the semester. I sometimes wear the same thing 4 days in a row. (Don't judge!) I tried to change outfits every day because I knew I would be taking pictures, but it didn't happen.

Monday Class 8:40

Monday Class 10:25

A few of my regulars that come to Office Hours


Monday Class 2

Wednesday Class 8:40
Wednesday Class 10:25

Thursday Class 8:40
Friday Class 8:40

Friday Class 10:25

And a few pictures from saying goodbye at the middle school

On Tuesday, I gave my first set of exams. I graded 110 exams in 2 days. Not bad. I have another 200 to give on Tuesday. I leave for summer project on the 17th which means I have 3 days to grade and submit student grades.

For my secondary project, I contacted Darien Book Aid. (http://dba.darien.org/). Living overseas has really hit home how wasteful Americans are (food, books, electronics, etc.) Instead of throwing books away (as I read in horror on http://www.goupstate.com/), DONATE THEM! DBA mailed about 20 books of all different levels. I was amazed that a few students wanted to check them out over the summer holiday. While I don't know if I can personally visit DBA in Connecticut, I will definitely remember them and hope to donate books when I can.

I've started planning my travels post PC. Tibet is official (I paid. I'm going :) I need to purchase my other tickets. Will keep you informed of my next adventure.

I'm visiting my homestay family on Monday. They got a new volunteer. I was a wee bit jealous, but I've gotten over that. I talked to her the other day for a few minutes and welcomed her to the fam! I'm actually really looking forward to meeting her!

My friend, Matilde, has a photography club at her college. Her students go out and take pictures and write about it. Check out her website (and leave encouraging messages for her students!) at http://gongdaepc.livejournal.com/.

Go Netherlands :)