Sir Beans' Talk: June 2018

FINALLY! it is the start of summer vacation! our loooooong awaited summer break! and I SURVIVED (I really have to emphasize that!) my first year teaching in the United States!

Now, I would like to share to you my roller coaster ride first year here.

How did I get here?

If you've read my first few blog posts, I tried applying for a US Visa and got denied twice. it is because I would like to visit my mom who is in California (and to travel too, because I love travelling). Meaning, it wasn't in my dreams nor plans to work abroad; well, before, I tried (in SG) but after a few tries, I realized that it wasn't for me.

It all started when my Sun Valley National HS co-teachers and I were talking about teaching abroad because there are a lot of teaching opportunities in Thailand. Then, one of my them started to tell me about this Cultural exchange teacher program in the United States; Of course, I got curious and thought of maybe this could be a way to visit my mom. So I searched for the agency's website and tried to apply, but seriously, I wasn't really hoping to pass the application process since I just transferred into another school and I was actually contented with my situation. But then, in less than a month later, I was hired by a public school in the US and was asked to prepare my documents and visa. It happened so fast that I wasn't really ready because I was so overwhelmed. and then, HERE I AM! The rest is history...

Entry Point: JFK Airport, New York

Now to give you a little background about the program i'm in, I am part of a Cultural Exchange teacher program of one of the agencies here in the United States. what they do is, they get teachers from different parts of the world and bring them to the United States to teach and share their culture. but honestly, I feel like that is just their way to fill the HUUUUGE teacher shortage in the United States. This program gives us 3 to 5 years to teach in the United States and we have to return back to the Philippines to share what we have learned. We were just given an Exchange Visitor visa hence it is not a road for citizenship/green card.

First few months..

ADJUSTMENT! BIG ADJUSTMENT! since It happened reaaaally fast, I didn't know what to expect. I arrived July 29th and work will start August 10th, but I was in TOURIST MODE. my mind wasn't set to expect what situation I will be in when work starts. I have attended our agencies orientation and our school district's kick-off but still wasn't ready for what will happen. Those 10 days of "free" time was given to us to settle down. to find our own housing, car (yes, we are required to buy a car because we do not have public transportation in most parts of South Cotabato, I mean, South Carolina), and all other stuff that we might need. It didn't become hard for me to find these things because a friend helped me with everything (thanks ma'am C!)

Hello, New Heights!

Then came first day of work, I was really excited to see my classroom, my new school, my co-workers! I was actually very nervous to meet them, maybe because I am not that comfortable in talking in english. It was the first time that my school, New Heights Middle School, to hire someone from the Philippines. First day went by, I had a meeting with the team, given my workload, my schedule, and my classroom.

I was excited but clueless on what I have to prepare. The good thing is, I have a very supportive yellow hall team to help me. One major adjustment is, communication! most of them talk fast with accent so I have to ask them to speak slowly for me to understand. though, they are very welcoming and they really helped me a lot! I mean, A LOT!

Fast forward to students' first day, It was the WORST day in my teaching career! lol. I don't want to go into details, though, I feel like I really am trying to erase that from my memory. but one thing I remembered, I was crying so much when I was driving home. I was praying and crying A LOT! I had to make adjustments with the culture and the kids' attitude. I kept on comparing how teaching in the Philippines and how it is here in the US that is why I had a hard time accepting to the new situation. I felt very frustrated to manage my class and to let them learn. I felt like quitting. I would like to go back to the Philippines. I can't do it anymore. I struggled with everyday that I have to come to work. I've been questioning myself, my purpose, my situation, my objectives, my goals. but I just kept on going.

I realized that the skill I have to learn is ACCEPTANCE. I have to accept my students, how they are raised at home, how they are treated by their family and other people; their behavior, and how they treat their teachers. I have to accept the new system, the (very much) child-centered education. I have to accept my situation, that I live alone at home and have to deal with this with courage and prayers. i have to accept these new changes in my life. and from there, I need to adjust, to improve, to make use of my current situation, change my outlook, and think of ways to make a change. I just have to keep going. I always have to look at the bright side; it's hard, but I tried.

I don't want this post to be negative but honestly, until now I feel that I am still unsure if I would like to go on. but then again, I would just keep going.

Now, on to the bright side..

A parent asked me, "Why did you decide to come here and teach in this kind of situation we have here?" I answered, "I actually didn't know that it would be this hard but being a teacher in the United States, is like a local celebrity going to Hollywood!" Well it is a big opportunity to be able to teach in the United States, where in teachers are provided with beautiful classroom and abundant supplies. I always hear to my family and friends that, "Maraming naghahangad ng kinalalagyan mo, tapos ikaw na nandyan, susuko ka lang?" It made me stronger, it made me realize how blessed I am; that I should always count my blessings and not to look on the negative side. I never planned to teach here but I strongly believe that God brought me here; that He is sending me a message, it maybe a hard message to decode, but I just have to keep the faith.

One more thing, who wouldn't like to earn dollars? I have been blessed with this opportunity to work and earn dollars that may help me reach my goals in the future. And at the same time, I get to travel different states! Isn't that great?

Also, I am very blessed to have a new family, my US Family, who are always there to help and support me. God never let me live alone. because He sent me people to guide and take care of me.