So it's been a pretty exciting week. Why was it so exciting do you ask, well about 5 days ago was THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!! It's SO different being on the opposite end of things AKA me being the teacher instead of the student. My advantage is that I was recently a student so I know that oftentimes the first couple days of class always tend to set the tone for the rest of the year. As far as I can tell it seems like I set a tone of challenge and growth as well as liveliness and excitement. At least that's my opinion, Chinese people aren't known for showing large amount of expression, so from the little bit of feedback that I've gotten, I think my students would affirm my assumptions.
I'm only one week in, but I really do love it ya'll. I love being in a position where I get to help my students learn, grow, and develop not just as English speakers but as people. I also love what and who I am teaching. So I teach a Public Speaking class for Sophomore English majors and I also teach a basic Oral English course for Non-English major post graduate students (most of which are studying Engineering). Teaching is fun indeed it's very enjoyable, but it is also a lot of work. Rather, it's a lot of work if you want to do it well. As a part of my witness to my students I'm striving to pursue excellence in my teaching, which means putting in a significant amount of time and effort. I'm new to this whole teaching thing so I think it automatically takes longer for me simply because I'm getting the hang of it all. Most of the teachers in my organization teach similar classes related to English for instance: oral English, or a Basic Writing course, or some themed courses. This is helpful because teachers are able to share lesson plans and ideas with new teachers. In my case, for my Public Speaking course this isn't as popular of a class so there are fewer lesson plans that are already prepared, so I'm doing a lot of creative thinking in my lesson planning. It's tough because it's stretching me...A LOT. Creative thinking doesn't come natural to me so I'm being challenged and to be honest it's good for me. Not to mention no matter how long it takes me to write my lesson plans (sometimes up to 3 hrs) it's always a huge privilege to see it come to life in my classroom as my students engage in my lesson. As for my Master's students I LOVE teaching that class. I'm learning that I love things related to professional development and my grad students are soon to be professionals so I love helping them with things related to interview skills, and resume's and professional communication etc. All this to say, teaching is hard work, but it's oh so incredibly rewarding.
What is The Father teaching me as of late? In short He's been revealing a lot of built up pride that's been developing which to be honest has been leading me to unnecessary pressure to do everything right. Jeremiah 9: 23-24 exposed my heart but also was the truth that I needed to hear to restore my heart. It says "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord'"
I hadn't realized it but I was beginning to try to make much of myself in a lot of different areas particularly in teaching and building intentional relationships with my students. I found myself trying to be the best teacher so that everyone would look at me and think "WOW she's new to this teaching thing but she's such a good teacher", seeking this response both from my students and my teammates. As a result there was a lot of built up extra pressure I was putting on myself to be amazing at teaching and not make mistakes. Totally unrealistic right? Well that's what was going on in my sinful heart. Then with building intentional relationships I was experiencing similar feelings of pressure to try to build relationships with girls as soon as possible so that I'll look good in front of my teammates and even my supporters. Well this verse both convicted me and put me at ease. I was convicted that I was trying to be a "wise man boasting in my wisdom" when in reality the only thing I can truly boast in is knowing and being known by The Father. This verse settled my restless heart, significantly. It's so much more freeing to boast in The Son, rather than trying to attempt to boast in myself. Besides when it boils down to it He's the Wisest of the Wise, The Mightiest of the Mighty, and the Richest of the Rich anyway right? ;)
Photo of the Week:
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A class selfie with one of my Sophomore English Major Public Speaking Classes! :)
