The Hallmark Moments

I prepare all my materials, in the time I have left and pace back and forth nervously watching the time. Wasn't the main teacher supposed to come and 'supervise' me? At least this is what they told us, an hour before class starts the other teacher will come in for your first time give you some heads up about specific kids to watch out for and hopefully calm you down. I've always had a talent for seeming collectively cool on the outside, but on the inside I feel like a mini heart attack is taking place. I think my collective cool was wearing off as the clock ticked on, if the pit stains and flushed face weren't enough evidence of this, I don't know what else would! Suddenly I hear the door open 15 minutes before class is due to start.

Whewf!! I almost ran into this strangers arms to thank him for showing up to his job. He was a gangly, pasty fellow. Much taller than wide, with the classic 'indie' look. He was a typical Canadian bloke, although his monotone pitch, droopy red eyes and overwhelmingly calm state (in comparison to myself), made me think he may not just be teaching English in Japan, but selling marijuana on the side.

What the supervising teacher looked like.

The moment of truth had come the children had arrived. I was trying to hold in my excitement and nerves while poking my sweaty face around the corner and waving hello stupidly to the parents, as the other teacher greeted them more formally. I bowed several times more than I needed to, just in case, as I smiled and repeated "Arigato."

The Hallmark Moment

The girls lined up there shoes and stared at the blonde white girl, sitting auspiciously in the corner. The teacher ran the class, so perfectly that I was starting to relax and wanted to start teaching the next class. The cute little Japanese girls ran and played with this giant white man, yelling simple English at them. It was all so cute and could have easily been material used for some "Big Brothers, Big Sisters' advertising campaign.  I sat there compactly on my little chair, head resting on my hand-smiling moronically at them playing away. It's those Hallmark moments that take your breath away, right?

As soon as they came, an hour was reached, and they just as quickly left. Right it's my turn to rock this, I thought! In the 15 minute break inbetween each of the classes, I got a warning from the other teacher about what I was about to face...