18-22 years ago, 30 bright young Vietnamese minds came into this world. Natural gifts and machine-like work ethic powered them passed their peers. When their friends were busy lolly-gagging around they hit the books. They constantly exhibited iron willpower and strength of character, demolishing all obstacles that stood in their way. All they needed now was some extra instruction in the English language to propel them to the next level. Their careers, families, and indeed their nation needed this crucial next step; one which they have poured two decades of blood, sweat, and tears to reach. Truth be told, they were all only one Yoda/Coach Carter/Dumbledore/Robbin-William's-Character-From-Good-Will-Hunting inspirational type character away from reaching the pinnacle of human greatness.
However, they would quickly learn that this world can be a cruel, dark place. In a demented twist of fate, it would not be Splinter, Maradona, the ghost of Mufasa (or rafiki?), Zordon, or even a responsible adult who would walk through the door, but instead: THIS GUY. No one has been more ill suited or underqualified for a position since Steve Blake conned the Portland Trail Blazers into becoming a starting NBA point guard. Such youth... such potential... all down the drain.
Dramatics aside, today I taught my first two classes. Technically I am only the assistant instructor but the main instructor is still a few days away from arriving (along with the materials and lesson plans) so today I was flying solo. Actually, it was a lot more fun and a lot harder than I imagined. Most of the students are either my age, give or take a couple years, and really enthusiastic. Few minutes into class I was already getting interrogated with tough questions, such as my opinion on Vietnamese vs. American girls. Lets just say even Sarah Palin would have had a better, less "Oh shit wtf just happened, SAY ANYTHING" answer than what came out of my mouth.
Also it must be the innate gambling instincts of Vietnamese people or the fact that I was trying to eat up as much time as possible, but I already got myself involved in some serious bets regarding the world cup with each of my classes. The stakes start as harmlessly as getting less homework but mercilessly escalate to belly dancing and karaoke. Basically, Torres needs to step up his shit or I am fucked.
The building I am working in is one of the larger buildings, and it has AC which is a plus. The only thing is my classes aren't officially part of the VUS organization, so I don't have much access (Read: none) to things like a projector, printer, etc. so the first class didn't go as smoothly as I wanted but I think I managed.
I also met three of the other teachers (two more are coming later), and they all seem pretty chill. I was already excited for the rest of this summer, but now that I see what the actual teaching part will be like I've got high expectations. Also took another video on the back of some guys moped, which starts off a bit slow but I almost die about 6-7 times in the span of a few seconds during one intersection. Trying to find a cable to upload it... stay tuned.
P.S. Happy 4th. U-S-A!
However, they would quickly learn that this world can be a cruel, dark place. In a demented twist of fate, it would not be Splinter, Maradona, the ghost of Mufasa (or rafiki?), Zordon, or even a responsible adult who would walk through the door, but instead: THIS GUY. No one has been more ill suited or underqualified for a position since Steve Blake conned the Portland Trail Blazers into becoming a starting NBA point guard. Such youth... such potential... all down the drain.
Dramatics aside, today I taught my first two classes. Technically I am only the assistant instructor but the main instructor is still a few days away from arriving (along with the materials and lesson plans) so today I was flying solo. Actually, it was a lot more fun and a lot harder than I imagined. Most of the students are either my age, give or take a couple years, and really enthusiastic. Few minutes into class I was already getting interrogated with tough questions, such as my opinion on Vietnamese vs. American girls. Lets just say even Sarah Palin would have had a better, less "Oh shit wtf just happened, SAY ANYTHING" answer than what came out of my mouth.
Also it must be the innate gambling instincts of Vietnamese people or the fact that I was trying to eat up as much time as possible, but I already got myself involved in some serious bets regarding the world cup with each of my classes. The stakes start as harmlessly as getting less homework but mercilessly escalate to belly dancing and karaoke. Basically, Torres needs to step up his shit or I am fucked.
The building I am working in is one of the larger buildings, and it has AC which is a plus. The only thing is my classes aren't officially part of the VUS organization, so I don't have much access (Read: none) to things like a projector, printer, etc. so the first class didn't go as smoothly as I wanted but I think I managed.
I also met three of the other teachers (two more are coming later), and they all seem pretty chill. I was already excited for the rest of this summer, but now that I see what the actual teaching part will be like I've got high expectations. Also took another video on the back of some guys moped, which starts off a bit slow but I almost die about 6-7 times in the span of a few seconds during one intersection. Trying to find a cable to upload it... stay tuned.
P.S. Happy 4th. U-S-A!
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