Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Advice for my successor

Of course I'll impart similar nuggets in a letter or email when I find out who he or she will be, but I'm starting to think about the next person to serve at this post, and what they'll need to know. Here are a few things I've come up with:

  • If you have to go number two, don't be afraid to use the handicapped bathroom. All the teachers do it.
  • Both schools you'll work at have libraries. If you're already literate or want to study Japanese, there are some good resources there to be used.
  • Don't try to keep track of which teachers give you candy/chocolate/snacks. Just be nice and share little (edible) souvenirs or ethnic foods from time to time. 
  • Mr. S (the English teacher) will always act like he understands what you say to him, so never take it for granted.
  • I don't know if one of your goals is saving money, but however much you save during your time here, know that you could have saved more if you hadn't gone out or drank so much.
  • I don't know who these ALTs are that actively join clubs at their school, but good on you if you do. My first year here the judo teacher kept trying to get my to join, but I couldn't imagine throwing or rolling around on the mat with my students.
  • I don't have it quite as good as my predecessor, but you will have it better than me.
  • That food isn't what you think it is.

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