I first came to Japan back in 1994, it seems like a lifetime ago. I was a student back then and I chose to come here on a study abroad program.
As it turned out, it was the best decision I ever made.
This year is my 15th in Japan and I’m approaching my 11th year as the proud owner of Smith’s School of English in Hirakata.
I wasn’t sure what to expect leaving behind the world of a “job” but just like my decision to come to Japan paid off nicely for me so did my decision to join Smith’s.
Today I thought I’d take the time to explain why I love Smith’s, Japan and my students.
Let’s start with Japan – the food is incredible, the people are sincere, it’s safe, convenient, modern and traditional all at the same time, exotic, perplexing, and fun.
Why Smith’s? Because I get everything I want.
Support and help to grow my school. I get to meet like-minded people who want to make a difference.
But what I love best about Smith’s is the amount of time I can create for myself. I’m able to take my 3-year old son to daycare each day, I can have dinner together with my family almost every night and I still have time to study things I want.
In fact, it’s all because of my work at Smith’s that I decided to write my first book, iSucceed, which is available on amazon.
Most people think that since I’m an English teacher that my book is about teaching but it’s much more than that. It’s a culmination of ideas on how to succeed in life whether it’s at learning at language, building relationships or running a company.
It took four years of study and two years of work all the while my student body grew.
I doubt I would have had the strength to write it had I worked as a regular English teacher here.
Smith’s has given me the opportunity to achieve one of my personal goals and for that I’m forever grateful.
Finally I have my students who are the ones who have inspired me to constantly improve myself. I study for myself so I can share my knowledge with them.
We talk, we laugh, we help make one another better.
Yes, I owe so much to this country, Smith’s and my students.
I met my wife here, found my dream, wrote a book, built a business and am in the process of achieving another goal.
Life is good, and I’m only 37 years young.
I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me next.
Adrian Shepherd
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