10 years

This is my 10th year at Smith’s…and I’ve learnt a lot over those years. I have become a better teacher, a better businessman, and a better student (because I’m always learning). I’ve had the privilege of learning from many different people within the system and for that I’m extremely grateful. My students at Smith’s 英会話 in Hirakata are often my greatest teachers because they share with me their culture and their ideas which have proven to be invaluable in living in Japan. And their hard work always inspires me to work harder. I’ve become a better flyerer (if that’s a word); learning that it’s all in the attitude at which you approach things. It also gives me an opportunity to meet lots of nice people. I’m surprised that more students (I have a language college near my school) don’t actually take the chance to talk to me. As I’m an amateur magician I enjoy wowing a few passers-by. As I mentioned in a comment to another teacher here on Soapbox, I like being memorable. While I focus on greeting people occasionally I make a few jokes here and there and get some great reactions. All in all, I would have to say the best thing about working for Smith’s for 10 years now is just how much I’ve improved as a person. To quote one of my mentors “The important question to ask yourself on the job is not ‘What am I getting here?’ but ‘What am I becoming here?'”

Adrian