I almost always come to Smith’s School of English Kyobashi everyday at least thirty minutes early. That leaves me with just enough time to prepare my files and get ready for my first lesson. Sometimes, I have a couple of minutes on my hands with nothing to do and go off in search of a good conversation. I find myself chatting with the Japanese staff quite a lot, sharing jokes and discussing what we’d done on the weekend. They really are a great group of ladies comprised of some of the most interesting people you’re bound to meet in an English school.
There are times when I run into one of them on my way to the school and we fill the usual silent trek to the school with an inspiring conversation. These ladies are extremely friendly and wonderful to chat to. And when I’m in need of a sugar rush, they are only too eager to supply me with some chocolate or candies. It’s great to be on such close, personal terms with the staff because that just amplifies the warm fuzzy feelings that emanate from within our school. I also think that it’s exceptionally positive to have the students come in to book lessons and be greeted by such a kind and helpful staff. Some of my fondest memories include the laughter shared with both the staff and students, lending more power to the unspoken bond that we share that goes beyond the simple co-worker delegation.
It was just the other day that one of the students enlightened me on the existence of something called “neko nabe.” When I first heard the term, I kind of panicked, thinking that cats were being cooked in hot pots. One of the staff laughed at my confusion, assuring me that it was only a new trend where the cats sleep in ceramic pots. That stirred up some more interesting conversation with both the student and staff about fashion trends and pets.
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