Goal: To be honestly polite

One of the biggest takeaways from my time in Japan is the desire I've gained to speak up for myself.

For two years I've lived in a culture that is undeniably polite. This is something I've come to greatly admire about the Japanese. It's one of the reasons that living here has been, and will always be, something I regard as comfortable.

However, once I made my decision to return stateside and not re-up my contract, I started to notice something about myself that I had been unwilling to recognize. I noticed that I had become an active participant in the politeness. And while I was proud of myself, I realized that by being polite I had let a lot of things, emotions, and feelings, go unspoken. I had kept them to myself because I was practicing what I learned in kindergarten which is, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all."

For two contract years I have been polite. At school, I always displayed the desired emotions: happy or hungry. Rarely did I stray from those two. Occasionally I was tired because I ran the day before, or I was sad because I would be leaving my students. Besides special occasions, it's safe to assume that I was either happy or hungry, and so were my students.

For two contract years I practiced thinking before speaking and being patient. These are two qualities that I'm proud to practice, however for a while, they were the only two things I was focusing on. Everything else was secondary.

And I believe that is why this blog has been so important to me. It's been something I've kept up consistently. Not only has it been a way for me to document my experiences and encounters, but also a way to express everything that I didn't let myself say out loud. It's been my voice.

And I as prepare to leave Japan, I am looking forward to being stateside and introducing my politeness to my honest voice. As I wrote in my New Year's post, honesty is my theme for 2018. So as I transition stateside, I'll be making a conscience effort to allow my politeness and honest voice to coexist. Staying true to what I learned about myself during my first corporate job, I am not a one sided person. I maintain my middle ground stance because harmony is high on my list of values.

And that is why I believe I will be able to be honestly polite.

XOXO,

M

Spicy, からい

On Sunday afternoon, I headed to Yahata Station to meet Shoko-san and Yoshihito for our 

さようなら Dinner. We ate at Akakara and had Korean BBQ and spicy chicken nabe.

Honestly, I think it was the best time I've had in Japan. 

For those 5 hours . . . 

everything I want to put into words, I can't.

2020 Tokyo Olympics --- See you in the summer!

XOXO,

M

Interac ALT

And for the last time, I traveled into Kokura to visit the Kitakyushu Office as an ALT.

If you're interested in teaching English at public schools in Japan, 

visit their website and apply.

Click here.

XOXO,

M

Two Years Too Soon

I'm officially a retired Assistant Language Teacher. 

On Friday, I cleaned out my desk, locked the English room, and said my last goodbyes. For two years, this school has been the most consistent part of my routine. It hasn't always been easy, but it was always worth it. The students, teachers, and staff made me love my job. I'll never forget the time we spent together. 

Here is the last message I left to my students . . . 

And here is the message I left for the ALTs that are taking my place . . .

February 2018 

Dear X and X,

     Before I forget,

"How are you? What day is it? What`s the date? How`s the weather? What time is it?"

     These are the questions that are used to start every single class. You`ll want to remember them. I`ve also left you with days of the week, months of the year, and weather picture cards. They are in your ALT desk along with other materials that you are welcome to use. 

     Additionally, there are pictures, other materials, and the 25 Things picture cards in the English room that can be used for karuta games and the Wakaba class. Please look through everything. This desk and the English room are yours now. Everything is fair game --- especially the stickers. I`ve left my extra Daiso Disney stickers for you to use, as well as the sticker sheet that grade 2 and 3 students used to collect their stickers. The grade 1 students put them on their old name cards.

     This past week has been busy for me and all of the other teachers. They know that you are coming, but I`m not sure what your schedule is going to be like. My best advice: be flexible with everything and smile! I really do think that the students, teachers, and staff, are going to love working with you.

     If there`s anything you have questions about or are concerned with, all the teachers are helpful and kind. Please do not hesitate to ask them. However, the English teachers and the principal speak great English!

     Lastly, I know you`re only here for a couple of weeks, but I hope that you leave your mark on X Junior High School. Eat lunch with the students, talk to them in the hallways, make posters, decorate the English boards (one is located outside of the principal’s office and the other is outside of the English room), make name cards, make worksheets, come up with games/activities, and try your best to be someone they feel comfortable and want to speak with. 

     For two years I`ve encouraged communication. Whether it`s perfect English or broken English, all English is good English.

     I hope you that you have the best time here! Good luck!

All the best, 

Micaela "Mickey" White

- - - 

In the words of Winnie the Pooh, 

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." 

XOXO,

M

さいご です。

かなしいです。 

Kanashiidesu.

I am sad.

きょう わ さいご の にほんご くらすでした。 

Kyou wa saigo no nihongo kurasudeshita.

Todway was my last Japanese class.

それ わ わすれ られない ものでした。

Sore wa wasure rarenai monodeshita.

It was unforgettable.

みん'な ありがとう。 

Min'na arigatou.

Thank you, everyone.

わたし わ すばらしい おもいで お もつて います。 

Watashi wa subarashii omoide o motte imasu.

I have wonderful memories.

また ね！

Mata ne!

See you again!

XOXO,

M

さようなら Dates in Kurosaki

When I woke up on Saturday morning, I could tell that spring was in the air. The sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in sight. It's been months since I've seen a day like this.

I took my time getting ready and enjoyed coffee and podcasts before heading to Kurosaki for my twoさようなら dates.

First, I met Mrs. F for traditional Japanese sweets and coffee at the Izutsuya department store. Like always, we had wonderful conversations --- I could go on and on, but I'll keep the details to myself. She's someone who I'm so thankful to know. Not only has she been a great friend, but a true role model. Saying goodbye to her was not easy, but I do believe that I'll see her again. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics aren't that far away. 

After coffee, I met up with Shoko-san. We walked through Kurosaki's outdoor shopping plaza before heading to our dinner reservations at The House of Lindomar. Over an 8 course meal, we talked, chatted, and laughed about all we've done and all we're looking forward to. I'll never forget this evening. Every outing with Shoko-san is special, but this one was different. It was something more . . . it was significant. 

[Insert everything I never, ever want to forget.]

I'll see Shoko-san one last time before I leave Japan. Saying goodbye to her is going to break my heart. But, I know we'll meet again --- we have to. 

Take a look at my day . . . 

"2,000 acres and a river running through it. See you there!"

XOXO,

M

2 Contract Years, 21 months

On Friday, February 16th I attended my last Interac party. 

After getting home from work, I quickly changed and retouched my makeup before catching a train into Kokura. As I was rushing to grab my train, I ran into the principal of my junior high school -- small world, えん. I was so excited to see her! We chatted as we waited and we were lucky enough to find seats together on the train. I'll never forget that by chance meeting. It was just what I needed at that moment.

We parted ways at Kokura Station and I headed to the dinner party. The usual crowd turned out for this gathering and I couldn't have been happier. Even though we don't get together often, when we do it's always a good time. Tonight was terribly bitter sweet. Over nabe and nomihodai and a tequila tonic at Bob's, we made new memories and reminisced on past ones. It was time well spent and a time I'll always remember. 

Here are the somewhat blurry snapshots from the night .  .  . 

And if I had given a speech, this is what I would've said . . .

Hello, everyone!

I`m Micaela. I`ve been with Interac`s Kitakyushu Branch for two contract years. When I applied with Interac I expressed no preference in where I was placed. I just wanted to be in Japan as soon as possible.

Being assigned to the Kitakyushu Branch is something I`ll always be thankful for. I`ve had the best experience, and it`s largely due to their support and guidance. This past year, I have taught in one junior high school. It`s been wonderful, but trying at times. What was absolutely great was knowing that the office staff and other teachers were always available and willing to offer support. I never had that feeling of being an after thought. 

I`m sad to say that this is my last contract year. I`m returning to America in less than two weeks. But I knew that I if I didn`t decide to leave now, I never would. I seriously love living here.

For those of you who are staying, I wish you continued success in your schools and with your life in Japan. Know that I`m envious of you. And for those of you who are setting out on your next adventure, I wish you the best of luck! I`m really happy that I`ve had the chance to get to know all of you. I think we`re a pretty great group.

Thanks y`all!

XOXO,

M

さようなら Party

And just like that it's time to say goodbye. 

On Sunday afternoon, I met Shoko-san and Hiroko-san for lunch. After exchanging Valentine's boxes of chocolates, we headed to a traditional Japanese style restaurant for assorted tempura. Our sets included pieces of tempura shrimp, green and red peppers, shitake mushrooms, and a few other Japanese vegetables that I didn't recognize.

Before enjoying coffee and cake sets at ADHOC, we walked through the Munakata Fish Market and visited a local Munakata shrine.

Take a look at our afternoon . . . 

As wonderful as our afternoon was, we couldn't ignore the fact that this was the last time that all three of us would be together. I still have a few outings with Shoko-san before I leave, but this was the last time for me to visit with Hiroko-san. She's the one who I have to thank for introducing me to Sushi Yatai and omakase sushi.

So over coffee and cake I recited my Japanese Sayounara Speech for the first time. Shoko-san helped me write it a couple of weeks ago at Japanese Conversation Class. Sadly, I'll have to say this speech many more times before I leave Japan.

Saying goodbye is not easy, and it's definitely not fun, but it's something I knew would eventually come. So here it is, my Japanese Sayounara Speech . . .

2月11日
さようなら スピーチ
いきましょう。
みなさん、 こんいちは。 わたしは ミカエラ を ワイト です。
アメリカ からきました。
わたしは えいご の せんせい です。
わたしは の ために パーテイー を ありがとうございます。
わたしは アメリカ え かいります。
にほん に は やく いちねん と きゅかげつ すんで いました。
とても たのしい じかん でした。
みなさん、 とても しんせつ で たすけて くれました。
どもう ありがとうございました。 めちゃ さびし です。
さようなら。
おわりました。
ありがとうございました。

Goodbye Speech English Translation:

2月11日
Ni gatsu jyuichi nichi
Feburary 11th

さようなら スピーチ

Sayounara Supi-chi

Goodbye Speech

いきましょう。
Ikimashou.
Let's go.

みなさん、 こんいちは。 わたしは ミカエラ を ワイト です。

Minasan, konichiwa. Watashiwa Mikaera o Waito desu.

Hello, everyone. I am Micaela White.

アメリカ からきました。

Amerika karakimashita.

I’m from America.

わたしは えいご の せんせい です。

Watashiwa eigo no sensei desu.

I’m an English teacher.

わたしは の ため に  パーテイー を ありがとうございます。

Watashi no tame ni pa-tei- o arigatougozaimasu.

Thank you for my party.

わたしは アメリカ え かいります。

Watashiwa Amerika e kairimasu.

I am returning to America.

にほん に は やく いちねん と きゅかげつ すんで いました。

Nihon ni wa yaku ichinen to kyukagetsu sunde imashita.

I have lived in Japan for about 1 year and 9 months.

とても たのしい じかん でした。

Totemo tanoshii jikan deshita.

My time here has been enjoyable.

みなさん、 とても しんせつ で   たすけて  くれました。

Minasan, totemo shinsetsu de tasukete kuremashita.

Everyone has been kind and helpful.

どもう ありがとうございました。 めちゃ さびし です。

Domou arigatougozaimashita. Mechya sabishi desu.

Thank you so much. I am very sad.

さようなら。

Sayounara.

Goodbye.

おわりました。

Owarimashita.

I'm finished.

ありがとうございました。

Arigatougozaimashita.

Thank you.

XOXO,

M