Rewards

I don't know how many of you have tried teaching, but I bet it's more than I realize. Those that haven't, you've probably heard from friends in their first year about how hard it is. Luckily my job isn't as difficult as other teaching jobs as I don't have to lesson plan (for the most part), grade homework, or create tests, but trying to explain how and when to use the present perfect, the difference in "achievement" and "success", bored and boring, the passive tense, or the word "ridiculous", it can be quite challenging and you're always concerned what the students think of you and if they are wasting their money (and they are paying A LOT I've been told) to take classes with you. Surprisingly there haven't really been any complaints about me, but you can never be sure or feel adequate enough. But these last couple of days at Eskisehir though have really made me feel special. Some students are so sad that I'm leaving! They get little puppy dog faces (and these are university students and older) or when practicing the phrasal verb "come back", they write a sentence directed towards me - "when are you coming back?". When saying good bye they mention how they hope to see me soon. Another girl is dying to hang out and show me around next time I come, and another guy who won a chocolate bar during a game said "I'm keeping this all my life" (and in perfect English too!). I'm still not great at explaining the grammar and I don't always present the information clearly or concisely, but I know one of my skills is being able to establish a rapport with the students, and at least give them ample opportunities to practice speaking, as I want to learn about them, and they want to learn about me. Anyway, I'm actually sad to leave this center tomorrow because the staff is so friendly, I can walk to work (and not get run over!), the students rarely speak Turkish, and they really do seem to learn and have fun. Of course I'm looking forward to seeing my students in Istanbul as well as my co workers, but I've been so glad to have this experience in another center. I do hope to return soon!