I don’t know what the best compliment is, but I have experienced happy moments. For example, when my kids and bloggers say to me, “You are the best mom.” The other moment is when I was a teacher trainee.
Over 20 years ago, I practiced teaching at high school. I made teaching plans, taught in the class, assisted students’ after-school activities, and cleaned the toilets every day.
Life as a teacher trainee in Japan is hard (it depends on the school and supervisors). I completed the training, but some trainees quit halfway through.
On the first day as a teacher trainee, my supervisor said to me that you have to be tough. Ok, but how? Soon I understood how to be. Almost every day I had received negative feedback from my supervisor. The university professor also came to observe my class for grading. I was under pressure until the last day. 🙄
On the last day, my students (*kohai 後輩/junior) wrote their messages on the blackboard: “Thank you for your hard work!”, “We really respect you, *senpai (先輩/senior)!” and “I want to be a teacher like you!”…
I didn’t know that they were preparing for me. I was impressed. 🙂
*I did a teacher training at the school where I graduated. Senpai also means someone who has a higher level and experience at school, workplace, or social organization.
Since 2011, I have been teaching Japanese in America. I have received monthly feedback from learners. When I read positive comments, I feel happy.
ありがとう(Thank you)! 🙏
Photo by Pixabay
Great job you are going. Compliment uplift our mood.
Thank you. 🙏😊
Japan has high education standards so … wow… you must be a great teacher!💙
Thanks for sharing, Lili.
Thank you. 🙏 Over 20 years ago, I was young and the first female teacher trainee at that school.
Japan is technologically advanced, but society is still conservative. According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2024 rankings, Japan is 118th among 146 countries and lowest (gender equality) among Eastern Asian countries. Which is more important, tradition or modernity? We always talk about it. 😅
You brought up an interesting subject – tradition or modernity? I think we don’t have to choose a specific approach. In my opinion, we should consider what is right and fair instead. Friendship, Compassion are traditional values and they are great. Judging somebody based on genre, race etc is unfair and cruel, and it doesn’t help us become a better society. This is such a deep topic 😉… maybe we should have coffee together and talk about it someday. ☺️☕