School's Out For Summer! (Kinda)

Where did the time go? Have I really been gone for almost 2 months? As I was sitting on the cement bench, waiting for my host mom so we could go home after school today I began to get choked up. Our last day at the school today was entirely bittersweet. As happy as I am to be done planning, teaching, and struggling to communicate in the students' second language, I can't believe our time is over in Tanjung Malim.

Tuesday night Sam, Renee, and I had a sleepover (on a school night!) at Courtney's house so we could make American desserts to bring to all the teachers at SKTM. They also helped me plan my math lesson for Wednesday. Good thing they helped because the math lesson I had taught the previous day went so poorly. I felt awful about my teaching performance but realized that challenging days like Tuesday can only make me more aware of the things I can work on to be a better teacher. Luckily, today's lesson went much better and, phew, because I was being videotaped by UPSI. Anyways, the staff at the school loved our No-Bakes, Scotcheroos, and Puppy Chow. Yum, right? And the students and teachers were so wonderful. In my last class of the day, all of the students performed the Salam goodbye to me. The Salam is when the students hold your hand and touch their foreheads to the back of your hands. It was the most adorable and touching experience. I regret not being able to spend more time with them and get to know them individually. It was hard for me to I would not be able to learn their names. Really, it killed me. I find knowing your students names and personalities is so important. It is one thing I really look forward to in the beginning of next year.

Before leaving school, many students (some I didn't even know) brought me gifts and asked for my email address. The teachers even gave me a small gift. We spent about 15 minutes taking pictures with each of the teachers at the school. The headmaster of the school even wrote us letters of recommendation on their school letterhead! Wahoo, that will help me get a job! It was a little chaotic, but really drove home the Malaysian hospitality. I can never say "Thank You" enough to the school and my mentor teachers for taking the time to share their lives and classrooms with me. What an awesome experience. I wish I knew how to put into words what I feel so I could share it with you, but there are none adequate enough.

More news on my final days in Malaysia to come. Until then, know I am missing my family and friends and truly look forward to being back in Michigan!