(no subject)
Is it wrong that I'm in school to follow a dream?
I've been focusing on wanting to translate Japanese film. And, I've come to realize, that it's a really big goal. I'd have to work for endless years upon endless years, translating instruction manuals and long winded court documents.
I don't want my passion to become a chore.
On the other hand, I've spent a lot of this year helping my Japanese friends work on their English. I love explaining the languages, it's so interesting for me, and I find joy in it. I love their smiles, when they learn something new, or when they finally pronounce something correctly. They're so thankful, and happy, and I love the fact that I helped them achieve that.
People sometimes look down upon English teachers in Japan, because it's an "obvious choice" for a career; it's an easy way out. But, I've come to realize, in these past few magical months, that I really do enjoy teaching English. When I was a kid I wanted to be an English teacher in high schools, like my dad. Now, I want to be an ESL teacher. My dad has actually expressed interest in getting a certificate so he can teach ESL once he retires, and I'd be so happy if he did.
But people have been telling me that working in Japan is nearly impossible. That the price of living is too high, that the job market is on a downward spiral, that I won't have a permanent position, that I won't be able to have a normal life as a foreigner, that I won't fit in because of the way I look.
I don't mind living in a tiny, crooked apartment. I don't mind teaching at a low budget school. I don't mind hopping from job to job. I don't mind being different, because, when have I been normal? I can work on my body to look as best I can, and try to present myself in a way they can accept, one way or another.
I love speaking Japanese. I love learning about languages. I love how they're always changing, and that there is always something new to learn.
I'm willing to work to fulfil my dream. So. Why are people making it seem impossible?
If I try, is anything really possible, like they told us when we were children?
I've been focusing on wanting to translate Japanese film. And, I've come to realize, that it's a really big goal. I'd have to work for endless years upon endless years, translating instruction manuals and long winded court documents.
I don't want my passion to become a chore.
On the other hand, I've spent a lot of this year helping my Japanese friends work on their English. I love explaining the languages, it's so interesting for me, and I find joy in it. I love their smiles, when they learn something new, or when they finally pronounce something correctly. They're so thankful, and happy, and I love the fact that I helped them achieve that.
People sometimes look down upon English teachers in Japan, because it's an "obvious choice" for a career; it's an easy way out. But, I've come to realize, in these past few magical months, that I really do enjoy teaching English. When I was a kid I wanted to be an English teacher in high schools, like my dad. Now, I want to be an ESL teacher. My dad has actually expressed interest in getting a certificate so he can teach ESL once he retires, and I'd be so happy if he did.
But people have been telling me that working in Japan is nearly impossible. That the price of living is too high, that the job market is on a downward spiral, that I won't have a permanent position, that I won't be able to have a normal life as a foreigner, that I won't fit in because of the way I look.
I don't mind living in a tiny, crooked apartment. I don't mind teaching at a low budget school. I don't mind hopping from job to job. I don't mind being different, because, when have I been normal? I can work on my body to look as best I can, and try to present myself in a way they can accept, one way or another.
I love speaking Japanese. I love learning about languages. I love how they're always changing, and that there is always something new to learn.
I'm willing to work to fulfil my dream. So. Why are people making it seem impossible?
If I try, is anything really possible, like they told us when we were children?