First off, I apologize for not posting in such a long time, but it has been really hectic.  This blog is long overdued and has been saved as a draft for mad long.  So, all this stuff happened two weeks ago. 

Orientation is over.  That's me eating an amazing mixed fruit ice at a lovely desert place right across from my apartment, Ice Art.  It's basically a mountain of mangoes, strawberries, and kiwi, topped off with a scoop of mango ice cream.  I was in heaven.  And it was costly, but Shana convinced me to get it because yesterday officially marks the end of orientation.  So, what happened the last couple of days and when will I be in the classroom teaching?  I don't start teaching until September 8th, after I come back from Taipei. 

IN THIS BLOG

1) "Speed dating" with Local English Teachers (LETs)

2) Hearing our placements for the year

3) Going to KTV (Karaoke) with LETs

"SPEED DATING"

I'm glad that Fulbright took so much into consideration in terms of where I will be placed and who will be my co-teacher for the year.  During orientation, we spent a week with 12 local English teachers (LETs) in Kaohsiung, and we learned all about co-teaching models and English learning games with them.  We also got an opportunity to visit their schools.  Then, on the Monday of the last week of orientation, we had a "speed dating" session with the LETs.  "Speed dating" entailed spending ten minutes with each LET, and when the bell rung, the ETAs, us, would rotate.  So, it was 2 hours of nonstop talking.  Luckily, Chris, one of the Fulbright coordinators, was around to pour us tea whenever our cups were empty.  After "speed dating," the ETAs and LETs would separate and submit preference forms to our two Fulbright coordinators, Chris & Amanda, and Fulbright adviser, Phillip.  Then, our fate for the rest of the year rested in the hands of these three individuals. 

"AND THE ACADEMY AWARD GOES TO..."

After submitting our preference forms, we all went home and came back to San Min Elementary School the next day to hear the results of the pairing.  The day the results were announced, I think the room's atmosphere resembled that of the Academy Awards.  I think everyone  was on the edge of their seats - not because of nervousness, but because of excitement. 

So, Phillip was the announcer.  He posted the statistics for what's the percentage that got their top 3, top 5, and top 7.  They numbers looked really good.  But anyways, I bet you all are wondering who the beautiful lady standing next to me in the photo.  She's Jenny!  And she will be my co-teacher for the year.  We were both extremely lucky to get our top choice.  She's extremely nice and warm.  She also always has a smile on her face.  So, I think (more like know) that our personalities will be compatible. 

KTV

After hearing our placements, we went to lunch and KTV with our teachers.  And I was able to ride a scooter for the very first time; it was SOOO MUCH FUN.  At first it was scary, and I held on tightly to Jenny.  But on my second trip, I was just leaning back and enjoying the breeze.  Riding on a scooter makes me happy (even just thinking about it).  KTV was a lot of fun.  Jenny is quite a singer; I, on the other hand, am not.  We sang a Chinese song together.