Ghettofying Dajia

Today was the first day of school. Oh how I am going to love Wednesdays, only 3 classes then we are done and can leave! This school system rocks. While many of the kids go straight to cram school for another 7 hours of school, teachers get to go home and sleep and do whatever. To start the day I had to introduce myself to the entire school body, I thought I would puke from being in front of 2000 students and teachers. After I said "Hello" the pricipal spoke about me and who the heck knows what she said but for the rest of the day I was surrounded with students. I felt like a movie star! They all new my name and were waving. One of English teachers gave her students homework to talk to me. They some were very shy and some were not. I had a young second grader who walked right up to me outside and said "Hello my name is ....... I am seven years old. How are you? Very nice to meet you!" I asked him how long he has been on cram school and he said 4 years, so his English is excellent!

I observed 2 first grade English classes and one 3rd grade class. In the first grade classes they spent the time picking English names if they did not already have one. The first, first grade class was great, most of them had already had English at cram school and could answer simple questions. I was impressed with thier skills. The second first grade class not so good, but what can you expect they are so young. By the way there are cram schools EVERYWHERE. In the block that I live on there are 6 cram schools from what I can tell. These kids go to school so much, I had to explain that back in the states kids do sports after school and that sports are sometimes more important than school. Its funny how opposite our schools really are. For example after each 40 minute period the students have a 10 minute break in which they can run free throughout the school. It was like utter chaos, loud and crazy. In some ways I think it works better since they have 10 minutes to get thier wiggles and energy out and then they are ready to learn for another 40 minutes. I think they have got something figured out here. My favorite thing about school is nap time. After lunch we have a 40 period for NAP. You heard me right, everyone is sleeping! I knew someday my napping skills would come in handy! Another crazy thing about the school is the kids clean the school. People at home may not understand this concept but there are not janitors or maids that clean. 2000 students armed with brooms, dust pans and rags clean the school everyday, before, during and after school. They even cleaned my desk! Cleaning is a foreign concept to students in the states.....I wonder if they would come clean my apartment???

Another strange thing to note: The first grade parents stand outside the classroom and watch classes all day. Apparently they will do this all week, I explained that at home we dont like parents hanging around all day, and they would never be able to stay and watch the class. I will take pictures tomorrow so you can enjoy!

After school I went to lunch with a few of the younger teachers, and even tho only one was an English teacher they were all able to speak some English it was a fun lunch. I was telling them about the differences between school here and back in the states. They also could not believe I packed my lunch. They eat out for almost every meal since it is so cheap, but I find it is too greasy for me so I prefer to eat breakfast at home and bring my lunch. They also think it is funny that I shower in the morning, I tried to explain my hair would look terrible if I didnt shower in the morning, and I just wouldnt feel clean without showering before school. Then we got on the topic of how my coteacher doesnt want me to go out after dark. They thought it was hilarious and said she was like my grandma. I explained to the that I lived in the ghetto for the past 5 years and I was pretty sure I could handle things here. Especially since no one can have or carry a gun. Violent crimes are very rare, where in Akron they were an everyday occurence. I think I would really freak them out if they knew I carried pepper spray. So since they did not know the term ghetto, I had to explain it then they practiced the word, I told them that if something if bad then they can call it ghetto, For example "That store is so ghetto." It was hilarious, next I will teach them about gangbangers and thugs. I love sharing my ghetto life with these people. Maybe I will introduce them to rap, haha!

Foreigner update!!! I saw the same two mormon foreigners, they still dont like me. I think they refuse to associate with a cute white girl, I just can't figure out why, maybe they are gay, haha!

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