Travel-wise, I’ve been leaning towards island getaways. I spent my last two weekends on two different isles, Ko Si Chang (a new destination) and Ko Samet (a familiar beachy paradise I’ve grown to know quite well).
Ko Si Chang was one of the least developed islands I’d ever visited. The ferry cost less than a dollar and we were the only farangs riding it. The island featured a small Thai village and a few secluded resorts, but not much else. There was one beach, but it wasn’t very built up and no one tried to sell us sarongs or henna tattoos. The island did feature some rather unusual rocky terrain, and we spent most of our time exploring. I’m glad I discovered Ko Si Chang at this point in my stay, I have a much greater appreciation for the places that emanate a more authentic vibe; I didn’t see a single sign for a cheesy tourist activity (“Zipline with Monkeys!” “Island Paradise Tour!” “Ride ATV to Waterfall”) and found that kind of comforting.
The next weekend was spent in Ko Samet, where we celebrated our Thai friend’s birthday at his beach bar. On Saturday evening the Sunrise bar held a makeshift gladiator competition, which involved standing on a stool and knocking over my foe with a body pillow—I prevailed in the first round, but I snapped my stool in half during my second go. The local bartenders had also procured a disgustingly adorable puppy that I spent an inordinate amount of time playing with (see below). I also got to see more of the island this time around; we wandered through the main street, and got access to a beautiful resort because our Thai friend knew the owner. Unlike many of the places I travel, I almost never fail to meet new Thai friends in Ko Samet, since the bartenders and DJ’s there speak English and are familiar with Western culture.
Island paradises aside, my workload had pretty much doubled. I’ve been teaching more important classes, and taken on more outside work. I am the Fundamental English teacher for two Primary classrooms, which means I see them nearly every day. My Prathom 5/2 students (5th grade) are by far my favorite class; the kids are a mixed bag, but on the whole they are motivated. They have the ability to buckle down, but they also enjoy exchanging funny faces with me through my office window and having a good laugh in class.
Of course, no class is perfect. One student has been diagnosed with “emotional problems” and has physically attacked several of my best students. And that’s only one of the several conditions I am grossly underqualified to handle but have been forced to deal with. A few of my students have been diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, and the Thai teachers have given me a list of several students that they’ve labeled “mental retards.” They didn’t understand why we winced at this term—the term “politically incorrect” doesn’t mean much here.
The main challenge I’ve faced is a typical one; I juggle between the clever kids who advance rapidly, and the kids who struggle to keep up. In my classroom it’s often impossible, since some children have been left too far behind. But I try.
My adult night classes are still really fulfilling, although the YWCA is sometimes difficult to work with. I’ve realized that Thai people operate on the assumption that I have no life outside of school, and they sign me up for weekend meetings and night classes without consulting me. My school is guilty of this as well; they tacked on five extra hours of work a week (more than my contract technically allows) for me to teach a couple students headed to Colorado for a year abroad. They were surprised when we suggested extra compensation, so we’ve taken on the America-bound kids pro-bono.
As long as I avoid over-exertion, being more productive has actually brought me closer to tranquility. I still don’t want to be a classroom teacher, but like all jobs, teaching has provided a venture through which to understand myself better. Especially in Thailand, I’ve learned to let go of the things I cannot change, and focus on those that I can improve. Teaching forty loud children in a classroom without AC (during hot season) has generated a level of composure I didn't know existed within me. Working hard has also taught me how to relax, to throw myself into both work and play. I also simply enjoy feeling productive. Maybe that means I’m finally an adult?
