Sakura, or cherry blossoms, have started to bloom. In Japan, both new semester and new fiscal year begin in April. These delicate flowers symbolize both new encounters and farewells in Japanese culture.
In this second post, I’m eager to share the story that led me to start teaching on Preply, featuring a special encounter with one of my students (rest assured, I have his permission to share our story).
How I Embarked on the Journey of Online Teaching
Before diving into Preply, I had been teaching Japanese for over two years at an online school. My initial plan post-graduation was to teach at a Japanese language school abroad, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to any travel plans, leaving me without job prospects abroad or even domestically. This led me to pivot to online teaching—a move I now see as fortuitous, considering the growing trend towards digital education.
I count myself lucky to have started my teaching career at such an excellent online school. However, despite the school was great, I always harbored the desire to venture out on my own eventually.
Why I Yearned for Independence
Teaching at the online school involved using textbooks and sharing PowerPoint slides during lessons, which, to be frank, could get quite monotonous for both my students and me. Though PowerPoint made lessons visually engaging, I felt there was still room for improvement, particularly because sharing large files was cumbersome and not ideal for student review. Additionally, the immediate word look-up feature we take for granted with web browsers was sorely missed.
My Dream to Utilize Web Materials
My university days introduced me to website building, sparking a dream to create my own web-based materials. Such materials would be particularly beneficial for beginners, incorporating translations directly into the content. Imagine a learning resource that could effortlessly switch languages, offering explanations in not just English but Chinese, Thai, and more. Despite this aspiration, I found myself procrastinating, perhaps too comfortable with the status quo at the online school to embrace change.
A Serendipitous Meeting with a Filipino
The catalyst for change came about a year ago when I met a Filipino at a game event in Akihabara. He was in Japan working as an engineer, with a passion for games and anime but a limited command of Japanese. Considering it might be a good fit, I inquired if he had any interest in learning Japanese. Coincidentally, he was also thinking about taking Japanese class. Sensing an opportunity, I offered my online lessons, and to my delight, he was keen to learn.
This chance encounter led me to teach Japanese outside the confines of the online school for the first time. Freed from the constraints of textbooks and PowerPoint, I crafted this website and conducted lessons via Skype. Our sessions were a hit, and he became a regular student, taking conversation lessons with me twice a week.
My Journey with Preply Begins
After three months of teaching him, I was convinced I could make it on my own without the backing of an online school. In June 2023, I took the plunge and signed up on Preply, where I’ve since connected with a diverse array of students.
Looking back, I realize my hesitation stemmed from a lack of confidence, a fear of failure when trying something new. However, his trust in me bolstered my confidence immensely, for which I’m deeply grateful.
Reflecting on Our Lessons
Unlike the rigid structure of online schools, private tutoring offered us the flexibility to tailor lessons to his interests and needs. We often veered off the conventional path, discussing daily occurrences in Japanese and exploring vocabulary and expressions relevant to his life. These lessons weren’t just educational for him; I learned an incredible amount about the Philippines, its culture, and its history—knowledge I would never have gained otherwise.
- There are various languages in the Philippines
- There used to be an indigenous writing system before the Roman alphabet
- Giants often appear in Filipino mythology
- Manananggal, a creature similar to Dracula in Filipino folklore, and so on
His Departure to the Philippines
Sadly, he returned to the Philippines last week, marking the end of our lessons. Our final session revolved around the Philippine flag’s colors🇵🇭, an enlightening discussion that deepened my appreciation for the symbolic meanings embedded in national flags. I learned its interesting feature that the position of blue and red is switched during wartime.
Although we hadn’t met in person since our online lessons began, we made a point of meeting one last time before his departure. It was a bittersweet reunion, made special by our ability to converse in a mix of English and Japanese, showcasing his impressive progress.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my teaching journey on Preply, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful students. Thank you so much for selecting me from the many tutors available. I am committed to ensuring you never regret your decision to choose me as your tutor, and I will do my utmost to deliver outstanding Japanese lessons on Preply. Just as he has shown me his progress, I hope to share mine with all of you.
Here’s to continued growth, exploration, and the wonderful unpredictability of teaching.
