Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
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Team Video
As I say ‘hello’ to new team members and a new year, I’d like to take the time to remember my old teammates and one heck of an awesome year.
Here’s a little video I threw together:
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New City, New Students, New Year
I can’t believe I leave for China tomorrow morning. I’ve been home for 6 weeks; I’ve seen a lot of people and done a lot of things. It’s a bitter sweet feeling. I’m happy to embark on a new year, with new challenges, but I’m sad to leave behind those I love yet again. I know that the Spirit make itself known to me through out this new year, that’s what I’m most excited about. I love seeing how the Father will unfold my story and the stories of my students. Father, your will be done this year and to you all the glory!
Here are a few pics from my summer home:
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School’s Out For the Summer!
I am sooo sorry that I’ve neglected my blog this semester. I promise it’ll Never happen again.
This past semester was very difficult personally for me. I’ve battled ailments all semester but probably have grown the most spiritually and emotionally. While I can honestly say my teaching probably suffered this semester, due to crazy school schedules, my relationships with students excelled.
I taught my last class this morning and felt a twinge of pain in my heart as I walked out the door. Knowing you’re walking out of most of their lives forever leaves a bitter feeling, almost like betrayal.
However, along with a handful of entertaining memories, I know I’ve left behind something much bigger– an impact. You know when your very proper, reserved, and shy student voluntarily gives you several big, American like hugs with tears in her eyes, that you’ve taught them more than pronunciation and word drills.
I came to fill the role of a teacher this year. Ignorant me didn’t realize who the real student was this entire year.
To my wonderful students, thank you for changing me life. You’ve broken my heart in all the right places. You will be missed.
♥
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photobooth phans
During a break today in class I decided to have some fun with the 6 students that actually showed up, and yes I said 6. I was curious to see what their reactions would be if I recorded them on photobooth with a crazy “effect”. Some of them were really scared to see their faces and bodies distorted. Not their teacher though, I was laughing the whole time.
iphoto & chinese students from Bethany Seip on Vimeo.
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A Glimpse Into Teaching English
I’m aware that in order to draw and retain readers to my blog I must be consistent in updating with fun, exciting, and sometimes startling entries. Since I’ve been lacking in the “consistency” aspect this month, I’ll be trying my best to make it up to you with “quality and quantity” in my posts today.
Here goes:
I teach in 2 hour blocks. In case you’re wondering, teaching ESL for 2 hours is like a mixture between a circus, a gym, a stint on Broadway, and a constant little game I’d like to call “How many different ways can I say this word or phrase?”
Seriously. It takes A LOT of energy to teach a group of 20 year olds English. I use a ton of gestures while in class. Sometimes I find myself flinging my arms around while I’m talking to my teammates, I guess I’m hoping it’ll help them understand my deteriorating English. Oh yea, my English is deteriorating. I’m starting to talk like my students. “Monica, can you me pass butter?” It’s not that bad, but a few more years here and things could get ugly.
Luckily, my ability to pronounce the “th” sound is still strong, probably because I drill my students daily on it. I was really sick of hearing, “Miss Bessssssany!” Something had to be done. My students are now scared of mispronouncing any word that contains a “th”. That’s my contribution to making the world a better place- one English speaking Chinese student at a time. You’re welcome.
If you have some free time or are bored at work, trying making up as many words as you can to describe “mimic”. Oh, and you can’t use a Thesaurus, that’s cheating, and cheating is a no-no in my class
If you’re extra daring, try flailing your arms while doing it; you’re now able to teach English as a second language -
Chinese Food + Students+ My Kitchen= Grand Ole Time
Please forgive me for not writing a blog in like 6 months! It’s been super crazy this semester. I remember thinking in February, “Bethany, you just need to get through April!” And here we are almost into May! My time in the dirty ‘Chang is quickly coming to end with only 47 days left in this city, and about 3 weeks left in the classroom! Yikes!
I’m trying to soak up every potential memory that drifts my way. This special memory took place two weekends ago with 3 of my roommate’s students. They’re a funny batch of girls. Enjoy!
Lunch with students. from Bethany Seip on Vimeo.
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Happy Birthday, Momma!
Today, April 14th, is my Mom’s birthday. She is a fabulous lady, and I’m lucky she’s the one I get to be like one day
I want to take a moment and write down 9 things I love about her. Why 9 things? Well if you add her age together it equals 9, and if I publicly announced her actual age I might not make it to my next birthday. Ok, here goes:
- I love the way her eyes still sparkle. And I love that I was blessed with her eyes.
- I love her unwavering faith. She is a rock in our family.
- I love that she pulls me back to reality. Something I often need.
- I love that I can count on her– she’s been the same my whole life.
- I love that she raised us kids to be independent and think for ourselves.
- I love how she always pushes us to be better people spiritually, mentally, emtionally, and physically.
- I love her confidence.
- I love how she could have rocked the business world’s face off, but chose to be selfless and raise a family.
- I love that she’s my Mom. And that one day I’ll be just like her
Momma, thank you for being the amazing woman I know. I’ve learned so much from you in my 23 years on this earth and I know I have much, much more to learn from you. I can’t imagine my life without one of my best friends, biggest supporter, life coach, fashion consultant, personal jeweler, therapist, adviser, spiritual rock, role model, and mother. You leave BIG shoes for me to fill, but at least I get to learn from the best. I love you!!!
Happy Birthday, Mom!!! from Bethany Seip on Vimeo.
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Deaf Kindergarten
Jesus Loves Me. from Bethany Seip on Vimeo.
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Easter Lessons
Today was the day my Easter lessons began. At first, I didn’t know how I would go about explaining/teaching one of the most important holidays on the Christian calendar.
I finally settled on a brief outline of what Easter really means, mixed with some role play and English practice, and then ended with showing them a very real clip of Jesus’ death… you can guess which film I used.
I didn’t quite know what to expect from my students during the film, but most of them were entranced with what was to them, a very unfamiliar story. I watched as some of my very stoic students began to cry at the gruesome scenes that flashed across the screen– wondering how anyone could be so cruel to an innocent man.
I’m praying their world gets a little bigger this Easter season. And that those scenes are never forgotten.
I told them of Easter from the eyes of a coutryside girl. They love stories.
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Just Another Friday Night
Take a look at my Friday night.
My Friday Night. from Bethany Seip on Vimeo.
- Reppin' for ELIC. #newharvest http://t.co/hUqrof6t
- Breakfast in bed! I have the best friends a girl could ask for :) http://t.co/IRtmijPo
- @mmm_beth that made me chuckle. Man, I miss you!