Building Muscle and Building English.

My mom and dad helped me lace up my first pair of soccer cleats at the age of six. After eleven years of playing consistently and seventeen years later, I never thought my love for soccer, as well as running would be beneficial during my time in Malaysia.

Every Monday night at 5:30pm, my roommate and fellow English Teaching Assistant, Christina Chavez, and I, lace up our running shoes and head to the nearby track at her school, SMK Nasiruddin Shah, for weekly jogging club.

Jogging Club with honorary members, Hannah and Zach, during their visit to
Malaysia in June!

Catching a break after a run!

Christina initiated this active club with students at her school back in April. Christina’s school is about a five-minute walk from our home, and a two-minute motor scooter ride. In addition, many of Christina’s students are from our village, live very near to the school or live in hostel (dorm) accommodations at the school. So, there are always students around wanting to participate!

After participating in Jogging Club with Christina and her students, I decided to open up the club to the students at my school, although many live quite a distance away from my village as well as from the track. However, despite the obstacles for my students to attend, my students have come to participate as well!

With our gym shoes on, we stretch and get our muscles warmed up with the students on the red tar track. Believe it or not, many of our students choose to run barefoot even though they do have a pair of gym shoes. We continually ask them if it hurts, but they always say, “No, no. It’s fine. Fine.” So, with shoes on or off, we set off running laps in the hot, yet setting sun.

Some students take it quite seriously, while others just use it as a means to simply chit chat with Miss Nina (Christina) and I. After the running session, Christina has the students write down their number of laps in hope that they can improve, while I unleash the soccer ball.

With my legs a little tired and sweat running down my face, I start dribbling the ball around and attempting to juggle it. Within minutes, students come to join. 

Now, the first time I brought the soccer ball out, the boys were a bit shocked. Girls do not play football (soccer) in Malaysia, so the idea that an American, and especially a female American, could do something with a soccer ball was a bit mind-blowing to them. However, slowly and steadily, I would kick the ball to one of the boys and he would kick it back. At first, they were trying to kick lightly to be easy on me, but with the power I kicked the ball back with, they got the point. Girls can play.

Since April, we run and then play football (soccer). The boys will now play with me, and I even got some of the girl students to play as well. Remembering the days back when I wore my little blue and yellow soccer jersey when I played on the team my dad coached, I take time to show the girls how to kick the ball and what part of the foot to use. A few of them have gotten it down!

While the activity is fantastic, a natural benefit from having jogging club has been channeling an outlet for students to speak English in a more kinesthetic environment. Through jogging club, and especially through kicking a soccer ball around, I have been able to get through to students that I otherwise have a difficult time connecting with in the classroom. Running and football are two so-called “languages” the students and I both speak, which allows them to be relaxed and comfortable. So, while I use basic English conversation with them on Monday nights, they do not even realize how much they are learning.

While strengthening their legs, enhancing their football skills and getting energy out, little do they know they are building their English. 

"Terima Kasih"

“Terima kasih” means thank you in Bahasa Malaysia!

And, a big “terima kasih” to you- all my friends, family, readers and supporters

Your unwavering support has allowed me to better spread my wings and fly while here. Of course, any experience in life comes with some high peaks, as well as some low valleys. You all have allowed me to navigate the successes as well as challenges that have I encountered while here.

A package from America! Whenever I receive a package or
letter, the principal puts it on my desk! Such a nice surprise!

Your words, emails, phone calls, skype dates, Facebook wall posts, letters, cards, pictures, support, prayers and kind thoughts have made all the difference to me. They definitely do not go unnoticed. Thank you for giving me the inspiration, strength, motivation and confidence to take on every new day here, as well as reminding me consistently that I have a lovely home and wonderful community to come home to in November. In fact, every piece of mail I receive goes on my "Happy Wall" in my bedroom, where I hang up every card, every letter and every photo I receive from home. It is the first thing I look at every morning when I awake, and last thing I look at every night before I go to sleep. In addition, every email I receive goes in my special "Happy" section within my email!

At the same time, I want to comment on the fact that I realize I am two months behind in my blog posts! No excuses, other than the fact that I was in complete “heaven” when my courageous and beautiful family came to visit me in June :)  In addition, sometimes I have a very difficult time finding the exact words to convey what I do here! However, it is my personal goal to keep my blog updated weekly throughout the four months ahead! So, continue to stay tuned and thanks for your support!

Thanks for joining me during the first six months of my Malaysian adventure, and I look forward to having you right there with me during the remaining four months.

See you all soon!

I always let my students look at the envelopes of the mail I get from home! They love to look at the stamps and see English addresses! It really thrills them and gets them excited to speak English! Here are two of my students with an envelope!

Southtown Star Article #2 - The Art of Equalizing

This is my second article for my Reporting from Malaysia Guest Column with the Southtown Star!

Stay tuned for more each month!

http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/opinions/12381110-474/the-art-of-equalizing.html

Southtown Star Article #1

Stayed tuned for more throughout the next six months!

I am reporting as a Correspondent for the Southtown Star throughout the remainder of my experience here in Malaysia. I am so excited for this opportunity, and I am incredibly humbled.

Thanks for the support everyone, and pass the link on!

http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/opinions/guestcommentary/12382764-474/selamat-petang-di-malaysia-or-hello-from-malaysia.html

Step 6: Realizing that "There are no Dinosaurs Here"

One of my first, in-depth experiences with Malay
culture! Fellow ETA, Michael, and I at a Malay wedding!

Marie Curie was a Polish-born scientist, and she was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize in 1903 for her work in Physics. In 1911, she even became the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, when she was awarded another Prize for her work in Chemistry. Marie Curie was quoted several times in her life for saying, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.”

 It is part of human nature to have fear or to fear something. I believe even the risk-takers, even the bold, have at least an ounce of fear somewhere within themselves when they take on a new challenge. Some individuals may vocalize and express their fear more than others, but at the end of the day, even the smallest kindle of fear brews somewhere inside each of us. Some of us acknowledge it, while others look past it. 

4A2 students taking on their fear of English public
speaking! 

I would be lying if I said that I came to Malaysia and adopted and adapted to a new culture without fear. There were moments of fear or moments when I simply could not understand, whether it was the language or cultural norms. Sometimes moments of uncertainty made me nervous, and sometimes they made me feel overwhelmed. But at the end of the day, isn’t that what this experience was and continues to be all about? It is about branching out, leaving the well known, familiar and comfortable in search of new discoveries, new perspective and new ways of understanding.

Sometimes the moments of fear, uncertainty or misunderstanding are what ultimately allow us to learn more about our selves and the world we live in.

In fact, my dear childhood friend, Natalie, who just graduated from nursing school, reminded me a couple months ago while we were having a phone conversation:

            “Rachael, people are always capable of more than they think… 

And then you look back and say, I did it.”

Isn’t that the truth?

Whether it is a family setting off on their first, cross country road trip to Yellowstone National Park with three children, a family getting ready to travel 33 hours overseas with new passports in hand, a new fireman saving a child from a firey home, a new nurse witnessing a person in dire health, a young teacher managing his or her first classroom of young children or a young woman living and adapting to a new culture overseas – there are moments of fear, but then at last, there are moments of discovery.

After an exciting, nerve racking and somewhat
intimidating hike/jungle trek at the waterfalls in Besut,
this was the beauty I was able to witness with my friends!

In fact, Marie Curie’s words often come to mind when I find myself frustrated or overwhelmed in moments of misunderstanding. However, one of my 4A1 students put it into even easier, more heartfelt words.

One day I was telling my students (in slow spoken English) about how I was nervous to come to a new country for 10 whole months and how I was nervous to learn to ride a motor scooter. I was trying to relate to their hesitation and nervousness about learning English. As some students nodded in understanding, one boy shook his head and said,  “Teacher, do not worry. There are no dinosaurs here.”

So it’s that simple I suppose.

No matter what fear you may sense within you, just remember, “Do not worry. There are no dinosaurs here.”

A shout out from my students to let you know
"Do not worry! There are no dinosaurs here!"

I bet if you think about this the next time you are hesitant or nervous to take on something, you will find yourself smiling with a new sense of energy. Works for me. Everytime.

Step 5: Treasuring the *Little Victories*

Living and teaching in a foreign country consists of highs and lows, ups and downs. There are some awesome days and there are some really rough days as well.

I have always been a firm believer in "seeing the glass half full," and I always have been a believer in *little victories*. However, recently, little victories have become even closer to my heart and are what keep me excited and enthused for the months ahead!

Even when classes do not go according to plan and students misbehave, or I get thrown an obstacle from left field, the little victories are what make me smile. And, I think at the end of the day the little victories altogether are what can be shaped into the greatest successes and the most amazing stories. I may be in a foreign country living an unfamiliar life, but I bet if you look, you have some little victories everyday in your life too!

For me, here in Malaysia, I write my little victories down as a reminder that yes, there are some low valleys, but there are also high peaks! They certainly bring a smile to my face, each and every time.

So, here are some of mine! Enjoy!

***********************************************************************
Rachael's List of Little Victories


* April 12, 2012 
      I get to school and find an anonymous note on my desk that says, "Love u techer rassel!" (aka... I love you Teacher Rachael) 

Although it is lightly written, this is the anonymous note to
me from a student!


* April 12, 2012
     One of my 3D students said to me today, "Teacher, face so shiney like silver." 



* April 11, 2012
      My special education students can now officially say "Hello! How are you?!" and "I am good!" in English! 
One student can even say, "Good morning!" They also are well rehearsed in thumbs-up and the "air-five!"


* April 10, 2012
     I have been teaching my students about believing in their dreams and used the example of climbing Mount Everest. I told them that people practice, practice and practice to be able to climb it. I also told them that when people get to the top of the mountain they are able to say, "I'm on top of the world!" 

My 2B class holding up their English work,
"Who is Your Hero?"

     
So, today one of my 2B students said, "Teacher, I start train (aka start training). I go to Everest. I say "I'm on TOP WORD" 



*************************************************************************************

The list of course is to be continued...

Now, I challenge you to go find your own little victories no matter where you are or what you do!

My 4A2 class doing dialogue presentations!
They were very nervous and continue to be nervous about
speaking English! However, little by little, I am going to
break them out of their shell! Step 1: Simply getting them
to stand in front of class. Step 2: TBD

Step 4: Learning to Equalize

One of our many school assemblies!
Photo: Courtesy of SMK Permaisuri Nur Zahirah

Recently, I was introduced to the technique of equalizing while taking an open water dive course in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia. The deeper a diver goes, the more water pressure and ear pressure become unbalanced, causing deep discomfort. To avoid this pain, divers must slowly descend and gently breathe out while pinching their nose. A slow and steady introduction to the deep, unfamiliar waters makes for an enjoyable underwater adventure.

Driving my pink motor scooter through vast rice paddies in my rural, Islamic village, while wearing a bright, floral baju kurung, is not a life I could have ever fully prepared for.

My American wardrobe has been replaced with a collection of twenty-plus traditional, conservative baju kurung (explained in the previous post)

Eating lunch with fellow teachers.
Photo: Courtesy of SMK Permaisuri Nur Zahirah

Going to buy groceries no longer consists of quick trips to Target in a Volvo with a stop at Starbucks along the way. Now, I strategically decide what I need based on what can fit into a backpack for the return trip from Supermas. Supermas is about a fifth of the size of Jewel Osco and is the only supermarket in town, but it gets the job done. In fact, I always save some room for M&Ms, which it conveniently sells! 

Example of what one would see at a Pasar Malam in
Malaysia! 

A daily occurrence.
Cows are constantly socializing in frontof our house...

My weekly dates with friends have been replaced with trips to the local Pasar Malam, the night markets selling fruits, vegetables, live chickens and food. Being a regular at the market has been a fabulous way to meet locals while sampling Malaysian food. Although, I have not been brave enough to buy a live chicken yet, with many villages in a twenty- minute radius, there is a night market within reach every night.

Moreover, my favorite spin classes have been replaced with P90x videos, as well as scenic bikes rides and jogs through my village where cows, roosters and chickens roam freely and palm trees provide light shade.

Moving here requires a new kind of rhythm, and it’s amazing to experience the reality when something once so unusual becomes now seemingly normal.

 My slow and steady introduction is allowing me to equalize to an existence quite different than my own, but a life that is temporarily mine.

A group of Christina and I's students. They came over one evening
to play badminton and we showed them how to make root beer floats!