Teacher-Student Teacher Conference

You know, as smart as I think I am, I am one hell of an air head . . . . . . .

Note: Germany uses the 24 hour clock

So, I spoke last week with my headmistress (I absolutely adore this woman; she LOVES these kids, and is sensitive to the kids' domestic situations) about what the other English teachers expect from me as a student teacher . . . . . . I would eventually, albeit slowly, like to be apart of the daily lessons, but how?

She suggested that we meet at her house at 1700 hours to discuss this over light refreshments. One of the English teachers offered me a ride 20 minutes before 1700.

Now, I got home at around 2pm, and was on my computer the whole time, but my computer is still on East Coast time . . . . between that and the whole military time thing, I am forever calculating what time it is! (I thought I had a knack for it until this day)

At any rate, in my confusion, I get to the house of the woman who was supposed to be bringing me to the gathering . . .

Note on Germans: these are by far the most punctual people ever (or at least, that's what they want the world to think, lol) . . . . but it's true. If you tell them to be somewhere at a specific time, they will walk in at that exact time!)

So, ten minutes have gone by, and I thought, wow, I know she told me to be here at this time, but unfortunately, I didn't have her number. So, I called my headmistress, and she told me that my ride was already at her house, and that everyone was waiting for me because it was already almost 6pm!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD, THE DUMB AMERICAN STRIKES AGAIN!!!

I was so through with myself . . . I wanted to curl up in a box and die . . . this entire event was for them to hear me speak . . . . and I am an hour late . . . . I have heard of a grand entrance, but DAMN!

Well, I made it there thanks to my roommate . . . . in 10 minutes! I apologized A LOT, but after that, the night went very well (besides some of the less cooth colleagues who were forever looking at their watches, when the event was voluntary to begin with . . . . that annoyed me just a little bit, but I know better than to show that, i'll just blog about it ;)

We even came up with some awesome ideas to "trick" the students into learning better English . . . . . including a Casino Night (which I am so excited about!!!!), a Dance, a Christmas Concert in English, and a yearbook club!

I am thoroughly excited, and can't wait to begin this part of my Fulbright experience!!

LaSean