The Siamerican

It has been a while since I’ve had an update here; Been so busy adapting to this new phase on the north flanks of Bangkok Metro that I’ve neglected my personal digital dissemination to the world. Coming on two months since moving to the rural University campus in Pathumthani province and starting my latest teaching gig, my satisfaction and emotional stability levels are mixed–speaking in both the personal and professional realms.

Regarding my position and loner lifestyle in the rural university atmosphere I now inhabit, on one hand, its great to breath the fresh air, cycling daily through the ecologically rich, lush and peaceful campus to/fro the primary school I am contracted Monday through Friday, and, not to mention, interact with and instruct the lively youth that be students; keeping my spirits high interacting with a humorous and outgoing staff, while on the other hand, my pride and professionalism has been tested and stretched, struggling to appease ‘the powers that be,’ whom bestow a particularly high standard of scrutiny on my position teaching Primary Health, Vocabulary Intensive, Art and P.E. for the Bilingual (English) Program. In short, my probation period has been extended for one month, signifying some doubts about the security of stability in this particular phase and place, not only within the company and school that employs me, but within my one year and beyond plan as I approach the start of my final semester at University come mid August.

About a month ago, I had my first formal evaluation which was guided by a formally typed page full of apparent complaints from coworkers, and a few students and parents. The list included concerns regarding things like ‘class time mismanagement’ (taking too much time out of the schedule to play my ukulele to teach songs which were technically outside of the curriculum), straying from the curriculum (not using the text book enough as well as not strictly following the lesson plans), and using Thai language in the classroom (writing definitions of some English vocabulary on the board)–granted it is a Bilingual program, I’m expected to play the part of a Native English language teacher solely promoting  the lingua franca. Finally, there were some concerns brought up about my ‘dress’ not being presentable enough (a few days in my first month, I had worn a fading dress shirt with a few whiteboard marker blemishes not properly ironed–bachelor life does have its drawbacks–and my initial belt was withered over the months); a commonality in Thailand is surface presentation, where visual impression are worth the world–whether you’re a bus driver or a General, image is everything.

Regarding the evaluation and extended probation period, fair enough, development and growth would not be possible without feedback. Scrutiny and Pressure can only be good thing for me in this sense. I aim to at least pass my probation and complete my contract, with the prospect of renewal, but must be prepared for alternative worst case scenarios. There are some other things that raise concern within: Assuming I can make it through the rest of the year, my employer expects me to take a post graduate teachers licensing certification course ASAP–a prerequisite requirement to apply for a teachers’ license–which will require full time weekend study for some 8 months, on top of some 60,000 baht out of my own pocket. Costs and time aside, after taking some 8 years to finally finish my degree in between a handful of jobs to survive and support my family, I’m hesitant to jump right back into the formal classroom full of more homework and tests galore.

If I expect to be  legal teacher in the long run, considering my degree is not teacher specific, the certification will be necessary consideration. However, in the immediate run, a particular delay for me to ensue such post graduate studies is my prime obligation to family which has been partially neglected as to finish my undergrad studies once and for all these past few years; one of my main priorities-plans after completing my Bachelors is to make a long awaited trip back to the homeland, USA–bringing my Thai American son to his second home for the first time in his life as he gets ready to turn 5 years old in 2011, which I plan to do so during the Thai school break, either in April or later by October, estimated 2 to 4 week trip. I, myself haven’t been back to the states since the end of 2003, and in much need of a trip to refresh my roots, even if only for a short breather. In order to do so, I’ll need to save close to a 100,000 baht to cover both our air fairs and some travel expenses. Luckily, I’m not expecting to bring his mom (we are currently separated), who would raise new barriers with immigration, visas, sponsors, funds, etc.

Regarding my immediate studies, I remain one more semester with four subjects which will commence mid August and be completed by December, knock on wood. With my job location being a good hour+ away from Uni campus to match a conflicting midweek schedule (Uni classes scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) I anticipate a low turnout for my ninth and final semester at Uni. My employer is aware of the situation and thankfully, there does seem to be some flexibility to allow me necessary - minimal days leave to clear obligations at Uni, though I won’t know exactly which days will be un-excusable until I meet and speak with my professors come August.  As usual, maintaining my job in order to pay monthly debt, bills and child support as well as save for my trip and future in general holds priority. Though, I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure I won’t be delayed from finishing school once and for all (for a shortwhile anyway)

Finally, a short update regarding my physical update regarding my injury progress: My arm is still powerless to lift on its own, however my forearm, wrist and hand are still coming along well.  I am practicing the ukulele daily now and can play many of the songs I used to enjoy before my injury. I’ve achieved 50 plus words per minute in typing tests, nearing my previous days of 60 wpm. Though my arm is not able to function on its own, I feel my biceps contracting some and strengthening slowly but surely as I am able to grip onto and move the handle bars on my bicycle, as well as open doors. Tis the slog continues.

Stay tuned…

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