a short profile

our company has this emagazine emailed to students regularly (monthly, quarterly? i don't really know). one of its features includes the profiles of new instructors. a few months back, i've been asked to write mine at such a very short notice! i was not really sure what to write because the instructions were given to me in japanese. okay, at least 30% of it. anyway, i had forgotten all about this until one student showed me a copy recently. here's what i submitted:

hi there, everybody! as one of the new members of this family, it is only fair that i tell you a little bit about myself. although i often introduce myself as hailing from the bustling island of cebu, i was actually born and grew up in a far quieter, equally beautiful place – the neighboring island of bohol, famous for the world’s smallest primate (no, not me!), the mysterious and awe-inspiring geological formations known as the ‘chocolate hills’, and white- sand beaches that are fast becoming the favorite destination to spend your hot summer days in the philippines! (hint! hint!).

actually, this is not my first time in the land of the rising sun. i first set foot on these shores a few years back to further my education. surprisingly enough, the academic board of the international university of japan in niigata decided that my study on the relationship between culture and development in the philippines was adequate enough to merit an M.A. in international relations. in any case, i am back in japan now to be with my husband while he completes his doctorate at waseda university. since i am left with a lot of spare time in my hands, i decided to put it to good use (read: money!) by joining this company.

i love traveling a lot, although i haven’t been able to travel as much as i’d like. but whenever i have the chance to do so, i find myself having so much fun and enjoying the sights and sceneries immensely. this is one of the reasons that make working here so rewarding. my students and i get to talk a lot about the things that interest us like travel . oftentimes, we even exchange travel tips. although i am happy to be actively contributing to their english language learning process, sometimes i feel that i am as much a student as well as an instructor. i have also learned (and continuously learning) so many things about the people and culture of japan from our sessions together. lastly, i am really glad to be stationed at the ginza learning studio – not only is the place comfortable, and the staff and my fellow instructors friendly…hello, it’s ginza!

well, i have been here for a few months now and so far, i am enjoying my stay. i love the company's method: computer-based, one-on-one teaching. what appeals to me most especially is the flexibility of schedules, which can be changed every month. that’s all, folks! see you around.