This past week has been tough for me, as I have had to say ‘farewell for now’ to  my current students, whom I have had the pleasure of teaching for the past year in Japan. Though it is not the first time I have parted with students, it doesn’t seem to get easier. My decision to continue traveling was not an easy one to make, but I feel it is the correct decision for me. The events of this week, however, have gotten me to reflect more upon why exactly I’ve made the decisions I have, and why they are important to me.

Why do I teach? Simply, I love doing it. I enjoy being in a position to help other people. Although being a teacher does come with its difficulties, I believe the benefits greatly outweigh them. The chance to inspire others to want to learn. The connections made between student and teacher. Of course the ‘ah ha!’ moments experienced when something difficult becomes clear to the class. All of these are truly rewarding to me. Because of these reasons, I know that no matter where I go, I always want to be teaching.

Why do I want to keep moving? Why not stay in one place? This is a much more difficult question to answer. Sometimes I do see myself choosing a place to stay and settle down. I think it would be very easy for me to do just that, in Japan or America. I would feel well at home in the states, and there is still much I could explore and experience in Japan. In the back of my mind though I always have that desire to explore, to see what else is out there. What new experiences can I make? A bit of wanderlust, I suppose. In addition, I am at a point in my life where moving around is very easy, and if I am to follow this path, now is the time to do it.

Why do I want to live in different countries? Why not just take vacations and trips? I could. It’s not exactly the same, I think. Taking vacations is very nice, and I enjoy them a great deal. However, the longer I stay in a place, the deeper the experience. It’s for the same reason that looking at a picture of Tokyo is different than going there and seeing it for yourself. To see more of the culture. To make new meaningful connections. To do things I never thought I’d do. To do things at my own pace, as oppose to feeling rushed and obligated to do as much as I can in the short time I am there. To learn and use a different language in daily life. To adapt to new challenges. I could probably list a few more reasons but in short, I want to do it because it feels right for me. How long will I continue to do this? I’m not sure. Maybe for a while. Maybe for a short time. But for now, I will.

This path does have it’s drawbacks, and I was reminded of that this week. To make strong connections with people and leave them is never easy. In a perfect world, I would be able to explore the places I wished while having those I care about near me always. However, this is not possible, and so tough decisions must be made. Luckily, technology has advanced to a point where staying in contact is easier than ever. Though it is not the same, it is nice to know that there is an easy way to contact those that I care about anywhere I am in the world. Furthermore, staying in contact allows me to see those same people again someday.

My travels will start up again soon, but for now I have a few weeks left in Japan, which I intend to enjoy. To my friends and family back home, I’ll see you soon, (even if only for a bit). To my students:

皆さん、ありがとうございました。日本でいい人達に英語を教えることとても楽しかったですよ。私頑張るから、皆も頑張ってください。今私先生ではないんですけど、友達でしょう。必ず忘れられないです。そしてこれはさよならじゃなくてまた会いましょう。