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September 17, 2005 - "Homeworks never die, but I will die because of homeworks."
To understand that popular phrase is to understand the life of a Thai teenager. There is a lot of pressure on young people to study hard and succeed. Parents do all they can to provide their children with the best education and chance for success. In return, children are expected to study. This goes as far as nutrition, as James and many boys eat eggs, ham and milk for breakfast so they can grow taller. That is dedication. |
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In the Mini-english program, where I teach some classes, every student has a computer at home with internet access. Most students attend extra study classes after school and on the weekends. They do not have free time or time to play.
I am amazed by the academic focus the Thai students have so early in life. They will be smarter and better educated than me (and many other lazy Americans) for sure! |
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I believe that if they had the priviledge of growing up in the US, they would be the valedictorians of their class. I, on the other hand, lived a fairly typical public school life - I spent far more time at football, wresting and band practice (and thinking about those activities) than I ever did studying! I think the life of a Thai student is very difficult.
I often wonder if American students can compete... |
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With such focused and driven students from Asia, I worry about my and America's future. It helps me understand what a priviledged education I had. I have a good chance to go to grad school in the US. To study in the US is a dream for many of my students. I never worked as hard as the students here, yet I will have the chance. These experiences should help me study hard in school.
Happily for my students, they are now free to play Pangya and |
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chat on MSN all day because we are on semester break. Up above is a retirement ceremony for 4 teachers from SBW. The students wai (bow with hands together), kneel in front of their teachers and present them gifts of flowers. The students really adore their teachers and it shows. To illustrate how much Thai students like their school and friends, M6 (senior) students that I have talked to do not want to graduate next year. They say they will miss their friends. In that way, it is nice to be a Thai student. |
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