I think I'm gonna like it here

The title of this post comes from the film "Annie". The one with Carol Burnett, Tim Curry, Albert Finney and Bernadette Peters filmed in 1982 that I used to watch religiously as a little girl. (I played Grace Farrell in the stage version in High School...I like to forget about that chapter in my life as I cannot sing, and still feel empathy for my poor cringing audience) The song "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" is the one little orphan Annie sings when she arrives at Daddy Warbuck's mansion and dances all around the shiny floors with the maids and her new "Mom" (Ms. Farrell). I've caught myself singing that song in my head a few times. Today I wanted to shout it from the top of the Crystler Building.

I finally got in front of a classroom this morning. Thank Sarasvati (the Hindu Goddess of knowledge and peace of mind). You see, I don't do well without structure and a schedule (that's the Tarot Emperor in me). Left to my own devices, my head gets me into a lot of trouble. I can forget why I do things. I can forget who I am. (I know--David Lynch would tell me I need to find the inner universe of infinite happiness within me...working on it) This morning I had a "SLA" class (two in a row, actually) which stands for Second Language Acquisition. Initially I was not thrilled. Theory? Ick, groan, no thanks. However, nothing is as it seems here. The students were amazing. Excited, curious, polite, kind, eager, knowledgeable, sweet, and brave.

I noticed two cultural differences right away. 1) They are hesitant to speak up. 2) They only speak up when the group allows it. They consult their friends first, then ask the question. The collective mentality is big here. Individualism is an American concept. Being quiet, listening well, and thinking deeply are stereotypically Asian characteristics. I find it refreshing in a lot of ways. No one interrupts each other. No one talks over anyone else. No one thinks they are the smartest person in the room.

To transition them, I introduced myself at the beginning of all 3 classes, and spoke a little about why I'm here and who I am. The conversations that followed went something like this:

Me: So, now that you know a little about me, I'm sure you have some questions. Don't worry, there are no stupid questions. You can ask me anything.

Silence/wide eyes

Me: Ok. What do you know about America?

Students: The American Dream (whoah! huge side conversation about what that means, how everyone is *not* rich in America: education, health care, etc...too much to type). Hollywood!

Me: Ok, great. Who is your favorite American actor?

Students: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Adam Sandler, Jim Carey (in that order)

Me: Has anyone been to Chicago? (nope, heads shake) What do you know about Chicago?

Student #1: Chicago Bulls! (giggles) It is a movie. It won the Oscar. (giggles)

Me: Ok, great. What did you learn from the movie?

Student #2: Well, we want to know, do people sing and dance a lot in Chicago like in the movie?

Me: Yes, actually. Chicago is a very artistic city with a lot going on. There is every kind of art in Chicago and people from all over the world. It is diverse, big, and beautiful. (I'm a little partial) Other questions?

Student #2: How much does it cost to go to the theater in Chicago?

Me: Depends on the theater and on the show. Theater tickets can range anywhere from $10-$60.

(Collective gasp)

Student #3: Do you know where Oprah works? Have you seen Harpo Studios? (giggles)

Me: Yes, I have. But Harpo is sort of hidden. I lived in Chicago for about 7 years before I saw her studio. What other famous American (whose name starts with an "O") is from Chicago?

Students: OBAMA! (smiles)

Me: And he's from Indonesia as well, right? (nods) So he can speak Bahasa Indonesia and Chicagoan. (I smile because I crack myself, and usually only myself, up in the classroom)

Student #4: We have studied American culture and we know a lot about America. We hear that there was a lot of racism there. Is that still true?

Me: (pause) That is a very hard question to answer...(long explanation ensued that included elements on culture, history, stereotypes, hope for the future, etc)

Student #5: What languages do you speak?

Me: (blush covers face, deep breath) Just English (collective gasp). That is why I'm here now. As a teacher of students who speak multiple languages, I feel ashamed that I only speak one. So, I'm learning Bahasa Indonesia while you are learning English. I hope we can help each other (collective nods and smiles).

Student #6: Why are you a teacher?

Me: I'm a teacher because I love to learn. There is an African proverb that says (write on the board) "She who learns, teaches". I believe that we all have things to teach each other, and I am happiest when I'm learning from others. I also love people. I love working with them and helping them (mental flashback to Planned Parenthood). So teaching makes me happy because I feel that I am always learning and I hope I'm helping as well (voices echo that yes, I'm helping them because I am there).

Student #7: Where else have you lived besides Indonesia?

Me: I've lived in about 5 states in the US and in two areas of England. This is my first time in Asia. (eyes grow wide)

Student #8: What do you think of Malang?

Me: I think it's beautiful. The trees, birds, flowers are all new to me. I've only been here 5 days so I'm still experiencing a bit of culture shock (giggles and nodding) but I like it. Honestly, I found Jakarta hot and crowded (nodding) and I'm happy to be in a smaller city.

Student #9: What did you know about Indonesia before you came here?

Me: Very little! (gasps)

Student #9: You knew about Bali, right? (giggles)

Me: Yes, I did, but like most Americans, I didn't know where it was. Someone asked me if Indonesia was in India! (Loud gasps and sounds of disapproval) Someone else asked me if people spoke Spanish here (loud laughing and sounds of shock). I know, it's common. Americans know very little about your country. I hope to help change that. (smiles) I knew about the tsunami in 2005. I knew that it was located on the equator. And I've read a few books (Eat, Pray, Love and Tales of a Female Nomad) by Americans who have traveled here, so I knew a little more based on what they wrote.

Student #10: Did someone pay your way here, or did you pay by yourself to come here? (explanation of ELF program followed--as a final side note: "small talk" does not exist here, hence the personal questions. In a country where the weather is always more or less the same, you can't 'talk about the weather' so they move right on to the real issues...which I actually don't mind).

And that is why I think I'm gonna like it here.

Gotta motor if I want to make it to the electronics store.