I was terrified the first day I went to the Circolo Leonardo to teach my first class. It was an intermediate level class, with I believe five students. I could only remember the unfriendly glares of the students in my first class as a teacher in training and feared the same. But then they walked in, all grinning and optimistic, game to follow my slightly stumbling guidance as I led them on through the English language.
I had five classes that year–Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Pre-Advanced, Advanced, and Elementary. I learned to teach with those classes. Sometimes I had no idea what I was talking about (when do you say “I will” and when do you say “I’m going to” anyway?), but together we figured it out. They were splendid, those students, and I learned a lot with them. I was sad to say goodbye when I changed schools.
But my second year I was to learn that students are great everywhere. I love teaching Italians. They’re just so game for anything you throw at them. They’re not particularly proud or inhibited, they don’t mind making mistakes (not too much), and they love asking questions.
Now I’m more of a mountain man trail guide when it comes to teaching English (Adam and Eric, on the other hand, are Cherokee trackers), but I still learn so much from my students. I’ve gotten to know students of all ages from all walks of life. I’ve had more doctors, lawyers, students, engineers, and businesspeople to count, but also factory workers, nurses, musicians, artists, actors, industrial chemists, waiters, bartenders, haircutters, directors, fashion designers, university professors. I’ve had students from nearly every region in Italy (just missing Piedmont, Liguria, and Val d’Aosta!), but I’ve also had a lot of Bolognese students. It’s been a rare opportunity to get to know a cross-section of Bologna’s population, both natives and transplants alike.
Some I’ve befriended, some I would only faintly recognize when we passed on the streets. But each student, each class has made a mark on me. I will truly miss them all so much.
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