【Student's Speech - by Mr. Okabe】

Ms. Sarah

Thank you so much for always making class fun for us.  Since we became the 3rd graders, we have had fewer chances to meet you, so I have felt lonely.  When I was in the 1st and 2nd grade, I always looked forward to taking yout English classes.  

Thanks to your classes, I came to like English.  

Thanks to you, my English has improved a lot.  

It is all thanks to you!

I will continue to study so that I can speak with you in English.  I’m sad that classes with you are finished, but I’m looking forward to meeting you again.  Thank you for everything.

【Sarah's Speech】

Hello everyone,

Today will be my last closing ceremony at Amakusa High School. I will be returning to America next month.

 　　　　I came to this school in November 2021. At the time, I didn’t know very much Japanese and did not know much about Japanese culture and traditions. I also had never taught at a high school before. But, I was very excited to learn as much as possible. It has been a very challenging journey, but I am grateful for the opportunity and my experience here.

　みなさん、こんにちは。今日は、私にとって最後の終業式になります。来月、私はアメリカに帰ります。

　私は、2021年の11月に、天草高校に来ました。当時、私は日本語をあまり知らず、日本の文化や伝統についてもあまり知りませんでした。また、高校で先生をしたこともありませんでした。ですが、できるだけたくさんのことを学びたいと、とても楽しみにしていました。私にとって大きな挑戦でしたが、天草高校でALTとして働けたことを嬉しく思います。

　　　　From the beginning, Amakusa High School’s teachers welcomed me warmly and have shown me so much kindness. I was not able to communicate properly, because Japanese is very difficult. But many teachers encouraged me to keep studying or talked with me in easy Japanese, or taught me new Japanese words. A lot of teachers also waited patiently while I looked at my Japanese dictionary on my smartphone. I am very thankful for these moments. I want to continue to learn Japanese so that I can speak freely one day.

               I am especially lucky to be a part of the English department. Yuuske sensei, Hiroshi sensei, Kodama sensei, Nakamura sensei, Yamaguchi sensei, Nagata sensei, and William sensei, thank you for your support. Your students are very lucky to have you care for them so deeply. I have learned so much from watching them work and working beside them everyday. They are inspirational.

 　　　　For the students: I will really miss you. The students at Amakusa High School are very special, talented, and very very bright. I would always tell my friends how smart my students are, how hardworking, and about all the funny moments we have together. My favorite memories are: showing the scary video on Halloween,  learning how to play the tambourine, decorating Christmas cake, and all the English games we did. I will miss my ESS students, the “hellos” in the hallways, helping with Eiken, and learning new Japanese words. And, even though English is difficult, it has been a pleasure to see you all  grow your skills and confidence. After I leave, I know you will continue to do amazing things in your lives and careers.
You have taught me so much, too. Thank you for helping me to grow as a teacher. I will always root for you.
　　　　I will never forget Amataka. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me, supported me, and shown me kindness. I hope one day we can cross paths in the future.　

　ここでのことは、一生忘れません。私を歓迎し、支え、親切にしてくれたことに感謝しています。

いつか、また会えることを楽しみにしています。本当にありがとうございました。