No, this post isn't about grammar - I am making a *hilarious* tense based pun!
(apologies, I've been wrestling with Checkpoint Three ALL DAY and I'm exhausted - Achilles Hell...er Heel, thy name is grammar and the phonetic alphabet.)
Dear readers, this is about aspirations and fears and motivations.
A continuous, perfect, future... I suppose that's putting all my rice in one bowl, but that is what I'm gunning for. I don't mean that I think that this TEFL course or teaching in China will trigger some kind of life epiphany in a quick-fix, happy ever after stylee. Actually, I am fully expecting to be terrifed, uncomfortable, lonely and homesick. However, what motivated me into signing up for this China internship was this combination of fear and aspiration. (Mostly fear)
Last year I went through a massively traumatic break up then watched another one unfold right in front of me (anyone say cheating scummy landlord?) which left me questioning everything about myself and my life and what I was going to do next, as you do. After a break up, I know it's not a competition 'who is more fine' ... except that it is, and I want to win. This is where China and the fear and the aspiration comes in.
I was, and still am, terrifed of ending up stuck behind a desk watching the inevitable accumulation of biscuits, chocolate and takeaways on my arse, moaning about the idiocy of the Boss and taking turns with Maureen to waddle to the kitchen for a brew. I was, and still am, terrified of not getting my self esteem back. Of just not believing people when they compliment me and of dying all alone because on top of everything else, I was too scared to get over him.
What I wanted was, and is, a good solid ADVENTURE. I want to prove to myself that I'm not actually the kind of pansy who gets herself stuck with Maureen and co at the tender age of twenty three. I also need to see that my life isn't over just because a relationship is. I'm scared of teaching and being somewhere I don't speak the language and living in a foreign country so damn it, I'm going to China to teach the crap out of some kids (metaphorically speaking) for several months! WOOHOO!
So, to return to my pun, when I say continuous perfect future
(or future perfect continuous - 
) what I mean is, I want to get out of this is the confidence to do what has to be done, see what there is to be seen, and get far away from the Maureen-brigade. This is me DOING something again, finally, and right now that is as perfect as it can get. Btw, apologies to any exciting Maureens out there...
So, having had a good old self-indulgent rant, I was wondering what motivated anyone else to get their TEFL on?
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Thanks for the comments guys :)
Hi Clare,
Very well written blog. I agree with what RichH84 said, sounds like you could write a book.
Congratulations on actually doing something to escape the "Maureen brigade," and not just sitting about whinging like a lot of people would do.
My motivations come from always wanting to travel and not having anything else to do so why not? I'm terrified as well of course.
Good luck in China, let us know how it goes.
Hi Clare!
My motivations are really just the desire (or need!) to see as much of this beautiful, wonderful world in which we live! I've traveled some, in my country and abroad, and just can't get enough. I've had the same job for about 10 years, and I love it, but I knew that I could never really get any further where I was. So, I quit my great job (in a beautiful place) with an excellent boss (who is also my friend), and, here I go! I'm scared, and excited. Did I mention scared? But really, very excited!
Hi Clare,
Just been reading lots of blogs and realise we will be going out to China on the same August internship and thought it would be cool to share tips as we go along. I am about to do checkpoint 3 (only started the course 4 days ago, so seems to be running well so far!). If you want to learn more about the four meanings and pronunciations of "ma" then look at bbc.co.uk/languages/chinese and then click on "real chinese".
Adventure, travel and a change of routines were my motivation! (A weekend off. What's that? I'll soon find out!!)
'After a break up, I know it's not a competition 'who is more fine' ... except that it is, and I want to win'.
comedy gold. if all else fails write a book, i'd buy it.
Just sick of living in a cold country! Wanted to get out and travel and see stuff. Always hated holidays because you have to come back and go back to the non-holiday period, agreed whilst teaching abroad isn't about having an extended-paid holiday it does give you the chance to see a country from within and when you do use your holidays it can be in the country where you live and the chance to explore the unknown!
Good luck with it all, I am sure you will have a wicked time when you start teaching!
Just sick of living in a cold country! Wanted to get out and travel and see stuff. Always hated holidays because you have to come back and go back to the non-holiday period, agreed whilst teaching abroad isn't about having an extended-paid holiday it does give you the chance to see a country from within and when you do use your holidays it can be in the country where you live and the chance to explore the unknown!
Good luck with it all, I am sure you will have a wicked time when you start teaching!
I was after pretty much the same thing as you - adventure! That and wanting to experience another culture from the inside - got both, so all in all, was good stuff!
Congrats on deciding to break away from the Maureen-brigade - just make sure you send them a postcard!
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