So, last Saturday (December 8) was our (Nimmy M., Naila K., Alaa K.) last session!
Our students have been asking if they were getting any closer to the end of the program. Since we never really told them the answer, they were really surprised when we started the class by telling them they're graduating. Some kept asking if it was really our last meeting, and some even mistook the term graduation as final exam and kept panicking. I could see smiles on their faces when we told them they're finally getting their certificates (also dinner), one of them even made it obvious that he was overjoyed. Not too long after that though, when we asked if they were really that happy, many started telling us that they weren't. They said that they were sad because they really liked learning with us, and that the classes have been really useful for them and they didn't wish to stop. Some even asked why it had to end here. We had to assure them that the program will still continue and there are still chances for us to study together again. They're all wonderful students with high excitement to learn and we're really proud of them! (They even always come on Saturdays at 9AM when our class is supposed to start at 9.30!)
Our students have been asking if they were getting any closer to the end of the program. Since we never really told them the answer, they were really surprised when we started the class by telling them they're graduating. Some kept asking if it was really our last meeting, and some even mistook the term graduation as final exam and kept panicking. I could see smiles on their faces when we told them they're finally getting their certificates (also dinner), one of them even made it obvious that he was overjoyed. Not too long after that though, when we asked if they were really that happy, many started telling us that they weren't. They said that they were sad because they really liked learning with us, and that the classes have been really useful for them and they didn't wish to stop. Some even asked why it had to end here. We had to assure them that the program will still continue and there are still chances for us to study together again. They're all wonderful students with high excitement to learn and we're really proud of them! (They even always come on Saturdays at 9AM when our class is supposed to start at 9.30!)
These guys are never scared to make mistakes. They ask and answer every single time no matter right or wrong. We all should learn more from them.
Their focus is amazing, too! (Some can't resist the temptation of cameras, though)
After class, we talked for a while about how this program went on for them. We asked them if it helped, if it made them more confident in talking in English (which I know it did, seeing how much louder and engaged they were in class compared to our first sessions). They said 7 weeks were too short for them and they wanted the program to go on for a bit longer. They also said that they'll definitely come back if the program is on next semester.It was a good experience for them and the same for us. We told them they were such a pleasure to teach and they told us they will miss us. Aww :'(
We ended the day by once again practicing singing Waving Flag, and also...
Alaa brought us donuts! (Thank you Alaa!)
They said they wanted pictures of everyone having donuts together. They wouldn't let us be in the picture without having one.
The last bit was really emotional for me. We had a hard time convincing them that it was not our last chance to meet and that we'll be there on their graduation. They kept asking for pictures, record videos, tell us that they had such a great time learning with us, some of them even still asked if it was really our last class! It took a while until they finally agreed to stop and walk out the class, after hundreds of "Thank you!", "Have a great week!", "We'll see you on Wednesday!"
I have to agree with them though. It has been a long, but really memorable 7 weeks. I think I'll miss having to get up in the morning every Saturday to teach.
