Halloween at Toastmasters

OK. I know that some of you already think I'm strange, but just in case you didn't--here's the proof. I had the idea of doing a Halloween theme meeting for our Toastmasters club. Some members were skeptical, but as the collage at the left shows--we had FUN!

There seems to be too little fun in the world these days. So, if you have a chance to get together with friends and have some fun--take that chance! It's worth it, even if you have to be a little embarassed.

Grab the joy when you can!!

FT

See?! I told you so!

See? Didn't I say they were cute? These are my new kids. I am now the adoptive mother of another 116 kids. I'm blessed.

FT

Scientific English Seminar

I met my lovely 2nd year students today! They're very cute and enthusiastic. I can't wait to see them again next week.

FT

Let the classes begin!!

Today is the first day for me to meet my new 2nd year students for class (the huge class --116 this year!). I'm really looking forward to meeting them. I don't know what this year's class will bring, but I feel like a new adventure is beginning! Last year's class was an adventure and I'm still enjoying knowing those students.

So . . . let the classes begin!

FT

Kyushu University Toastmasters

I am proud to announce that the Kyushu University Toastmasters (QT) will hold their charter ceremony on August 29th, 2009. QT is the first University Toastmasters club in Japan. QT is filled with enthusiastic members who are working to improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Visit QT any second or fourth Friday of each month at 18:15 (Japanese meeting) and/or 19:00 (English meeting) in the　医療系統合教育研究センター.

Friends at IAMSE

This is none other than the famous Dr. Ron Hardin, pioneer of the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) that many of you will be taking next year.





Dr. Matthew Gwee is the Dean of National University of Singapore's medical school.





My classmates in the ESME course (Essential Skills in Medical Education) were from countries all over the world, including Canada, the USA, Kenya, the Sudan, England, Australia and more!

Bikes everywhere!

It was great to see all of the people riding bikes in Leiden and Amsterdam. Whole families were pedaling along. But you really had to be careful not to be run over by a cyclist. A young doctor at Leiden University joked that they should be called "suicyclists." Get it?

TBL in Japan goes to Holland

Dear Students, I introduced what we've been doing in our classes with TBL. You may see some familiar faces on this poster. You all went to Leiden with me! -- at least you were all in my heart.

FT

Conference in Holland

Hi Everyone,

I know it's been a long time. Sorry! I've been going to a lot of conferences and learning a lot. This is Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum (LUMC), or the Leiden University Hospital. I went to Leiden in the Netherlands for the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE). You may wonder why an English teacher would visit a science educators conference. That's easy! I teach "scientific" English AND I wanted to meet the experts in using team-based learning (TBL). I think that TBL has been a real lifesaver for our classes and I wanted to get a chance to talk to some real professionals in the field. It was great! I learned a lot and made some great friends. I can't wait to try what I've learned!

FT

Happy Birthday Dear Daughter!!

Today my daughter is 17 years old! Time flies when you're having fun--and raising her has really been fun. I am very proud of her and I get all emotional when I think about her growing up and moving away.

Today on my way to work I was listening to a song I gave her when she graduated from Jr. High School. The words of the song make me all teary eyed.

The song:

Find Your Wings by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth

And if I never told you,
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

I hope the same for all of my students! Reach for the sky and let me see you fly.

FT