SAYONARA JHS

Today was my last day at JHS, as I'll be changing schools for the next school year. I didn't want to make a big tadoo about leaving, as I didn't want to go through the ritual of saying goodbye's to all the teachers with phony a sentiment seeing as how I got the love of a red-headed stepchild for the bulk of the two years I spent there. I was comfortable with the idea of leaving quietly, after all, I doubt I'd be missed much. However, a quiet departure wasn't to be.

My plan was to give a few personal than-you's to the principals and the office secretary, Mrs. Kanie who'd been unfailingly nice to me since I first came to the school. I had two classes for the whole day, one with the special learning class. I had my last lunch with their class, and they gave me a jello-like fruit cup with a little "sayonara than-you note" attached. That was pretty nice. As the time rolled around for me to get off, I went to seek out the vice-principal to say my goodbye. Couldn't find him. Asked the secretary, and turned out he was in a meeting. I asked how long it would it be and she said she didn't know. Kind of blowing my spot, she said "Oh, today's your last day! I have to get the principal!" Immediately, I knew this was going to become a big deal. She went into the principal's office, adjoined to the staff room, and told them I wanted to speak to them. The vice-principal came out and before I could get two words in edgewise, he started clamoring about it being my last day and that they would have to summon all the teachers to the staff room for a formal goodbye. Aww jeez no.

The cat was out the bag and they were on the school loudspeaker before I knew it calling all teachers to the staffroom for the big formal goodbye. After the 20 or so teachers returned, the principal made a brief announcement about me leaving then called me to the head of the staffroom. All the teachers had to stand at their desks while I spoke. I thought I heard the principal say I could speak in English, but I deliverd my final words in Japanese. A few generic lines of Japanese business niceties followed by a bow to get me out of there in a hurry. I said something along the line of "Thank you" and "I had a good time at the school, good luck, goodbye, etc." The whole time, I half-felt like flipping them the bird, but what can I say--I was brought up too well to go out like that; thus, I went out with class. Shucks. Everyone politely clapped when I finished, and a few people shook my hand. The principal stood to the side making comical faces, innocently patronizing me about my Japanese being "pera-pera" or "fluent." Yeah right. Thanks.

And that was pretty much it. I got my stuff and headed toward the door, while everyone remained standing and gazing. One teacher handed me a grapefruit. Thanks. I actually mustered a decent smile as I shook the princpals' hands a couple more times. The always jesterly principal, slapped me on the back while laughingly feigning tears as I hit the door, as if to say that I'd be missed. Nice try homie. Sayonara JHS.

What can I say?: I never felt like I was genuinely respected/appreciated by the teachers there, but they were at least courteous on my way out. I have to accept it as another of life's many learning experiences. On to bigger and better.