Iwai: Celebration

Well, the day has arrived.
I am officially finished with my Master's Degree after a year and a half of hard work.

During the final portion of my quest for education greatness, I spent ten weeks in a 7th Grade Science classroom here in Okinawa. I ended my first day sobbing in a heap of I can't do this and ten weeks later am walking away saying I can't wait to do this again!

I have truly found my calling. Seeing the light bulb click over a student's head when they learn something new, collaborating with peers who inspire and motivate me, and sharing my love for learning with others-- I honestly could not ask for more. The stress, planning, tears, and way-too-long thesis project were worth it to reach this point.

I am extra proud to announce that I will be graduating Summa Cum Laude, the highest honor that Capella University bestows on it's Master's in K-12 Education Graduates. Maybe I sound like I am gloating...
Well, I am! 

I have never been so proud of an accomplishment. Not only does this prove I can be a successful educator, it means I did something for me and only me. Being a Marine wife can often feel like a full-time job that is not meant to be accompanied by any other career choice. I often felt like "Walton's Wife", not Kara. That simply wasn't enough to make me happy, so I made this decision and am so glad to have stuck with something that makes me feel important, accomplished, and like I am making a difference. 

On my last day, many colleagues and students filled me with love! I took some photos of the fun stuff they gave me. Enjoy!

One of three boards filled with love from the students!

My personal fav, the anime drawing. I asked why I look mad and she said "No, you look like a MAD scientist cheerleader." Hey, I can live with that!

My mentor got my a Habu Pride T-shirt and Sweatshirt. I really feel like a part of the school, now! The students wrote me notes because I am known for stealing theirs in class and reading them aloud. I guess it was sort of like payback, but they all said really nice things. :)

This is a traditional Japanese gift I got from my mentor and a colleague who really helped me shape my love for teaching.  She is supposed to provide luck and good health. It will look really good on my first real teacher desk!

I also have to give a huge shout out to my supportive, amazing husband. He has been there to listen to my complaints, gripes, successes, and crazy woman talk that no one really understands. I honestly could not have done it without you, Troy.


Also to the friends and family, every one of you who understood when I had to cancel because a paper was due or too much was on my plate. Can't forget about those I lost contact with because the stress was too much, thanks for making it feel like no time passed. Most of all, the ones who listened when they were probably tired of hearing it. You know I love you guys!!

So, what is next? 

I have to wait for the process of overseas transfers, in school transfers, and veterans to cycle through the available positions. After that, I will be considered for teaching positions next school year. Keep your fingers crossed a position opens so I can continue doing what I love! :)

Thanks for reading!!

Jishin: Earthquake

First, I want everyone to know we are alive, dry, and safe. 

Friday at 2:46pm local time (JST) and 8.9 Earthquake shook mainland Japan. The quake was the fifth worst in the world since 1900 and the worst in the history of Japan. It occurred in the ocean, at a depth of almost 25 kilometers. The quake shook buildings more than 220 miles away, in Tokyo.

Here is a diagram I took from the Japan Meteorological Agency and altered so that the purple arrow represents where we live, with the red arrow pointing to the epicenter of the quake. 

While the Earthquake was devastating, knocking over buildings and causing mass damage, that was not the only disaster. Minutes later, tsunami's began washing onto the shores of Japan. Boats, houses, cars, and people were washed away in the mass chaos.

Notice that the wave is about to top the trees. It was more than 33 feet high in some areas.

Entire cities were washed away.

Not only has the water caused damage, many power plants and homes have caught fire. 

Whirlpools formed where the waves crashed. They are caused by the massive amount of water and shape of the land underneath. When they are gone, there is no evidence that a whirlpool occurred in that area. 

About two hours after the Earthquake, we began getting Tsunami Warnings here on Okinawa. After a few calls from friends in low-lying areas who said they were being evacuated, announcements started on our base. We heard some in Japanese but were clueless as usual. Soon enough, the English announcements told us that the low-lying areas were being evacuated but we were nice and safe on our hill in the middle of the island. The tsunami was expected to be less than 6 feet high and hit around 530, then 6, then 630, etc. As far as we know, nothing worth reporting ever hit the island. We watched the tsunami hit Hawaii and California on the news. Luckily, it seems most places were more fortunate than mainland Japan.

The devastation in Japan is immeasurable at this point. People are without phones, unable to contact loved ones, and the death tolls continue to rise. This is my plea that you take a moment to reflect. Think about the daily stress that we carry, making us less thankful for the simple things like water and a phone to tell our loved ones we are safe. Forget about the time spent commuting to work that takes you away from your family, the burden of emptying the dishwasher, and the finances that seem to pile up. 

Ask yourself what you would want someone to do were you experiencing this disaster.

Send your prayers, thoughts, and love to those who need it most in Japan. 

If you are feeling compelled to do more than send your thoughts, donate to the Red Cross or text REDCROSS to 90999 for $10 to be added to your phone bill. Donate to the International Medical Corps or text MED to 80888 for $10 to be added to your phone bill. Donate to The Salvation Army or text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to be added to your phone bill.

Update!

Hello Faithful Followers!

So sorry to disappoint lately with the lack of blog posts. Those who are normally in close contact with me probably realize I have been off the radar lately. Between Troy returning from Thailand and me continuing my internship, we have a lot of fun stuff to blog about. The problem is, we have no time! 

I am 17 days from receiving my Master's and Teaching Certification and as you can imagine, I am excited but very stressed! While I work hard, I constantly think about updating our blog rather than organizing my thesis project and writing lesson plans. Sadly, I have to remain dedicated to the school work, as difficult as it is! I also can't bring myself to stare at a computer screen any longer when I do take breaks, as I might just turn into a Toshiba laptop before long.

We promise updates soon, time willing. At the latest you will be hearing from me on March 18th, screaming shouts of joy to celebrate my big accomplishment.

<3 Lots of Love! <3