He came to the class earlier than anyone else yesterday. I said to him, "You're early today." He said, "Yes," and smiled. This simple conversation was a success for him because he used to say nothing. When he was in the class, he kept looking at the desk and said nothing unless I happened to talk to him.
He broke the ice for the first time when I complimented on his look. He was indeed a handsome man. The second occasion that melted his ice was when he said he liked a fashion model from the United States. I did not know about her. I promised him that I would study her. He was happy to hear it because his English teacher showed some interest in what he said. And today, his teacher made a comment about his early arrival.
Now, he is not a child but an adult in his mid-20s. How would you describe him? Is he childish? Yes, he is. But because he is one of many Japanese young men and women who act like him. I should look at his case as someone who lives in oppression. Three months ago, he had no confidence in English. Because of this, he may have had an inferior complex. Therefore, he always stayed low keyed and hid behind his classmates. He has gradually changed and gone out of his private cocoon, which is nice.
The job of an English teacher is more than teaching the language but also to break the barrier of a defensive mindset.
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