I’ve worked at WAL for many years as an activities coordinator with our English language students. At the beginning of each new term, I must plan a menu of things to do, see or play so that the students can enjoy using the English language skills they are learning at WAL.

But sometimes… I just need MORE time to think up something. Getting that perfect “idea” at the beginning of a session just doesn’t come very easily. There are times you just can’t get an old idea out of your head. How do I let myself think of ideas that are new and different for our students, and yet still have an excitement about it for myself as well?

How about by thinking of NO IDEAS at first? (Do I have your curiosity now?)

Not long ago, I found an activity that’s become a favorite every session. It’s called, “Super Surprise Thursdays” at WAL! At the beginning of a term, I just tell students something is coming on a particular Thursday, but not WHAT. It’s not until the day before or day of the event do I tell them what it’s about. It’s been fun, spontaneous, and keeps everyone on their toes. Whether it’s a surprise guest speaker, a game, or an Italian movie with a free pasta lunch on a given Thursday — I like “treating” the students to something enjoyable and unexpected.

I guess it must be that my brain needs extra time to ruminate and think of what would be fun for the students – in regards to their personalities and interests. But it seems to always work out. But I guess I wouldn’t be thinking about these things all the time if I didn’t LOVE working with my students.

And I guess that’s the best ingredient of all—our students! And that’s no surprise at all, that’s for sure!

-Debbie Chan, WAL

As activities coordinator for our international students at WAL who are learning English as a Second Language, I have a lot of fun. Plus, a lot of “on the job” adventures to share. Let me tell you about one…

A few weeks ago, a small group of students and I went to Seattle Premier Outlets in Tulalip, WA, We wanted to experience American bargain shopping at its best! The one problem: this trip required taking 3 buses from downtown Seattle! For anyone who has spent much time in Seattle, you know how treacherous this can be.

First, we took Sound Transit #510 to Everett. That was fine – until a passenger heard a strange sound… it was a nearly flat tire! So, the bus driver called a new bus for us. Unfortunately, we missed our connecting bus at the Everett Transit Center.

At the Center, we waited for Community Transit #201. During this time, a young fellow had asked us if we had a quarter to spare. Having lived all my life in the city, my immediate response was “sorry – no.” Soon, I noticed him talking to one of our students. I assumed for the same thing – and I saw him go on to other bus riders at the station.

This fellow came back and began to speak in an agitated tone to another unwary student of ours. He said he didn’t need our “?%&! money” anyway! Being the mother hen I am, I approached the two and was immediately given a loud earful of swear words and names by this fellow for butting in. Once I said the students were with me and that I’m responsible for them, the fellow eventually walked away.

Our bus finally came and we made it to Marysville. We had time to spare, so we took photos and ordered teriyaki to go to save (shopping) time for later. We came back to catch Community Transit #221, but it never came. Who knew that these buses are allowed be 5 minutes early? That’s what the Community Transit operator on the phone told me… So, we missed ANOTHER BUS!

Finally, we got to the outlets. But our bus stop was about a half-mile away, next to the casino! In the end, we survived. We were happy with our purchases. Now that surely was a “bus adventure to somewhere.”

Please share any stories like this in the comments.