Masumi Isarai is a teacher at elementry school.

I am currently studying to become a teacher at Aichi University of Education. I am also involved in many volunteering activities to broaden my horizons while interacting with children. I am also considering and planning to study abroad.

What are your memories at KEC?

I went there for 15 years and I have so many memories, making it difficult to write down. I am very grateful to all the teachers who helped me along the way. I secretly wish I could see them again. I remember well being the student who always forgot to do my homework and always said “I forgot my homework. I remember that I enjoyed conversing in English with my friends and foreign teachers more than doing homework. I enjoyed answering the teacher’s questions in English as well as repeating phrases. I remember a specific conversation we had on the Globe Walker, in which I played the role of a flight attendant and asked a passenger, “Chicken or Fish? I was nervous because I had to do this conversation in front of the whole class, but it was a lot of fun. I also remember turning over the BB cards while saying “One two take a chance.” By the way, I can still say the sentences of the BB cards now (lol). Summer camp and Halloween camp are also annual events that I have the best memories of. For me, it was a given that I would attend these two camps. As soon as they were advertised, I would ask my parents to sign me up. I was able to have many very valuable experiences.

What does “English” mean to you?

The first is that English is a communication tool just like Japanese. This may seem obvious to some, but I think it is very important to recognize this. This is because I believe that English is necessary as a communication tool to learn about the culture, values, and common sense of a country abroad. Secondly, English is a means to broaden one’s horizons. However, it is better to listen directly to people from other countries or visit them, so that you can learn from their experiences and experience their unique way of thinking firsthand. I believe that English is necessary for this purpose.

What are your dreams for the future?

My goal is to become a teacher who is considered “trustworthy” by children. To achieve this, I need to observe children carefully and provide appropriate support, assistance, and guidance, and I intend to do my best by making use of the volunteering activities I have experienced at KEC. I also have two goals for myself in light of the start of English education in elementary schools. The first is to teach English to children so that they will not dislike or be resistant to it when they become junior high school students, high school students, or adults. I would love to use KEC’s class content as a reference. Second, I would like to be a teacher who can make English a subject to be “enjoyed” rather than “studied”, a teacher who can help children learn English in a fun and creative manner.

Message to everyone at KEC

First, KEC is not a place to “study” English, but to “have fun” with it. Second, there is no need to be ashamed of making mistakes. In such cases, don’t hesitate to ask the teacher, what you have to say as they will kindly assist and guide you. You will definitely remember what they have taught you. Mistakes are the secret to becoming proficient. I think the better you are at English, the more mistakes you will make. Third, take advantage of KEC; I recommend you to train your 4 English skills at KEC. There are English classes at school, but there is no time to correct minor pronunciation and mistakes. However, at KEC, you can listen to native English speakers, which improves your listening skills, and you can also improve your speaking and reading skills because they teach you detailed pronunciation. In addition, you can improve your writing skills as KEC teaches you to carefully correct your own English compositions. In short, KEC is a very encouraging place that is always looking out for you. Please make the most at KEC for yourself and acquire English as a weapon.