Well, another year comes to an end and a new one begins. In some countries, people have already ushered in the new year whilst others are making preparations to say farewell to 2014 and welcome 2015. My brother has just sent me a What’s App message to wish me Happy New Year all the way from Malaysia.
Many people will be getting all spruced up for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Hairdressers and beauty therapists will have been booked and visited and party frocks will have been bought and carefully laid out to be worn in a few hours’ time. The jewellery, real or costume, will be dazzling and everyone will be sparkling, if not in a sparkly mood. I have even got sparkly nail polish on!
At this point of the day on New Year’s Eve, I often sit down and quietly reflect on the past year. I don’t know about you but this year has simply flown by. Perhaps it’s a sign of old age…..mmm. Hope not. Anyhow, as I mentioned in my last post this year has been extremely rewarding in terms of both my teaching and blogging career.
My clients
During the course of this year, I have been extremely fortunate to meet and teach some very special people both online and through my full immersion courses. My learners have also become good friends with a couple in particular becoming very important to me. I have been lucky enough to also experience different teaching environments and look forward to exploring more in the new year thanks to my clients.
My fellow teachers
I have also been privileged to forge some significant relationships with fellow EFL teachers through my collaboration with Gallery Languages and through social media thereby building on my Personal Learning Network (PLN). I owe a debt of gratitude to these wonderful teachers who teach me so much and give me so much support. I learn so much from them. A good PLN is vital for any teacher who wants to continue growing as a person and professional.
My blog
Year 2 of my blog and what a year it has been. I have written 91 posts and my followers have grown from 500 to 2926!! THANK YOU!
The pleasure of writing my blog has not diminished even if there were times when finding the time and headspace for creative thinking proved very challenging, indeed!
My blog has been instrumental in introducing me to new clients and therefore building my business as a freelance trainer. I am the busiest I have ever been. My full immersion courses have really taken off ( I am fully booked right through until May 2015!)
The blog has also introduced me to a lovely group of EFL teachers around the world who have also helped grow my blog.
What’s in store for 2015?
More teaching, more blogging. I’d like to spend more time on some online and face to face professional conferences, time permitting.
If my business gets busier than at present, I may have to consider getting another teacher to help me.
There may be opportunities to teach abroad on one-week courses. This is something that I’ve always been interested in and having tried it for one week this December and thoroughly enjoyed it, I wouldn’t say no if I were to be offered another chance.
I need to get back into tip top shape physically so I hope to schedule my weeks to give me the time to go for my runs and/or use the cross-trainer.
I would like to read more books in both English and Italian. I am going to set a challenge via GoodReads and see how I go.
I plan to visit Milan, Italy for the 2015 Milan Expo in May. I am sure I’ll have a blast.
I think these intentions should keep me busy for a few months.
Thanks to all of you who’ve followed me this year and shared my posts. I hope you continue to accompany me on my voyage sharing your thoughts, making suggestions on blog topics you’d like to see and above all, being such special readers.
I wish you all peace, prosperity, happiness and the very best for 2015.
Happy New Year/ Buon Anno
See you in 2015.
Shanthi
