Good day, nama saya ialah Nishio, Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu!

Long brown hair with a smile as bright as the sun, Nishio Akiko is always passionate about meeting new people and learning more about other’s culture. This hot blooded teacher, probably even hotter than Malaysia’s weather, has just recently embraced her 10th year of teaching career in Malaysia.

Physically, she appeared to be Japanese. Her love for beer is like any other Japanese. What makes her different from any other Japanese is “I am 70% Malaysian, “claimed Nishio sensei.

Always dreaming to be a Japanese teacher in a foreign country, Nishio sensei came across a vacancy notice on Japanese schools out of Japan. China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong… and finally, she chose Malaysia as her stepping stone. “Because it is the furthest of all,”said Nishio sensei. It was not a rebellious thought, wanting to stay away from her family or whatsoever. However, the ever adventurous teacher thought that it would be interesting to get out from her comfort zone.

Having Japanese as her only spoken language, she had a hard time getting used to the Malaysian life. Communication was indeed a big problem, but she did not let it get into her way. Five years of hard work paid off when she set up her very own ‘A to Z Language Centre’, a language centre which teaches Japanese by using English. Furthermore, A to Z offers not only Japanese language but also English and Mandarin classes.

Besides that, her effort in learning the Malay language was put on a test when she was given a chance to teach Malay boatmen of Kuala Selangor Japanese two years ago. She brought back a report card with an A+ grade.

Teaching on boats with life jackets on was definitely not an experience many teachers had. Nishio sensei was really moved by the boatmen who worked really hard in learning Japanese, hoping to provide better services to Japanese tourist who came to see the fireflies at Kuala Selangor. She indeed cherished the moments spent with the boatmen as they are in the same tune in “wanting to provide happiness to others as much as possible.

Intimidated by Nishio sensei’s loud voice at first, student, Ivy Chong, soon found the friendly side of Nishio sensei. “I was really nervous when I found out that the principal (Nishio sensei) will be teaching my class.” Ivy admitted. She remembered how tense she was whenever she was talking to her teacher. But now, everything is fine and “next time I’ll ask her where she got her nails done.”

What keeps the ever energetic teaching running is her long term goal. “I hope that my students will be more interested in things related to Japan,” said Nishio sensei passionately. She also hoped that the teachers and staff of A to Z will feel proud by being apart of the school. “I want to build a school like that, and I will build it.”
A decade of teaching in Malaysia…Of course she did not only see her students grow and succeed. Nishio sensei, from someone who does not know how to drive, speaking only a single language and only have a couple of friends underwent a total change.

Now, a managing director of a language center, a guest columnist for ‘Durian Navi’, a Malaysian based Japanese print magazine, owned a car and able to mobile around without a map, with a whole lot of friends to hang out with and not forgetting to be able to converse in English, Malay and also Mandarin way more fluent than any average Malaysians. Nishio sensei’s key to the person who she is today lies within her motto, “Must always improve, even if it takes time.”

(*in the Malay language “nama saya ialah” means my name is)

It's here! It's here

After 3 months of waiting, I've finally receive my JLPT level 4 results!

文字･語彙 (Writing, Vocabulary) -----96/100
聴解 (Listening) ------------------ 100/100
読解･文法 (Reading, Grammer) ------ 168/200
total: 364/400
= 91/100

My sister totally trashed me at the reading/grammer part but it's ok. I'm happy with my score. A couple of days ago, I actually dreamed that I scored 91 and I really did. It was a huge relief. Phewwww. To take the next level this year? I don't know I'm ready or not. Hmm

Hatachi

Yesterday, my Japanese teacher asked the class "Kotoshi no mokuhyou wa?" (What's your aim this year?) Oh crapppp.. I hate questions like that. I'm hopeless So I gave that answer every student will give. "Daigaku no shiken de, 75 ten ijou wo mezashite" (75 and above for university exams) Which... honestly is a little too high for me. Should have just said 70 haha. Out of 8 subjects in my first year, I only had 3 distinctions. Haha so 70 and above will be my super big aim for 2010 and 2011.

When I came home from my class, I began thinking of some smaller aims that I should set for myself.

1.Keep my hair long

Honestly, I'm very unsure of this.The last time I had long hair was like 14/15 years ago! I've not been visiting the hair saloon for 4 months already!! One reason is I'm on my super long semester break and I'm at home most of the time. whatever happened to the part time job And the saloon that I frequent has increased their price. My usual hair cut price has gone up by 16%! I usually cut my hair every 2 months as suggested by Readers Digest but I realize as long as I befriend the hair dryer, it will be okay.

2. Cut down on Tomato sauce or any other sauce

I loveeee Tomato sauce so much that I 'tsunami' my food especially french fries with tomato sauce. I just like my food to be covered with sauce cause it tastier. As I know, the sugar content in tomato sauce or any other sauce is not low. Sighhhh.. do you know sugar makes u age? If I can kick out soda drink out of my drinking habit, I can cut down on sauces too right? Looks like I won't be saying "more chilli sauce please!" to the subway guy.

3.Save Money

The good news which I don't think is good..it's torturing is I did not spend a lot of money on my Johnny's fandom last year. Just a couple of bucks to call in and win Akanishi Jin's autograph I should be able to save quite a lot of money right? I thought so too.. BUT, I've spent most of it on food. You see, I really really hate dislike driving, so to bribe my sister to drive, I have to pay for her lunch and it's not cheap. I remember telling myself that I'll step into the Land of the Rising Sun before 20. I'm turning 20 this June, still broke and no sight of Japan plan this year. To go to Japan, I need money. And I feel really really bad whenever I ask for money from my parents. So I was thinking I should get a part time job in Monash when I start my class. It's quite convenient. And I should sell off some 'precious junk' as well. I'm gonna put ALL of my Chinese New Year angpau money (Otoshidama) into the bank! And..I want a new camera too.

4.Go out and take some photos!

I've always like photography but never really took it seriously. I should go out and take photos more often and not only photos on what I eat or myself. I'm sure you readers are sick of my face. And I really need to learn some new camera tricks haha. Can't be using the same ol tricks all the time. Time to use my fish eye jelly lenses! and hopefully my future time lapse videos will get better and better =)

5. Don't show that 'I'm not interested' face so often

I need to stop being so anti social. Somebody, get me the "I hate people" book please! I really really should go out and not spend most of my time in front of that squarish machine. Even my parents are more happening than me. And I really need to cut down on ranting and whining gossiping about others

6. Lastly.. EXERCISE!

Wii Fit or real exercise.. I really need it. My back and leg have been telling me that I lack of exercise. I remember checking my body age(?) on the Wii Fit and its even older than my parents!! I am the 'oldest' in my family according to Wii Fit. I should be the youngest!! Its been 2 years since I hold on my tennis racket. Looks like its time for some tennis action.

As for my aim tomorrow.. start writing for my corby post!

What are your 2010 aims?

Ryokou e ikimashou?

Mean chan! You came to my blog right? Hahaha

Have u guys ever wondered what do they promote about our country to tourists? 2 years ago when I was in Taiwan, my dad came up with this question while having dinner. "What do they serve to tourists in Malaysia?" I was quite curious about it and was thinking to join a 'tour' and find out.

Oh..oh! Who wants to go for a KL tour with me? I was reading Tropara magazine(?) and came across this article about "KL Hop on Hop Off" I know u must be wondering Why KL? I live so near to KL and I'm not even a tourist to begin with.
But there's just so many things about KL that I've not yet explore. I haven't been to Pavillion.. yes, I live in a cave Check out the site ok?? HERE

Tropara did a feature on Pasar Malam (Night market) as well. I personally think that the night market is a good place to begin with (for foreigners la). Although commodity is involved, it is not so commercialize. If I have any foreign friends coming to town, I'll definitely bring them to the SS2 night market. Cheap good food and so many other things to look at.

I think I'm in a travelling mood. Hahaha

My classmate ask what do I think about Kimura Takuya in Japanese class today. That question was really unexpected haha I was silently smiling in my heart Kakkoi to omoimasu! (I think he's cool) Hahaha and other students agreed on what I said. I wanted to say talented..but I don't wanna sound like I'm down grading him as I'm not exactly sure how to say talented in Japanese sainou ga aru? I really do think that he's the coolest person alive and respects him for that.