Students?!

I just found out today that my bouncy, energetic, dedicated student, Jun Okada from Screen English is...

AN OLYMPIC SOCCER PLAYER.

One of my favourite students, was a jerk, stuck up, and never listened to anyone's advice. Then he went to the Olympics...

...and came back a changed man! He realized that he wasn't the best at everything for one...but he realized that he COULD turn himself into a good student. Hasn't played soccer ever again, dispite being capable of probably beating our entire (excellent) team by himself. Small, not in the BEST shape, and with a forward head, I never expected it. He's quiet, non-agressive, and faithful. He studies hard, and even goes out of his way to learn more English. He's changed from putting most of what he has into soccer to dropping soccer ENTIRELY for school. That's big in a culture like this! He decided that although he could be a pro soccer player for now...he might be better off having something he can do afterwards, rather than join FIFA or something. Amazing. What an inspiring student though! I've got to give an Olympic performance for that class now more than ever!