John Edwardson Adan

Meet John Edwardson Adan From The Philippines

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What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

Being in different remarkable places and immersing myself into the culture of the different states and cities of the United States. When visiting different places in the United States, I tend to visit historical landmarks and various museums to learn more about the different historical events in the country. My personal favorites are: The Martin Luther King National Park in Atlanta, Georgia, The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

What has been your favorite part about living in the US?

Living in the United States gave me the opportunity to meet the most amazing people who have helped me grow as a person and as a teacher. I have been mentored by people who I would consider the best and most brilliant minds in the field of special education.  Also, I was able to work with the kindest people who helped me overcome various challenges that came my way, from the paraprofessionals, office staff and administrators who I’ve worked with for the past four years.

Another thing that I love about living in the United States is being able to go to the different places that I’ve only seen in movies, TV shows and computer wallpapers (Yes, I am talking about the Antelope Canyon). I am blessed to be able to visit 14 states and experience what they have to offer. The United States has it all, from the majestic views of its national parks to the wonderful architecture of its cities, there is always a place to visit during long breaks.

What has been the most challenging?

I would say, the most challenging part of my J-1 experience was the obstacles I’ve been through during my first year of teaching. I arrived in the United States in the middle of the school year, October 2021 and I must learn everything on the fly, from different software that the school district uses, curriculum, IEP designing, and school protocols. Also, learning about various stuff outside school proved to be a challenge as well such as using self-checkout kiosks, coin operated washing machines, and pumps from gas stations.

Do you have tips for your fellow J-1 teachers?

To my fellow J-1 teachers who are in their 1st to 3rd year of teaching, I know things could be frustrating, challenging, and overwhelming. Although we are here in our J1 journey as teachers, remember that we should be lifelong learners. I always tell my students this: be like SpongeBob SquarePants: absorb all the information that you can get, be flexible as we could experience numerous curveballs along the way and look at everything in a positive lens. Also remember that as J1 teachers, not only we represent ourselves, but also the country from where we were from.

And to my fellow J-1 teachers who are on their extension period, just like me, I would like to congratulate you on a job well done! I am pretty sure you have most things figured out by now. Now that we are in our final years of our J-1 adventure, my only advice is to take advantage of what the United States and its people have to offer. Explore places that you haven’t seen before. Engage in activities that are unique to American culture, and experience everything that this beautiful country has to offer. Let’s finish our J1 program on a high note and create unforgettable memories in doing so.

What has been your student's favorite cultural exchange activity so far?

The favorite cultural exchange activity that my students did was the “Paskong Pilipino” or Filipino Christmas that we did in 2022. In that cultural activity, my students and I had our own version of a “Noche Buena” or the meal during Christmas eve to welcome the upcoming Christmas celebration. We made Filipino Christmas lanterns which we call “Parol” and prepared different meals that are often served in Filipino households. Of course, we also played Christmas songs in Filipino while we were eating our meal. We integrated that activity with our life skills class to teach cooking skills and home economics. Until today, the students in my class still talk about what they have experienced during that cultural activity.

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