Today let’s learn about Smith’s School of English Sagamihara language coach, Jim Scarle.

Interview by Edward Iwaskow (EI).

EI: Hi Jim, thanks for joining me today.

JS: Hello Edward.

EI: Alright let’s go. First question: Where were you born?

JS: I was born in a town called Pitman, New Jersey in the United States. It’s on the east coast, just outside of Philadelphia.

EI: Where did you go to school?

JS: I went to school in the same town. Elementary, junior high school, high school. All the schools are close together so it was real easy to walk, to all those schools.

EI: What did you study in university?

JS: I studied psychology, and minored in music.

EI: What languages do you speak or what languages do you study?

JS: Well I could tell you I’m a solid orange level Japanese speaker, learning mostly through living here. So I’ll say English and a little Japanese. That’s about it.

EI: Orange meaning an advanced beginner or low intermediate?

JS: I would say an advanced beginner.

EI: Alright, sounds good.

JS: I’m honest.

EI: What do you do on your days off?

JS: Usually, almost always something musical. Either getting together with other trombone players; sometimes 8, sometimes 4, sometimes 2. Or with a big band on Sundays. It’s almost always that.

EI: Can I ask who your favorite trombone player is?

JS: His name was Urbie Green. It’s been since junior high school. First influenced me.

EI: OK, now let’s get serious about English study.

EI: What do you enjoy most about teaching English?

JS: Sorry about the ambulance coming down the street here.

EI: I heard nothing. Sounds good.

JS: The one thing I really like the most is watching a student go from nothing to something. They come to the school very nervous, the ones that are really low level. Especially after their first lesson, in 45 minutes they have gone from nothing, to something. They walk out with a smile on their face. It really makes me feel good.

EI: What advice do you have for someone starting to study a new language?

JS: I would say … don’t be in a hurry. Go at your own pace. Don’t try to bite off too much at one time. That’s the good thing about us, cause if you don’t get it the first time, we’ll do it again with you a 2^nd time, a 3^rd time, a 4^th time. Go at your own pace.

EI: Your school is in Sagamihara, in Kanagawa prefecture. What are the good points about your Smith’s school?

JS: OK. One of the unique points is that it’s in a pink building. There’s not too many pink buildings around here. It’s 3 minutes from Sagamihara station. The diversity of students. A 14 year old student talks to a 60 year old student and everybody’s pretty happy here. Everybody knows each other. It’s kind of like a family, after welcoming a new student. That might be unique to everybody’s school at Smith’s. That’s one of the good points, I think.

EI: That’s a really nice way of describing it. I like that.

EI: OK, now let’s get a little silly.

EI: What is the best music to relax to?

JS: That’s a tough one. Grover Washinton Jr. An album called Winelight. Maybe you know him.

EI: I’ll check it out.

JS: Very nice tenor saxophone.

EI: What is the best sandwich?

JS: [Chuckles] Well since I’m from the Philadelphia area I’ll say a Philadelphia Cheesesteak, if you know what that is. It’s shredded beef on a nice long roll with cheese over it. It’s delicious. Philadelphia Cheesesteak.

EI: Philadelphia Cheesesteak. Alright. Describe a perfect Sunday morning.

JS: No schedule. Wake up without an alarm clock, have your coffee and breakfast. With no schedule. And then do something in the afternoon. That’s perfect.

EI: Totally free. Love it.

EI: Last question: Describe yourself in 2 words.

JS: Patient, concerned.

EI: Patient and Centered? Alright.

JS: Concerned, not centered!

EI: Thank you for your time.

JS: OK, I enjoyed this. Thanks Edward

EI: Thanks, see you.

JS: OK, See you.