The senior students (3年生) and Nichu teachers descended upon the empty staff parking lot. We stood in lines, and looked up at the second-floor balcony. An enthusiastic photographer was perched upon his trusty tripod, and would yell "ICHI! NI! SAN!" ("1! 2! 3!") A broad, goofy grin would spread across his own face, as he willed us to do the same.

Being a third-year student is a pretty colossal deal. And every major moment is captured on film. During this past school year, they've already been documented at two sports events held at school. A photographer is usually invited to the school to snap photo after photo, particularly of our third-years. At the end of this school year, the kids will receive a yearbook filled with memories. Yesterday marked the day the students took a picture with all of us teachers.

Looking at the 95 students, I struggled to find an ideal spot. Moriei-sensei, who happens to be the baseball coach, encouraged me to stand with the baseball kiddos. They giggled and pointed at each other, saying: "He is gentleman! Stand beside him! He is gentleman!" (The kids still have no concept of the word, "a.")

I ended up hanging out with some of the girls from Homeroom 3-3. We waited patiently for the photographer to give everyone a cue. Everyone's hands were resting by their sides. But the instant he hollered for us to pose, something changed. All of us - teachers, boys, girls - automatically flipped up their peace signs. For me, it was one of those "Only in Japan" moments. I couldn't help but chuckle.

But other things reminded me that some things will always remain the same. The baseball boys from 3-2 jumped in unison for a couple shots; likewise, FuJETs often try to achieve the "jump shot."

Since I've arrived in the land of the rising sun, I've embraced the peace sign. I don't know what I did with my hands before smacking two fingers up to my right cheek! My friends even call it "The Gemma pose." Or, should I say, "The Guemma pose." (Thanks, Aizu boys. My name is forever pronounced incorrectly!)