Chiayi University School of Foreign Languages

           My friend found a job vacancy at Chiayi University for me. It is 38 minutes away by bike, 20 by car. I may apply.  The job starts Feb. 2022 and I must apply before May 14. It is 12 contact hours a week plus I would have university duties and homework and prep time to do.  

I’m going through the motions about the Chiayi job application, due May 14; it will be fun to see if Seton Hall can send an official transcript and I can finish the job application and support. It would be hilarious if they choose to interview me. My publications are three poetry books and one of short stories. There’s no place in “experience” for a forty-year veteran high school teacher so I added it. I gave three colleagues from my high school in Brooklyn and one professor from Taiwan  as references. Let's see if they want a 66 year old wise guy like me; they want fresh college meat to grill.

          Earlier, I looked at my email and saw a response from Seton Hall for my requested transcript. They gave me instructions for getting it sent directly to the college for a $6 transaction fee that they would charge me. I sent the request to them and it will be in the process immediately.

          The deadline to apply for the full-time assistant professorship at Chiayi University was  May 14. I prepared a short biography and an abstract of my master’s thesis. 

          There is a chance I may be in the ballpark for the teaching position starting February 2022. The English department person never got back to me in response to the letter I wrote so I called  and let them know that I was interested and to find out if the position is still available. I have taken action getting my transcript. I spoke with an assistant. Meanwhile I was preparing, the best I could, to have the credentials needed to apply for the assistance professorship.

I found preparing the packet for the assistant professorship position at Chiayi University an enjoyable experience. I mailed it two days earlier than the deadline after fetching a copy of my master’s abstract and updated autobiography from a 7-11 kiosk, and copying a letter from Dominican School and contract from Fu Jen University. One contract based 12-13 hour full-time and one not. I still have no idea what the salary or benefits are and haven’t asked or cared to find out. I’m assuming it includes an ARC card and Universal health care, maybe a trip back to the states, maybe a dorm. 

I took a ride to Chiayi University to see what that was like. If I ever go back, I would need to find a bus route as it’s a 38 minute bike ride. I’d see how I feel.

The pleasure of getting on the bicycle, turning on the iPod listening to music and going somewhere I have never been before, like the University I just mailed an application to join, was an amazing experience. Coming back and getting Costco chicken to take home and having their foot-long hot dog with onions relish and mustard for lunch and a mountain dew was fun.

          I rode home in 96° temperature with a real feel of 106 and it didn't bother me, I've been drinking like a fish all day long and had sunblock on with a hat.

North of the Niu Chiu River, near the Taiwan Railroad tracks, with Costco nearby. 

The buses I'd take if I'm not going by bike