Oh... hi there. It’s, um, been a while huh...
It’s been a crazy few months here in Korea. The new semester brought lots of changes.
A new Korean coteacher, the departure of the other Native English Teacher from my school, and a new teaching schedule that is keeping me on my toes! Over all the changes have had a rather positive outcome.
I am now working with an experienced coteacher. We have both adapted to a new system of working and teaching together. I have really enjoyed getting to know her as a teacher and as an individual. She is an amazing English teacher and I have already learned so much from her. I also feel like my skills as a ‘professional’ teacher are being more recognized and put to use. I've gone from teaching about 16 classes a week to 24. I'm loving the busyness of my new schedule. Gone are the hours that I used to spend twiddling my thumbs at my desk, and I couldn't be happier about that!
My new coteacher also understands that I don’t want to be stuck in the English room. I want to be a part of school life as much as I can. She is my link to the outside school world since I can’t read the daily memos and she has been incredibly diligent and gracious in letting me know what’s going on at our school. I’ve been able to participate in a 5k run, cheer my students on at their drumming competition, join teachers on a Saturday morning hike, and, of course, the always educational faculty dinners.
Out of all the changes this semester I think the chances I’ve had to talk with students outside of the English room have been the most meaningful. I’ve been able to actually get to know them. Let them know I’m interested in them-their lives- their language- their culture.
It’s been incredibly rewarding and I love the moments when students come in early and crowd around my desk. Some students I can have simple conversations with, others just run through the list of English phrases they know. And then there are some I can talk with about the name of the rice cake we had at lunch that I really liked and how to buy it at the store! Regardless of the amount or level of verbal communication that goes on I truly love my school and students. I am constantly grateful that I ended up where I did.
In short- life is good. It’s hard to believe that I've been here in Korea for 10 months! And the thought of having to leave in two months when my contract ends is a sad one.
Yes- I miss home.
Yes- I really (really) miss my family and friends.
Yes- I miss the ease and comfort that comes with speaking the same language as everyone around me.
Yes- I miss a good proper breakfast. (actually, this month it’s been Chipotle that I’ve been craving... oh burritos... nomnom...)
But- I’m just not ready to leave Korea.
After many discussions with friends and family (and a few long walks around Daegu thinking it over) my decision simply came down to the fact that I’m just not ready to leave. So I have crossed all my T’s and dotted the I’s and am officially signed on for another year here. It’s exciting and I have even found a peace knowing that I have more time to keep exploring, learning and teaching.
So- Cheers Korea! Thanks for being so awesome and letting me stick around a bit longer to continue experiencing it.
(Side note: this also gives the rest of you another year to plan your adventure to Korea! I guarantee your own personalized tour with one of the best guides in the country! And I even have a couch now for you to crash on!)
