I was talking with a friend last year and we were discussing Korean-isms, including English words that Koreans use a lot, such as amazing. When Americans say the word amazing, we typically say it for something that is truly spectacular. For example, "That meteor shower last night was amazing," or "My trip to Greece last year was amazing, especially Santorini." But Koreans tend to use the word more loosely. For example, "This English book is amazing," or "This hand lotion smells amazing!"
Today, though, was pretty amazing. And although it may be a little bit of Korean and American amazing, it doesn't make it any less so.
Today was my last day of work at Boston Campus in Daejeon, where I worked for the past 366 days. I was never once late, I never called in sick, I never took a day off, and always gave it my best even when I didn't want to. Even when I got pink eye from Regan in my first month. Even when I had the stomach flu. Twice. And even when I swore I couldn't teach kindergarten again. Ever. Especially followed by 7 elementary and middle school classes an hour later.
Even though I was worked what seemed like endless days (I did not come to Korea to work 9 and 10 hour normal work days), I still like my school and believe it is a good one. And truthfully, I would have loved to continue working there were it located in Gwangju instead of Daejeon. But today was the last day of my last week, and now I've got two years of ESL teaching under my belt. (I think that's pretty amazing in itself, considering I never dreamt of being a teacher. And here I am. Se la vie.)
However, what's most important, is that today I finally realized that I must be a good teacher. Students that I've had all year were sad to see me go, and I got countless hugs and high-fives, smiles, I love you teacher's, I'll miss you teacher's, notes, and even more hugs. While a good number of these came from the students I expected things like this to come from, a lot of them also came from students I thought hated me and expected them to be celebrating my departure. Of course they all mean a lot to me, but I think those in the last group are extra special. On top of all of that, I even got a few gifts - from students, coworkers, friends, and even the principal. The most special gift, though, was a note from my language exchange partner, Georgie, which was very sweet and written entirely in English. It's definitely going on my 'wall of awesome'.
Amazing.
Today, though, was pretty amazing. And although it may be a little bit of Korean and American amazing, it doesn't make it any less so.
Today was my last day of work at Boston Campus in Daejeon, where I worked for the past 366 days. I was never once late, I never called in sick, I never took a day off, and always gave it my best even when I didn't want to. Even when I got pink eye from Regan in my first month. Even when I had the stomach flu. Twice. And even when I swore I couldn't teach kindergarten again. Ever. Especially followed by 7 elementary and middle school classes an hour later.
Even though I was worked what seemed like endless days (I did not come to Korea to work 9 and 10 hour normal work days), I still like my school and believe it is a good one. And truthfully, I would have loved to continue working there were it located in Gwangju instead of Daejeon. But today was the last day of my last week, and now I've got two years of ESL teaching under my belt. (I think that's pretty amazing in itself, considering I never dreamt of being a teacher. And here I am. Se la vie.)
However, what's most important, is that today I finally realized that I must be a good teacher. Students that I've had all year were sad to see me go, and I got countless hugs and high-fives, smiles, I love you teacher's, I'll miss you teacher's, notes, and even more hugs. While a good number of these came from the students I expected things like this to come from, a lot of them also came from students I thought hated me and expected them to be celebrating my departure. Of course they all mean a lot to me, but I think those in the last group are extra special. On top of all of that, I even got a few gifts - from students, coworkers, friends, and even the principal. The most special gift, though, was a note from my language exchange partner, Georgie, which was very sweet and written entirely in English. It's definitely going on my 'wall of awesome'.
Amazing.
kate, you are amazing. we love you.
ReplyDeletexoxo
mom and dad