My days are winding down here in Korea, if my math is correct, which it usually is not, I have 40 nights and 39 days left. I am fucking STOKED to be starting my real life and get to experience the last few days of summer in LA. This monsoon shit season is not for me.
I did appreciate the fact that one of my co teachers actually told our class that it was my last class with them, and one student stood up and spoke on behalf of the class and said, thank you, we will miss you and good luck/congratulations in your upcoming marriage. How freaken sweet is that? I really adore that kid, he is so bright, hope he does big things with his life.
Overall, the last few months here have been tremendously better than my first hellish 6 months here. Perhaps I am just more accustomed to how things work here and am use to getting around and not really speaking the language. I also got used to to the fact that the teachers at my school really don’t talk to me at all! I use to be offended by it, but as of late, I have just realized that I can go all day without talking to one person over the age of 15, and that’s ok. I am not saying it was all them who didn’t talk, I know only a few that actually spoke English and with my minimal Korean skills, it was a struggle with a few. But, in talking with other friends here and hearing them share their stories about going out to dinner, and baseball games, having their teachers come over, go hiking, go to clubs with them, I did, at times, feel a twinge of jealously. I invited my co teachers out numerous times, but was always turned down so eventually I just stopped. I really hope that the next person has a more personal relationship with the co teachers at this school, it will make their time a lot more fun and easier.
I taught for 3 years before coming to Korea and I have learned so many things here that will help me in the future. Maybe I want to teach ESL at some point? Maybe I want to tutor an English learner when I get back to the states, whatever my path may be I am glad I took this road and didn’t leave early like I intended to.This is probably been one of the hardest things in my life I have had to do to date. It was a test of will power and a test to the new relationship that I embarked on a little less than a month before coming here.
I came here scared, hating life, and not knowing anybody. I am leaving here more confident, engaged, and with friendships that I do truly cherish and plan to keep in contact with.
I am ready for the next chapter. Get ready Los Angeles, Mama D is comin home!
**Edit: To the Tumblr people that are here and to the ones that left, you guys are all amazing, thank you for answering every little question I have before coming here and while I was in Korea.
