After an initial workweek drenched in mixed emotions, I punched in my office for code Monday morning. My posture stretched skyward with optimism. My predecessor was gone. The current class of six-month trainees returned to their schools. I felt like a full-fledged, albeit green, part of the team. I buzzed with a bit of a … Continue reading Week Two. Less To Do. More Room To Grow
Tag: first
Touchdown in Kitakyushu
What an anxious joy it is to arrive in a foreign country for the first time. My first solo trip. With next to no knowledge of the local language or customs, I had flashbacks to my first evening in Korea. My first memories on Japanese soil were not pleasant. After my plane landed 15 minutes … Continue reading Touchdown in Kitakyushu
First Day of School – Part Two
My head was spinning from my introduction with CoolMessanger. Right after that, my co-teacher apprised me of a surprise meeting. "Okay, and let's go now," I said falling back on my improv training. I sat in a conference room with the vice-principal, my three co-teachers, and the English program head. They proceeded to converse in … Continue reading First Day of School – Part Two
First Day of School – Part One
I welled up with gratitude as I strolled toward Namak High School on Tuesday morning. I was grateful to be teaching high school students, grateful that orientation armed me with some knowledge of Korean culture and educational systems, and grateful that my school was a five-minute walk from my apartment. Therefore, I was also grateful … Continue reading First Day of School – Part One
My First Hour in Korea
I knew that moving to Korea would present challenges. While my adventure thus far has been nothing short of a blessing, my first hour in Korea presented a clear and present learning curve. It all started when I exited the baggage claim. I filled a cart with my overpacked luggage load and proceeded toward the … Continue reading My First Hour in Korea
