The SK Corral

What happens when you move to another country and you don't speak the language? Problem... yes? Yes. There are times when I feel like all of my students are talking about me. Eating lunch in Pear (I know they hate me, it's not all in my head) is always an experience. They take a bite, say something in Korean, and make eye contact with me. It's as if they're saying, "Fuck you, Teacher. Fuck you." I know, I know... they're young. Seven years old Korean age, so five or six actually. The look, though. It can be disheartening, to say the least.

Today, I found out that not all of my students hate me. A little girl named Jane made my day. No, actually, she made my six weeks. In between classes, one of the head teachers told me that she spoke to Jane's mother. I have been teaching her class for the past week, so not that long. Apparently, it was long enough to make an impression. Jane is one of my favorite students. She, too, has made an impression. She's smart, cute, plays the piano, and most importantly in this line of work, she WANTS to learn! What? A nerd? Be still my beating heart! Anyway, this coming Monday Jane will be moved to another class (a higher one, because she's just oh-so-smart...love it.) She told her mother that she didn't want to because she likes me that much. I'm not going to lie, I almost cried. I'm pretty sure I blushed, too.

Jane, sweet, sweet Jane... you have made my month and a half. Thank you.