Its the weekend! I dont have work until Wednesday!
Lets See,
Teaching was easy today. I just dont give a care and it makes teaching so much easier.
I woke up today at 5:30 and as usual I check my email. I recieved a message from a friend I have been expecting for a very long time. It was great to finally hear from him. His message unfortunately made me a little depressed as I have somehow missed quite a lot on the happenings back home. My best friend got married and I wasn't even there and I wasn't even able to contact him and still I can't. I am happy for him. He has been through a lot this year and things are looking great.
Its such a DREAM to me. My past life. I went back to bed for another half hour before waking up in a sweat imagining I was back home.
After work I spent my day with Christina^^ regardless of how brief my day is always much better. We had Bi Bim Bop, which is fast becoming my favorite. WE also boil bean sprouts and drink the broth for soup. Oishi des ne.^^
I spent the remainder of the day preparing for tomorrow. I cleaned up a little bit, watched a movie "I Spy Robot, and by mistake had some cocktail drink.
Its so hot here I went to the ANY 24 to buy some drinks. I saw a Mango flavor and thought perfect. It had 10% alcohol in it. Whatever, a small party of one. I listened to music and cooked up a rice mix and enjoyed most of my drink. It wasnt really my type. It reminded me of cheap college parties that I am glad to be done with.
Its so humid here now and probably will be this way for another couple weeks. I am so excited for OUR TRIP tomorrow!
Its going to be amazing!
So, I am taking it easy tonight and looking forward to a nice 3 day break in Gumi!
More later,
Love Jin
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
DREAM PURSUITS PART 1
So, I am pondering many things. This one will be a quick post.
First off Yale Academy,
At Yale Academy, I am not sure how to properly grade either. It doesnt matter how they do on their test. I still am required to give them an A or B. We need to work on their problem and not make them stand alone. I agree with part of that but I am still confused as to how I am actually teaching them. If I am going to get an A no matter how bad I truly am what is the point?
My mind is not really sure what to think sometimes.
I am here as a Native English Speaker. I am here to help students improve their English speaking ability. However, my role is unclear.
1). To begin with, I know English is the Universal Language. Its used for Business purposes but here in Korea one could easily get around just using Korean. I am wanting to learn Korean so badly and I get frusterated that I can't.
2). Knowing the above information I still dont know why English is emphasized and so important. Maybe that sounds dumb but....in my experiences in Missoula I have seen what English has done and its not all positive.
American Culture and speaking proper isn't all what its cracked up to be. ITS NOT That important. I speak a funny British Accent to some classes because I am bored and it passes the time quicker.
Especially when they dont know what I am meaning no matter how simple or slow I say it.
3). I have mixed feelings about Teaching English. My personality favors people who do things differently and also have a reason for learning something...not just because its the status quo. or the new norm of the educational policy in Korea...
I am a teacher! I feel like I can teach children anything but I want them to also appreciate Korean and not be saddened by their ability or lack there of, of English. Because I am teacher I feel like I can change the world. Open the World up to new ideas and truly have my heart and mind open to change.
In this world I think anything is possible.
I also feel alienated and uncertain about a mentality some people have. I have come to love and care about someone so much but my language and country are negative attributes associated to me.
My ultimate Goal is to find a way to change that. I want to dig deep.
I used to be a Runner and during my days as a Runner I toed the line and pushed myself past my competition. Today I now think I quit being Competitive was a huge mistake to solving my problems. I also think that I Ran away from all of my problems in my personal life while I was growing up.
The best way to reach out and find a solution to everything is to study.
Education is the only way to reach people. I dont believe its the bullshit that is spoon fed to us through high school but rather the important lessons that people like Udo Fluck taught me in my Multicultural Learning Solutions.
My Dream is to work on those values and lessons and incorportate them into my everyday life.
I will always have a strong belief in the human spirit to embrace change and open themselves up to endless possibilities but for now I continue to grapple with human motive and ignorance. Am I to be Hopeless...Only time will tell ....
Love Jin
First off Yale Academy,
At Yale Academy, I am not sure how to properly grade either. It doesnt matter how they do on their test. I still am required to give them an A or B. We need to work on their problem and not make them stand alone. I agree with part of that but I am still confused as to how I am actually teaching them. If I am going to get an A no matter how bad I truly am what is the point?
My mind is not really sure what to think sometimes.
I am here as a Native English Speaker. I am here to help students improve their English speaking ability. However, my role is unclear.
1). To begin with, I know English is the Universal Language. Its used for Business purposes but here in Korea one could easily get around just using Korean. I am wanting to learn Korean so badly and I get frusterated that I can't.
2). Knowing the above information I still dont know why English is emphasized and so important. Maybe that sounds dumb but....in my experiences in Missoula I have seen what English has done and its not all positive.
American Culture and speaking proper isn't all what its cracked up to be. ITS NOT That important. I speak a funny British Accent to some classes because I am bored and it passes the time quicker.
Especially when they dont know what I am meaning no matter how simple or slow I say it.
3). I have mixed feelings about Teaching English. My personality favors people who do things differently and also have a reason for learning something...not just because its the status quo. or the new norm of the educational policy in Korea...
I am a teacher! I feel like I can teach children anything but I want them to also appreciate Korean and not be saddened by their ability or lack there of, of English. Because I am teacher I feel like I can change the world. Open the World up to new ideas and truly have my heart and mind open to change.
In this world I think anything is possible.
I also feel alienated and uncertain about a mentality some people have. I have come to love and care about someone so much but my language and country are negative attributes associated to me.
My ultimate Goal is to find a way to change that. I want to dig deep.
I used to be a Runner and during my days as a Runner I toed the line and pushed myself past my competition. Today I now think I quit being Competitive was a huge mistake to solving my problems. I also think that I Ran away from all of my problems in my personal life while I was growing up.
The best way to reach out and find a solution to everything is to study.
Education is the only way to reach people. I dont believe its the bullshit that is spoon fed to us through high school but rather the important lessons that people like Udo Fluck taught me in my Multicultural Learning Solutions.
My Dream is to work on those values and lessons and incorportate them into my everyday life.
I will always have a strong belief in the human spirit to embrace change and open themselves up to endless possibilities but for now I continue to grapple with human motive and ignorance. Am I to be Hopeless...Only time will tell ....
Love Jin
The World's Greatest Cook
So I woke up today at 8 like I usually do. My computer is infected with a virus so I am having to fix it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to fix it in the two hours that I had before I had my appointment.
Every Tuesday I meet some people at Mcdonalds in order to have my Language Club. I want to learn Japanese and Korean and eventually even Chinese.
I am unfortunately not learning so much at these meetings. I can't speak well in front of many people (other than in English). I am actually learning Korean faster!
~ At 11:30 I met Christina at my place for lunch. She is seriously the best cook. I dont lie. My name is Jin- Honest and Caring. We had a wondeful mix of vegetables, fried pork and Gim. (Rice). Honestly, I think She and I should go into the restaurant business. It used to be a Fantasy of mine.
I love her cooking so much.
In the classroom today I wrote many things in Korean just to surprise the kids. i can write my name (Jin and Nick...my Waegookin name) and i can also say some brief sentences like Sit down and Be Quiet. Lets Go and Show me your homework. Hi, my name is Nick. goodbye.
i am becoming enchanted with languages. I admire my students who are great at English. I wish I could be 12 and sit and listen to someone ramble in a different language and totally understand. I told my TD1 class~ my favorite a lot of stories. Today, was my official review and i honestly didnt feel like teaching...Surprised?
I told them all about my week. I showed them my phone which is interesting a dictionary, camera, and many other features. I am starting to feel like my cousin Nathan. How is he, how is everyone? I dont hear from anyone anymore it seems?
I also told them about my day. How I had 5 classes and coming to this class is the best. Rose and Jully are my best students and they love my stories, even though they are so quiet. I know that they understand everything in what I say because of thier body language. Rose was laughing at my story today too.
My Story... Its funny to me but also serious. I have a kid who likes to headbutt me. He doesn't speak English at all. I totally can understand he is only 8 years old I think maybe younger but he shouldnt be in the Academy. He is "babo" stupid and not mentally ill just dumb. There is a difference but with him who knows. Anyways I get tired of him real fast, especially when he comes up saying something and asking for my I-pod. Today I had no patience so I grabbed him by the arm and pushed him out the door. He angers me and my Camp Councilor mentality is slowly coming back. What I mean is simply I used to discipline kids at my Wilderness Camp. Here, I am interested in everything. I love the kids. Most of them are great and I share things with them. They treat me like I am a Korean. Unfortunately, kids like Jake make me remember I am an American. But anyways, I told Rose and Jully that I prefer teaching them because I dont have to put up with the shit from the other kids.
Another story, I gave a test today. MY rule : No Talking in English or Korean. Its a Test. The kids ignored me. My test was very simple. However, they still struggled so they got a speel from me about START to pay attention. Ask Questions. I can't find a way to reach them yet. Being serious and being funny doesn't help. Caring and Not Caring dont help so I am going to start the Asshole approach. I am strict and everything will be followed to a Tee. Meaning: there will be no horsing around...oh shit more slang haha.... um... I will not break the rules.
I gave the Test and left in disgust because for all my teaching and going slow and constant review even though I should be doing something else, I was drawing blanks. The kids simply dont understand.
So, I left my final class of today (tuesday) and went home to fix my computer and her I am.
So I will write another post very shortly....
I have to post this before my computer gives out.
Love Jin
Every Tuesday I meet some people at Mcdonalds in order to have my Language Club. I want to learn Japanese and Korean and eventually even Chinese.
I am unfortunately not learning so much at these meetings. I can't speak well in front of many people (other than in English). I am actually learning Korean faster!
~ At 11:30 I met Christina at my place for lunch. She is seriously the best cook. I dont lie. My name is Jin- Honest and Caring. We had a wondeful mix of vegetables, fried pork and Gim. (Rice). Honestly, I think She and I should go into the restaurant business. It used to be a Fantasy of mine.
I love her cooking so much.
In the classroom today I wrote many things in Korean just to surprise the kids. i can write my name (Jin and Nick...my Waegookin name) and i can also say some brief sentences like Sit down and Be Quiet. Lets Go and Show me your homework. Hi, my name is Nick. goodbye.
i am becoming enchanted with languages. I admire my students who are great at English. I wish I could be 12 and sit and listen to someone ramble in a different language and totally understand. I told my TD1 class~ my favorite a lot of stories. Today, was my official review and i honestly didnt feel like teaching...Surprised?
I told them all about my week. I showed them my phone which is interesting a dictionary, camera, and many other features. I am starting to feel like my cousin Nathan. How is he, how is everyone? I dont hear from anyone anymore it seems?
I also told them about my day. How I had 5 classes and coming to this class is the best. Rose and Jully are my best students and they love my stories, even though they are so quiet. I know that they understand everything in what I say because of thier body language. Rose was laughing at my story today too.
My Story... Its funny to me but also serious. I have a kid who likes to headbutt me. He doesn't speak English at all. I totally can understand he is only 8 years old I think maybe younger but he shouldnt be in the Academy. He is "babo" stupid and not mentally ill just dumb. There is a difference but with him who knows. Anyways I get tired of him real fast, especially when he comes up saying something and asking for my I-pod. Today I had no patience so I grabbed him by the arm and pushed him out the door. He angers me and my Camp Councilor mentality is slowly coming back. What I mean is simply I used to discipline kids at my Wilderness Camp. Here, I am interested in everything. I love the kids. Most of them are great and I share things with them. They treat me like I am a Korean. Unfortunately, kids like Jake make me remember I am an American. But anyways, I told Rose and Jully that I prefer teaching them because I dont have to put up with the shit from the other kids.
Another story, I gave a test today. MY rule : No Talking in English or Korean. Its a Test. The kids ignored me. My test was very simple. However, they still struggled so they got a speel from me about START to pay attention. Ask Questions. I can't find a way to reach them yet. Being serious and being funny doesn't help. Caring and Not Caring dont help so I am going to start the Asshole approach. I am strict and everything will be followed to a Tee. Meaning: there will be no horsing around...oh shit more slang haha.... um... I will not break the rules.
I gave the Test and left in disgust because for all my teaching and going slow and constant review even though I should be doing something else, I was drawing blanks. The kids simply dont understand.
So, I left my final class of today (tuesday) and went home to fix my computer and her I am.
So I will write another post very shortly....
I have to post this before my computer gives out.
Love Jin
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Quickie Marts again
Its Sunday or I should say Monday morning...it is currently 1 am and there isn't anything going on except for the hum of my computer and maybe the crawling of a cockroach.
Last week I killed one as it scurried by me on the floor. I dont think that there is any others in my apartment but my boss always worries about an infestation. I took a Soju bottle and smashed it. I couldnt get anything else they are too quick. ....
Anyways....
I went out with Bryant and Traci and I am glad I did. It was long overdue. They are my two best American friends here and I will miss them in October. We decided to have Gal bei, my favorite which is fried pork.
After that we went to the Mart and Enjoyed some beer. This is my 4th time drinking. Can you believe that? I am shocked I actually dont drink more. I am happy though that I am more healthy here than in America.
I stayed out until 9 with them whereupon I took a Taxi back to my place. Maybe the first solo ride where I had to say in Korean where I wanted to go. i got home so apparently I did ok but i want to be better.
I talked to Christina for awhile and now that I have a phone its going to make things much easier. I talked to a few friends today and can probably make calls at the drop of the hat now.
Its a nice phone too. I can take pictures and I have a dictionary...just for you bro.
My prolonged absense from writing has probably made me feel like starting up again.
I am serious about looking for a second job. I think its necessary for the new goals and dreams that I am developing over here.
I am learning Korean and I am personally enjoying it but I need more focus.
I went to Mcdonalds again today simply because I wanted a fast meal and didnt feel like cooking.
This blog is just going to be a short entry just to say that things are moving along and well I am going to be at the academy in less than 10 hours.
Night Owl ~There is so much though that I should be doing.
That's all for now...time to have some sweet dreams about Korea!
Love Jin
Last week I killed one as it scurried by me on the floor. I dont think that there is any others in my apartment but my boss always worries about an infestation. I took a Soju bottle and smashed it. I couldnt get anything else they are too quick. ....
Anyways....
I went out with Bryant and Traci and I am glad I did. It was long overdue. They are my two best American friends here and I will miss them in October. We decided to have Gal bei, my favorite which is fried pork.
After that we went to the Mart and Enjoyed some beer. This is my 4th time drinking. Can you believe that? I am shocked I actually dont drink more. I am happy though that I am more healthy here than in America.
I stayed out until 9 with them whereupon I took a Taxi back to my place. Maybe the first solo ride where I had to say in Korean where I wanted to go. i got home so apparently I did ok but i want to be better.
I talked to Christina for awhile and now that I have a phone its going to make things much easier. I talked to a few friends today and can probably make calls at the drop of the hat now.
Its a nice phone too. I can take pictures and I have a dictionary...just for you bro.
My prolonged absense from writing has probably made me feel like starting up again.
I am serious about looking for a second job. I think its necessary for the new goals and dreams that I am developing over here.
I am learning Korean and I am personally enjoying it but I need more focus.
I went to Mcdonalds again today simply because I wanted a fast meal and didnt feel like cooking.
This blog is just going to be a short entry just to say that things are moving along and well I am going to be at the academy in less than 10 hours.
Night Owl ~There is so much though that I should be doing.
That's all for now...time to have some sweet dreams about Korea!
Love Jin
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