September is here finally!
I have been looking forward to September for a long time. September is supposed to be the perfect month,
Nice weather, A long holiday, a new start. I can maybe become a better teacher but here at Yale its going to be interesting to see how I can become a more efficient teacher.
I am trying to become a more driven person and am relying on my life training from Cross Country and Manito-wish.
Work is changing again. My boss hired a new teacher. She has been here for two days and its already kicking up a stir. Insinuating problems, creating a fuss, not good. What ever hogwash you want to get out of this mumble jumble you can.
Sometimes I am starting to think I like to play with language. more on that later.
She was only here for less than a day and she already complained about my friend Pearl's work, and Christina doesn't like her because she is already judgemental about the kids. She is nice to me but I dont think I will like her much just because she has already created stress for Christina and Pearl.
Last night I realized just how ridiculous work is most of the time. I have 31 classes in a week. I have 4 classes that are my own. I am supposed to give them a report card, a test, a syllabus and cover 1 or 2 chapters each month. But I am having problems communicating to the kids and following the lesson plans just for my classes let alone the 25 other classes I Suppliment during the week. I am supposed to draw up my own lesson plans but in all honesty I havent so far. They dont understand the lessons that they are presented. Sometimes they do but most of the time in my experience I dont feel that they truly understand.
WE just do what we can.
September is going to be challenging though especially since I need to find new books, new lessons, and try to find new materials. I am also getting new kids by the day. I dont even know when I am getting new kids I just see new kids show up in my class.
For example, I had to give this girl a report card and she has only been here for 2 days. And of course I gave her all As.
Sometimes I dont think that the kids learn anything and the A simply means "STAY here and dont leave my academy because I need your money"
I got in trouble once because I told my least favorite class I dont care about the test your grade isn't important I just want you to understand what you did wrong. They got very upset at me and when I told my boss he understood the kids point of view. The philosophy of the academy isn't concerned with the learning of the kids but more with keeping the kids happy.
Anyways, I am headed to work filled with promise about the future with Work, Personal, etc.
Its time to develop stronger goals!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The Sincerity of Life
I had an interesting night last night with my boss.
Amist all of the problems that I have been having lately with my boss, and work etc. I had a good night with him.
I went to bed feeling a better understanding of him.
I still have no idea what my future may dictate but at least I know I can be comfortable talking to my boss again.
I have always believed that I need to do the best in everything that I feel is important. Its not worth doing if you aren't going to do it well.
I am trying to prepare myself for September in order to do the best I can and succeed. I am reaffirming myself that I can find self improvement in everything.
You must be Sincere in what you put your mind to or else it isnt worth doing.
I am looking at things with a practical mindset, and reality.
If we aren't bettering ourselves, or the world in which we live in then whats the point.
One of my favorite Quotes:
To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucious
I conclude this story by saying simply: What is truly right and what is truly the most important thing one must do.
The answer is unknown. But in order to be successful and to come out ahead ONE must take a chance and not question the unknown. Every problem must be met or faced with true conviction that one may make it better.
Truly believe that this can happen or else we are all doomed to forever repeat our errors and be lost for all of eternity.
WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY
Amist all of the problems that I have been having lately with my boss, and work etc. I had a good night with him.
I went to bed feeling a better understanding of him.
I still have no idea what my future may dictate but at least I know I can be comfortable talking to my boss again.
I have always believed that I need to do the best in everything that I feel is important. Its not worth doing if you aren't going to do it well.
I am trying to prepare myself for September in order to do the best I can and succeed. I am reaffirming myself that I can find self improvement in everything.
You must be Sincere in what you put your mind to or else it isnt worth doing.
I am looking at things with a practical mindset, and reality.
If we aren't bettering ourselves, or the world in which we live in then whats the point.
One of my favorite Quotes:
To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucious
I conclude this story by saying simply: What is truly right and what is truly the most important thing one must do.
The answer is unknown. But in order to be successful and to come out ahead ONE must take a chance and not question the unknown. Every problem must be met or faced with true conviction that one may make it better.
Truly believe that this can happen or else we are all doomed to forever repeat our errors and be lost for all of eternity.
WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Developments in Korea
To any one who reads my blog.
Its been awhile so let me update you on my situation.
To begin with, I studied Cultural Geography in College and one of the Lessons Talked about a thing called the W Curve.
The W Curve is something how people handle Cultural Shock.
I still haven’t any idea what Cultural Shock is because I just don’t feel Shock. This is supposedly the Model: THE W Curve
Honeymoon In Sync Back to Normal
W
In Shock Reverse Cultural Shock Return Trip
Let’s discuss my Job. I work 6 days a week. I teach 30 classes each week and have at least 8 hours of prep work. In other words, my free time is from 8:30 pm until 1 pm the following day. I can stay up late and sleep in if I wanted too.
My lesson plans are scant and the kids don’t truly understand what I am saying. It’s a honorary babysitting service. The kids in my opinion don’t learn they memorize what I want to hear and only answer if they feel like they have something to gain from this.
My boss says I need to give more homework but I give to much and I go to fast. Some of the kids lie to me and always seem to pretend what I am talking about even when they don’t. I don’t know how I can go slower. I ended up teaching one chapter 6 times in one month. (chapters are only a page). The kids don’t listen to me well enough to understand what I want. They know when I am angry and this doesn’t seem to help).
I am stuck in a job that isn’t rewarding as far as teaching is concerned. I have 2 classes where I feel happy about what we accomplish and the rest of them are a complete waste of time. Currently, I have a girl who doesn’t talk to me anymore and won’t let me check her homework. There is absolutely no point. My boss is too busy with 3 jobs so trying to talk to him is a waste of time. When I do talk to him I am criticized. The kids tell my boss that they don’t understand my teaching style. I am adaptable but some kids have driven me up the wall. I speak in the simplest terms possible and ask them if they understand and they don’t. They are the third highest class (TC1) in the academy but some of my younger classes understand better than they do. There are 6 girls and a boy in the class. The girls gossip and complain and the boy is too quiet. It’s a headache for me to get through this class, and when I happen to look at the window and my boss is staring in the window he makes it worse. He is a controlling uncle who can’t put himself into anyone else’s shoes in order to understand a situation. Kids mean money that’s all.
The best part of the work day is from 1 until 2:30 and 8:30 until I leave. During this time I have lunch and “prepare for my lecture” there isn’t much to prepare and so I spend most of my time just relaxing and waiting for the inevitable the coming of the kids. I have only yelled at the kids one time in the office.
Some kids were discussing my private life and also asking for candy and then yelling at Christina when they couldn’t understand what I was saying. I exploded and told them all to get out of the office.
What did I come to Korea for?
When I left America I thought I could clear my mind. I thought that I could be putting things into perspective and find some new things to build on. Maybe I could fix strange relationships.
I could fulfill promises of visiting my old friends.
Since Coming to Korea my views have changed quite a lot again.
I have become more open minded and continue to believe that anything is possible. I also know feel like I want to find a way to create a positive change. The only way I can do this is by being a teacher. More on that later.
My Daily Life… Habits
On a regular basis I now go to McDonalds mainly for breakfast. I go every Tuesday in order to meet some friends who speak Japanese. World Languages are important to me because it’s a gap that divides people. I don’t like that division. I want to work on a way to end this. Language is a reason why people have hatred.
Paris Baquette is another place I go to frequently. This is the local bakery and two minute walk from my house.
For dinner, Gim BoB is a great place. The food is cheap and there is always a lot of food. I often go there for a lunch with Christina before work. The other favorite place is the Lunchbox, which is also very cheap.
The Seraf around the corner is the local version of Albertsons and my new grocery store. Sometimes I miss the type of food I ate in America like tacos, and a good steak dinner but most of the time I don’t even realize what I am missing.
I go to Seraf usually once or twice a week. E-mart is the equivalent of Walmart.
I just got back from there today. I bought some coffee and milk and hopefully I won’t be going back for a few days. I am spending so much money these days.
So this is some but definitely not all of whats going on in Korea.
Its been awhile so let me update you on my situation.
To begin with, I studied Cultural Geography in College and one of the Lessons Talked about a thing called the W Curve.
The W Curve is something how people handle Cultural Shock.
I still haven’t any idea what Cultural Shock is because I just don’t feel Shock. This is supposedly the Model: THE W Curve
Honeymoon In Sync Back to Normal
W
In Shock Reverse Cultural Shock Return Trip
Let’s discuss my Job. I work 6 days a week. I teach 30 classes each week and have at least 8 hours of prep work. In other words, my free time is from 8:30 pm until 1 pm the following day. I can stay up late and sleep in if I wanted too.
My lesson plans are scant and the kids don’t truly understand what I am saying. It’s a honorary babysitting service. The kids in my opinion don’t learn they memorize what I want to hear and only answer if they feel like they have something to gain from this.
My boss says I need to give more homework but I give to much and I go to fast. Some of the kids lie to me and always seem to pretend what I am talking about even when they don’t. I don’t know how I can go slower. I ended up teaching one chapter 6 times in one month. (chapters are only a page). The kids don’t listen to me well enough to understand what I want. They know when I am angry and this doesn’t seem to help).
I am stuck in a job that isn’t rewarding as far as teaching is concerned. I have 2 classes where I feel happy about what we accomplish and the rest of them are a complete waste of time. Currently, I have a girl who doesn’t talk to me anymore and won’t let me check her homework. There is absolutely no point. My boss is too busy with 3 jobs so trying to talk to him is a waste of time. When I do talk to him I am criticized. The kids tell my boss that they don’t understand my teaching style. I am adaptable but some kids have driven me up the wall. I speak in the simplest terms possible and ask them if they understand and they don’t. They are the third highest class (TC1) in the academy but some of my younger classes understand better than they do. There are 6 girls and a boy in the class. The girls gossip and complain and the boy is too quiet. It’s a headache for me to get through this class, and when I happen to look at the window and my boss is staring in the window he makes it worse. He is a controlling uncle who can’t put himself into anyone else’s shoes in order to understand a situation. Kids mean money that’s all.
The best part of the work day is from 1 until 2:30 and 8:30 until I leave. During this time I have lunch and “prepare for my lecture” there isn’t much to prepare and so I spend most of my time just relaxing and waiting for the inevitable the coming of the kids. I have only yelled at the kids one time in the office.
Some kids were discussing my private life and also asking for candy and then yelling at Christina when they couldn’t understand what I was saying. I exploded and told them all to get out of the office.
What did I come to Korea for?
When I left America I thought I could clear my mind. I thought that I could be putting things into perspective and find some new things to build on. Maybe I could fix strange relationships.
I could fulfill promises of visiting my old friends.
Since Coming to Korea my views have changed quite a lot again.
I have become more open minded and continue to believe that anything is possible. I also know feel like I want to find a way to create a positive change. The only way I can do this is by being a teacher. More on that later.
My Daily Life… Habits
On a regular basis I now go to McDonalds mainly for breakfast. I go every Tuesday in order to meet some friends who speak Japanese. World Languages are important to me because it’s a gap that divides people. I don’t like that division. I want to work on a way to end this. Language is a reason why people have hatred.
Paris Baquette is another place I go to frequently. This is the local bakery and two minute walk from my house.
For dinner, Gim BoB is a great place. The food is cheap and there is always a lot of food. I often go there for a lunch with Christina before work. The other favorite place is the Lunchbox, which is also very cheap.
The Seraf around the corner is the local version of Albertsons and my new grocery store. Sometimes I miss the type of food I ate in America like tacos, and a good steak dinner but most of the time I don’t even realize what I am missing.
I go to Seraf usually once or twice a week. E-mart is the equivalent of Walmart.
I just got back from there today. I bought some coffee and milk and hopefully I won’t be going back for a few days. I am spending so much money these days.
So this is some but definitely not all of whats going on in Korea.
In a Letter from Home
This is from my mom's reading:
Astrology Reading
Chinese Zodiac Sing
Wood Rat
Wood is my element My lucky number is 3. (it is the first sign of the Eastern Zodiac)
Supposedly, I am a natural Teacher. I am Charming, Creative, Curious, Analytical, and highly intelligent.
I work best at 11 pm until 1 am. This is when Yin force is at its peak.
I supposedly have to win an argument. I worry over health matters, have a quick temper, and are excitable.
I pursue Adventure, link unusual or different things. I like to Travel, and prefer to Think that use my body to fight.
I like to stock up food for a Rainy day and I enjoy to write a lot.
Advice for Rats: I need a sympathetic ear and a soft place to fall. I need to relax my rigid standards and ask for what i need. DONT be a perfectionist.
Wood which is my element represents good values. I CAN BRING PEOPLE together in cooperation and persuation.
The wood rat is diligent and successful. a social and friendly soul but may have trouble with intimacy. They seek security and plan for the future well.
The Rat soul values Love and Companionship above anything else. They are ardent lovers but often have difficulty finding a partner who cherishes them as much as they are cherished. The Rat has many acquaintances but few close friends. Their souls year for affection and sincere attention.
Western Zodiac~
I am the Virgo. I am of the Earth. My planet is Mercury. I was born during the week of the Literalist. I have a strong personality and am used to getting my way. I dont like emotional displays. I love truth and harmony. I am very dramatic, fearless, and brave. I have a Revolutionary Spirit in me. I am a very affectionate and caring person.
Advice: Try to become more sympathetic to the feelings of others. Eat well, sleep enough, find Relaxing pursuits (hobbies) and dont hid behind or rely on the ones who help you too heavily.
So this is my Zodiac Sign.
Do you agree with it?
Post a comment or send an email
Astrology Reading
Chinese Zodiac Sing
Wood Rat
Wood is my element My lucky number is 3. (it is the first sign of the Eastern Zodiac)
Supposedly, I am a natural Teacher. I am Charming, Creative, Curious, Analytical, and highly intelligent.
I work best at 11 pm until 1 am. This is when Yin force is at its peak.
I supposedly have to win an argument. I worry over health matters, have a quick temper, and are excitable.
I pursue Adventure, link unusual or different things. I like to Travel, and prefer to Think that use my body to fight.
I like to stock up food for a Rainy day and I enjoy to write a lot.
Advice for Rats: I need a sympathetic ear and a soft place to fall. I need to relax my rigid standards and ask for what i need. DONT be a perfectionist.
Wood which is my element represents good values. I CAN BRING PEOPLE together in cooperation and persuation.
The wood rat is diligent and successful. a social and friendly soul but may have trouble with intimacy. They seek security and plan for the future well.
The Rat soul values Love and Companionship above anything else. They are ardent lovers but often have difficulty finding a partner who cherishes them as much as they are cherished. The Rat has many acquaintances but few close friends. Their souls year for affection and sincere attention.
Western Zodiac~
I am the Virgo. I am of the Earth. My planet is Mercury. I was born during the week of the Literalist. I have a strong personality and am used to getting my way. I dont like emotional displays. I love truth and harmony. I am very dramatic, fearless, and brave. I have a Revolutionary Spirit in me. I am a very affectionate and caring person.
Advice: Try to become more sympathetic to the feelings of others. Eat well, sleep enough, find Relaxing pursuits (hobbies) and dont hid behind or rely on the ones who help you too heavily.
So this is my Zodiac Sign.
Do you agree with it?
Post a comment or send an email
Gal Bei
Gal Bei Again!
Finally its been months since Christina and I have been able to dine out together.
After work while out on our park getaway we ate some Gal Bei and were able to enjoy our company.
Its times like these when we can put work behind us and just realize the precious moments life treats us to on rare occasions.
I need a desperate escape from work. My dreams and hopes have been severely dashed since coming to Korea and experiencing the cold hard facts.
My boss drives me up a wall. I don’t know how I will get out of this pickle alive but I will find a way. New routines are beginning to happen at work. First, a little information about my job/boss: I live alone in my apartment that is owned by my boss. He never tells me when he will come over but just does so when he wants. He cleans my house which is not necessary but for some reason he feels like doing it. I feel like he watches my behavior. I feel like I am an English recorder that is meant for his students to simply improve their English and then discard me. I have no personal life. I am just a tool.
If I have a drink at the office waiting for me when I am finished teaching, its because my boss feels bad about my job performance. He will never tell me directly. If he talks to me at work its always a negative and nothing changes. I cant work under these conditions, its driving me nuts. Teaching isn’t about spoon feeding the kids words and sayings to simply memorize….hi, how are you I’m fine. When I ask a question I need more than what the book says, I try to look beyond the book. When my kids don’t understand Who, What or Why I am frustrated. More important than that are the problems that the kids give me either heartache, disrespect or flat out refusal to participate. When I have told my boss about these matters nothing has changed. History does repeat itself ,,,,
I could go on and on about the current situation.
How I am frightened of my boss and how I want to avoid him now at almost all costs.
Honestly, I should go home. Its August 24, 2007 almost midnight and my heart is thumping with what I thought was my boss coming into my house yet again. I am staying for a few reasons….
1). I need to see my friends.
2). I am not a coward and will not run away just yet.
3). My friends want me to become a better teacher
4). Most importantly, I have stumbled on something that will make me a better person and I am holding off anything for just a chance. I don’t want to believe that this will be just a fleeting memory and just another regret later.
I seek change, and self improvement. I also naively and foolishly think that I can make things better. I see a lot of promise in the people and events that are unraveled before me, and I am following this hope blindly.
Finally its been months since Christina and I have been able to dine out together.
After work while out on our park getaway we ate some Gal Bei and were able to enjoy our company.
Its times like these when we can put work behind us and just realize the precious moments life treats us to on rare occasions.
I need a desperate escape from work. My dreams and hopes have been severely dashed since coming to Korea and experiencing the cold hard facts.
My boss drives me up a wall. I don’t know how I will get out of this pickle alive but I will find a way. New routines are beginning to happen at work. First, a little information about my job/boss: I live alone in my apartment that is owned by my boss. He never tells me when he will come over but just does so when he wants. He cleans my house which is not necessary but for some reason he feels like doing it. I feel like he watches my behavior. I feel like I am an English recorder that is meant for his students to simply improve their English and then discard me. I have no personal life. I am just a tool.
If I have a drink at the office waiting for me when I am finished teaching, its because my boss feels bad about my job performance. He will never tell me directly. If he talks to me at work its always a negative and nothing changes. I cant work under these conditions, its driving me nuts. Teaching isn’t about spoon feeding the kids words and sayings to simply memorize….hi, how are you I’m fine. When I ask a question I need more than what the book says, I try to look beyond the book. When my kids don’t understand Who, What or Why I am frustrated. More important than that are the problems that the kids give me either heartache, disrespect or flat out refusal to participate. When I have told my boss about these matters nothing has changed. History does repeat itself ,,,,
I could go on and on about the current situation.
How I am frightened of my boss and how I want to avoid him now at almost all costs.
Honestly, I should go home. Its August 24, 2007 almost midnight and my heart is thumping with what I thought was my boss coming into my house yet again. I am staying for a few reasons….
1). I need to see my friends.
2). I am not a coward and will not run away just yet.
3). My friends want me to become a better teacher
4). Most importantly, I have stumbled on something that will make me a better person and I am holding off anything for just a chance. I don’t want to believe that this will be just a fleeting memory and just another regret later.
I seek change, and self improvement. I also naively and foolishly think that I can make things better. I see a lot of promise in the people and events that are unraveled before me, and I am following this hope blindly.
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