Author: missarve

I'm a storyteller.

Entering that seventh month of teaching…

I can’t believe that it’s been seven months since I began teaching here in South Korea. As cliche as it sounds, time does fly!

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Whilst reviewing my notes and doing my preparations for my adult classes tomorrow, I came across the notes I wrote down for myself during my training. One note that stood out the most was a verse from Philippians:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. – Philippians 4:6

I remember how nervous I was when I was writing these notes down! I wanted do well on my mock-teaching and the real teaching that came after that. Now, I barely even need these sticky notes. Experience, Time, and several awesome people have been my teachers these past months. As always, I’m filled with gratitude for them.

So as this new term begins, here’s to new lessons and improving myself.

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A Daytrip Away

Took a break from the busy city to immerse myself amongst the bamboos. It’s my second time visiting Damyang and it’s still as refreshing as the first time I visited.

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This time around I took my new friend and co-worker, Roxana. Fresh from California, she is teaching our institute for only two months before she has to return for school. With the short time she has here in Korea, I wanted to introduce her to as much as Korea has to offer.

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Nonetheless, the day trip was amazing as we walked under the bamboo forest, had some tea, ate some bamboo ice cream, and cycled next the riverwalk.

A Novice English Teacher’s Frustration About…

“Shocked” is the perfect word to describe what I am feeling right now. Let me explain…

For some reason, in one of my Junior classes, we are ahead of schedule with our class material. Because of that, I opted for a fun and competitive activity with this small class today. The activity: whoever writes a sentence with proper grammar, proper use of the word(s) given, and correct spelling, shall earn points. Ten points respectively for each action done correctly. The prize – a 2016 planner. Otherwise, everyone shall receive a choco-pie (really delicious stuff, I tell you).
Also, because I am an English teacher and I’m trying to encourage these kids to stop speaking Korean in class, I deduct 50 points for each time a student decides to speak in Korean. I know, it’s drastic – but with these kids, it’s necessary.
So the game began. Many were tied, and yet are sweetly improving their creative writing. Time came up for the the class to end and suddenly, the only boy in the class spoke in Korean. Minus 50 points. 
Before I continue, let me give you a little bit of background about my relationship with these kids: we are chill. I joke around. They joke around. We get the work done. It’s a good day. All in all, I trust them until they give me a reason not to (like the other day, I allowed them to watch a video on the premise that it was related to the material and that it was going to be in English. It was related to the material – air pollution – however, it was a short animation in Korean. Figures). Bottom line: we chill.
However, I’m currently unsure about whether or not I should trust these kids anymore. This recent action has led me to believe that they think I find everything to be funny and I cannot be taken seriously. Well, you see, the student whom I just deducted 50 points from for speaking Korean, decided that it was funny to steal the prize and run out the door. The whole class thought it was funny and laughed right out the door. I was hoping that the thief would run back and return the item within a matter of minutes. But he didn’t.
Shocked. Disappointed. FRUSTRATED.
Which then leads me to ask this question:
Should teachers also be responsible in teaching children morality in the classroom or should we just leave that responsibility to their parents or guardians?
As a foreign teacher, it is advised that when it comes to situations such as disciplining, I should just leave it to my Korean co-teacher because of the cultural and language barrier. Easy. But now it leaves me with another situation – RESPECT. If I leave it to my co-teacher to solve the issue, how am I to create an environment of respect – not only for myself, but also to each other?
As for now, I don’t know. It’s a matter of continuous prayers and of me and my co-teachers to collaborate what the next best step should be.
They say that this younger generation doesn’t understand and practice respect as much as the older generation. I hope that immorality isn’t added into that list.

Places and Spaces to Be In: Boseong

Who doesn’t like adventure on a gorgeous and sunny day? On top of that, be surrounded by green tea! When Bruce, a friend who happens to also be my student, invited us for a trip out with his girlfriend – Chad, Maddy, and I definitely had to say “Yes!”

Aside from Nami Island, Boseong County is a definite go-to spot if you ever visit South Korea. It not only gives you great views and fresh air, but also is an amazing break from the busy city life. The only downsides to visiting this place are that it has made me miss NorCal – especially the Napa Valley – and that it isn’t a walking distance from my apartment. A girl can only wish.

Before heading to this lovely place, I took some time to sit down and learn a bit of history about the place and how tea made it’s way over to this side of the earth from China. Most of the information was from Wikipedia (don’t judge), Boseong County’s main website, and from this blog. Learning the historical aspects of a location before and during the trip allows me to enjoy and appreciate the visit to the plantation. Sadly, our trip was too early for us to participate in tea picking as the event usually falls on April. But at least it gives me something to look forward to in the future, eh?

Directions to Boseong: here.

125 Days of Korea

 

I am one lucky girl to be having this experience. The past 125 days living in Korea has been filled with new friendships, new sights, delicious food, amazing coffee, and wonderful experiences. So much that I may have to get myself a new journal soon!

Plus, I’m not even halfway through this journey!

Spotted at Gentle Monster, Seoul
Spotted at Gentle Monster, Seoul
Breakfast at Itaewon
Spotted at Itaewon
Spotted at Itaewon
Spotted at Gyeongbukgung Palace
North Seoul Tower
Spotted at Nami Island
Spotted at Nami Island
Spotted at Nami Island
Spotted at Nami Island
Late night at Del Taco
Jeumsimsa Temple
Gwangju Arts Center
Spotted at Damyang
After his concert performance.
Spotted at Gwangju
On my 24th birthday

I want to be…

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV

While scrolling through my Facebook feed, a story about a mother teaching her daughter about crushes caught my attention. The mother encouraged her daughter to replace “love” with her crushes name while reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 out loud. The action made the child question whether she really liked her crush or not. (Full story found here).

The story was meant to remind us to use the Bible as a guide when it comes to liking or falling in love with someone. However, to me, I think it is another way to remind us to better ourselves in the way God wants us to be.

Replacing “love” with my own name allowed me to see where I am lacking. But also empowers me to become what 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 paints. I want to be more patient, I want to be more kinder, I do not want boast about myself, rather, I want to uplift others and empower them. I want to continuously be forgiving. I want to protect, trust, hope, and persevere. 

I want to be love.

Teaching Style

Screen Shot 2016-02-08 at 9.59.36 PMI never saw of myself as an educator. I never imagined finding myself teaching English, especially in another country. Luckily, by divine providence and by fate, I’m surrounded by some amazing people whom I am able to learn from. These past two terms (four months) are memorable.

In the institute that I’m currently teaching at, there are four foreign teachers teaching the adult English classes: Chad, Maddy, Patricia, and I. We assist three Korean teachers (Henry, Jessica, and Nina) when it comes to teaching the Juniors (ages 8-14) in the afternoon.

Although I have definitely learned something through my Korean co-teachers, most of the lessons I’ve learned are from my foreign co-teachers:

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From left to right: Maddy, Chad, and Bruce – a student and friend
  • Chad: his teaching style is to be aware of the student’s strengths and weaknesses. His “be a friend” approach is very admirable as it is very intimidating for me. Since many of my students are way older than me (think mom, dad, grandparent status…), I tend to hide behind the Korean respect hierarchy. His approach, from what I’ve noticed, has allowed his students to be comfortable and open around him. I often envy the laughter that comes out of his class.
  • Patricia: love this lady and her “take it easy” approach. Her constant reminders to relax and not overthink things reminds me that “Hey, I already have the materials to teach, in my hands.” Also, her presence and beginning the day with a word of prayer has helped further established God’s presence in my life and in the workplace. Lastly, her hugs are amazing – especially in this country where hugs are seen as kind of… awkward…

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    Maddy, probably asking “why”.
  • Maddy: this girl puts me to shame. She is an educator who doesn’t want to settle. Her favorite question is “Why?”. I’ve adopted that three letter word into my vocabulary – much to the disappointment of many of my students. My students think they’re off the hook after answering my question in a sentence or two? Not so quick… Aside from that, her constant desire to learn and prep-work (which Patricia often teases her for giving herself more work than necessary), encourages me to do the same. With her example, I’m able to find ways to make the learning environment for my students more enjoyable.

I’m truly grateful to have these three people around. Sadly, this is Chad and Patricia’s last term in Sangmu Gwangju branch. I’ve gotten quite fond of them and wish they’d stay longer, but they have their own things to do and places to explore. With them leaving, I’m even more grateful that Maddy and I are placed in the same institute. At least there is one constant person, ya know?

But with new faces about to come to the Institute, at least it will encourage me to learn some more and not settle.

 

Thank you 2015. Hello 2016.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2015 came and went by so quickly. It is only sensible to reflect on what had happened last year.

So, how was 2015? I shall say, the beginning was a rough start. Grief was at the core of my being and I never knew that such emotion could wholly take me over. However, from all that pain, did I learn anything? Yes, I did. I have learned that I am surrounded by amazing people that I would ever hate to lose. That I have a strong desire to create, even more during the toughest times when words couldn’t express what I wanted to say. I have learned that I have the courage to leave home and live in a country which I barely spoke the language. That I am continuing to be a better person than I was yesterday. And as I wished, I am growing mentally and spiritually. Also, I have learned that no matter what happens, I have the power to pick myself up from any fall and still have a lot of care and love to give, because my Creator has empowered me that way. This wouldn’t have been possible without my family, friends, and even the kindness of mere strangers. So to everyone who has just began or has continued to be by my side, I love you and I gratefully thank you for making 2015 amazing.

As for 2016, I’m aiming to do three things: something old, something new, and something continued.

  • Something old: I’m going back to writing letters and postcards. There’s something exciting and nostalgic about putting pen to paper. Also, receiving something from the mail! If you would like a letter/postcard from me – let me know!
  • Something new: I’ve always wanted to skydive…
  • Something continued: learning the Korean language, improving on the ukulele, and ice skating backwards.

Simple? Yes! Attainable? Yes! These are some of the things I wish to share with you. I hope your 2016 is treating you well.

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P.S. Since the last time I posted, the term ended and I was out and about traveling – mostly alone. My Instagram + Snapchats (@MissArve) have been the most up-to-date of my happenings. I shall be posting a new video on my YouTube soon.

Anyways, thank you for being part of my journey.