Diary- Hair & Skirt

Middle schools and high schools have strict rules regarding the students' appearances. Of course, the boys and girls absolutely hate the restrictions and try to sneak around the system when at all possible. The length of hair is the most debated rule for both boys and girls. Boys must keep their locks short and far away from the shirt collar. In middle school, girls are required to cut their hair above their shoulders, or bind long hair (binding simply means a low ponytail pulled loose to give the illusion of a short bob in front). However, all female high school students must adhere to a "short hair only" policy. Not adhering to the rules results in a black mark on their record, or a teacher inflicted haircut. In some instances, it's hard to tell which would be worse. According to my middle school students, many hair salons are knowledgeable about the rules at each school so students need only to walk into a salon and ask for their school's cut. For example, "I'd like the Dongsan High School cut, please."

In addition to the strict hair rules, no makeup, nail polish, jewelry, or open-toe shoes; all middle schools and high schools require uniforms. A winter uniform and summer uniform are very similar except for the weight of the fabric and addition of a jacket. Boys wear long pants and a button-down shirt while girls don similar shirts with a skirt. Unhappy with the frumpiness of the uniforms, it's common for students to get them "fixed." Seamstresses are well-equipped to handle the common changes many students make to their wardrobe. Shortening the skirt a few centimeters and tightening the shirts are the most common adjustments made to the girls' uniforms. After seeing many of the boys, I wouldn't be surprised if they request alterations on their pants—skinny jeans are popular for guys and I doubt schools have the foresight to provide that option in their uniforms.

Hair & Skirt

by Rachel, 8th grade

I don't want bind my hair

but I must bind my hair.

I don't like long skirt,

but I have to wear a long skirt!

If I don't bind my hair and wear a short skirt,

teachers give a black mark.

But now I'm wearing a short skirt and don't binding my hair.

Why? Because I like it!

Actually, I'm scary.

(If teacher look me, teacher give a black mark. So I'm scary about that).

Rainy Days

With only a few interruptions of dry weather during the week, rainy days are a constant reminder that it's monsoon season. The sneaky showers accumulate strength throughout the morning and let loose all their power at the exact time I leave for work. Walking in a rain storm isn't as exciting when you have to endure wet clothes throughout the day, but my rain boots have proven to be a good purchase. Of course, with anything else there are pros and cons to the current meteorological situation.

Pro: Temperatures have remained in the 70's

Con: Students use their umbrellas as weapons

Happy Birthday America!

Celebrating the 4th of July in Korea felt slightly strange and incomplete as we set up our picnic and prepared to BBQ. As the only foreigners in the park, we received many strange looks from curious Koreans as they passed by without red, white, or blue stamped across their outfits. Our attempts at remaining inconspicuous were thwarted after finally lighting the grill, which spewed pillars of smoke high into the atmosphere. Luckily, the food was delicious and surprisingly reminiscent of home.

Hamburgers

Hot Dogs (once we figured out we had to remove the plastic casing, these weren't too bad)

Potato Salad

BBQ Baked Beans

Chips

Watermelon

American Flag Cake (with strawberries and blueberries)

Sweet Tea

Wine

After dinner we shot off the traditional fireworks with only one small accident; and twirled sparkler after sparkler. Fireworks are extremely easy to purchase in Korea at any neighborhood stationary store. On any given night, teenagers will entertain themselves with the crackling and popping of small rockets. I've decided there must not be any laws against it.

Lee, the "Grill Master"

Dennis and Melody

Andrea and Nicki

Happy Birthday, Joey!

Watch this video for a few mishaps from the day...

Lavon & Derrick, Missing You From Afar!

As people randomly begin and end their teaching contracts in Korea, it is sometimes difficult to form lasting friendships. A person you meet within the first few days of arriving in the new country might be heading home within the next week. After saying goodbye to a few new friends when we first arrived, Andrea and I were lucky to work the majority of our year alongside the same people whom we formed close bonds with. But, the end of June brought about the inevitable departure of our good friends, Lavon and Derrick; and it was strange to say goodbye. Working, exploring, shopping, traveling, and eating together was ritualistic and it was hard to imagine life in Korea without them. We miss them dearly, but look forward to visiting their home in Indiana and eating some pizza off the grill!

To Derrick & Lavon,

This video is for you!

Diary- Love Letter

Love Letter

by Kelly

5th grade

Today my best girl friend get a love letter.

So I was feel envy.

I want a boyfriend.

But I am not get a love letter.

When time I have boyfriend?

Teacher do you have a boyfriend?

Do you want a boyfriend?

YES or NO

(But if you have a boyfriend and no check)