Meet Me in St. Louis

Not to be outdone by Texas, St. Louis holds an even bigger piece of my heart...

Diary- Hello Teacher!

Many of you seemed surprised, or perhaps even a bit concerned, by my pervious diary entry from Nancy.  I'm sure it's hard for some of you to imagine my shiny, angelic personality in teacher mode; but without the tricks I've learned from more experienced teachers, my classes would be running crazy while I stood around smiling all day.  

On my first day of each new class, I quickly assess the students' behavior upon entering the room. Sometimes, the students appear comatose and I know that talking will not be one of their problems.  However, less than a second after entering Nancy's class on the first day, I knew immediate action was necessary. Most of the boys were out of their seats, wrestling each other to the ground, and yelling in Korean.  Realizing the students needed a set of guidelines and boundaries, I silently grabbed my marker and wrote 4 rules on the board:

1.  No Korean (a school-wide rule)

2.  No talking when the teacher is talking

3.  Stay in your seat

4.  Raise your hand   

The bombardment of rules and consequences caused momentary shock, and my students fell silent.  I calmly explained what I expected of them and then continued onto the lesson.  I am happy to report that they never once wrestled each other to the ground again.  Sitting still is not a problem, nor is raising their hands or keeping quiet during a lesson.  However, I still have to remind them on a daily basis to refrain from speaking in Korean.  Switching between the two languages is easy, and rarely do they realize it's happened.  David, my chatty student, has been reminded so many times that he now humorously scolds himself when he realizes his mistake. In the 4 months I've been teaching their class, we've shared countless laughs together and grown closer than the border between North and South Korea.

With that said, please enjoy the last two, "first day," dairy entries from Nancy's class...

New Teacher

by Steven

On Monday, a new teacher come to my class.  She name is Renee or Holly.  I think she was very kind.  But she didn't kind.  One hour later, class student says "Teacher is very intense!"  I think so too.  Teacher, please change kind.

________________

Hello!  Teacher!

by Penny

My name is Penny.

My new teacher's name is Renee.

And David is strange.

Because he talks Korean in ECC.

But Renee (new teacher) teacher coming.

David is very quiet.

So I think David is tricky.

A Russian Update

Below is an excerpt from an entry I wrote in October called, "Strolling."

On our way to work everyday, we pass through the breezeway of what is commonly referred to as, "the RUSSIAN apartments."  One would never know Russians inhabit the area of Ansan, but apparently an agreement of some sort has been made between South Korea and Russia, and the blue apartment complex has been donated to our Northern neighbors.  Really, that's all I know.  This is only significant because the Russian women have a reputation that falls along the same lines as the women in a red-light district.  Unluckily for me, being blonde doesn't automatically peg you as an American.  One day, someone is going to ask me if I'm Russian and I will know exactly what they mean.  I will simply respond with a "no."  Because, I'm not.

Since writing that blog, I've done some research on the former relations between the Soviet Union and South Korea, and discovered the reason for our Russian neighbors down the street. Beginning in the 1920's when Japan gained control over Korea, 150,000 Koreans were forced from their homeland to the southern portion of Sakhalin Island off the coast of Sibera; which was also controlled by Japan (the northern half was under Soviet control).  Under harsh conditions and in the presence of brown bears, the Korean people were forced into coal mining, logging, and construction.  Many lost their lives during the arctic winters; and by the end of World War II, only approximately 23,500 remained.  

Over time, many Sakhalin Koreans took on Russian names and attempted to integrate into the Soviet society; but discrimination was fierce.  Korean language schools were banned until the 1980's and many younger generations were unable to learn about their ancestral culture. Today, nearly 30,000 Koreans live on Sakhalin Island (now owned by Russia); mostly concentrated in the island's capital city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.  

A repatriation agreement was made between South Korea and Japan allowing only those who were born before the end of World War II in August, 1945 to return to Korea.  In 2000, a group of 816 people was relocated to a settlement built for them in Ansan.  Hence, the Russian apartments.  

Unfortunately, this migration back to South Korea is bittersweet for the families who are being, once again, torn apart.  Due to the lack of Korean language schooling for a period before the 1980s, many Sakhalin Koreans are unfamiliar with their own language making job hunting an intimidating challenge.  For the younger generations, Korea is not their home.  Having never lived in the country, some feel moving here is a change they are unable to embrace; leaving their family members alone to make the trip back.  

Understanding the truth behind my neighbors and the circumstances they have lived through puts things into perspective for my own life.  Having the freedom to travel and live around the globe is an opportunity and blessing not shared by many.  I am grateful for this chance to experience the world and get to know the people that make it so unique.

PS—In case you are wondering... yes, I have been asked if I am Russian.  In fact, it happened just the other night to Andrea and I as we were admiring a restaurant's outdoor tank full of pre-historic looking fish.  A man wandered up to us, inquired whether or not we're Russian, and then offered to treat us to some beer and chicken at the Russian bar.  We respectfully declined, complimented him on his English skills, and headed in the opposite direction.  It almost felt like our belated initiation into the city.  Been asked if I'm Russian.... check.

Texas Tribute

Remembering Austin...

Diary- New Teacher

Each week, as I mentioned in a previous blog, students must turn in a diary entry in their journals.  Usually, the stories are about everyday activities like school, homework, computer games, and soccer.  My job is to check their grammar and correct their mistakes in an effort to help them improve their written skills.  Every now and then, I come across an entry that makes me laugh and I've decided to share them with all of you in a weekly blog entry labeled, "diaries."  

**Just a reminder, at school I go by my middle name, Renee. 

New Teacher

by Naomi (5th grade)

Today we changed teachers

in English academy.

The teacher's name was Renee (?)

Renee? is okay?

My class was noisy

Because David!

David was very noisy.

But today, David was very quiet.

Because new teacher Renee.

Teacher was little scary.

And she has very high nose.

This entry, from when I first started teaching in Korea, came with a lovely drawing of me at the bottom of the page.  Of course, the portrait was of my profile with an arrow pointing at my nose.  Koreans, especially children, are very fascinated with Western features and this wasn't the only time I've been told I have a "tall" nose.  Thanks, students.  

Still Me

Obviously things look a little different on my page.  After much fretting over whether or not I would lose my entire blog in the process, I decided to take the plunge and change the background (template). I hope you all enjoy the new look as it's a bit more "me."  Dabbling with html editing almost makes me feel like a web master...

Also, please note the new list added on the right-hand column called, "labels." If you ever want to skim an old blog on a specific topic, you might find it useful to check the list.  Most labels are obvious, but if you can read my mind or predict my behavior, you'll find it extremely easy to locate the blog you are looking for (the labels are also listed at the end of each blog entry).

Enough computer jargon.  

enjoy!  

  

A Child's Perspective

The poor state of our economy can be felt half a world away as I leave the bank after transferring money back to the states.  What was once a respectable exchange rate between the US and Korea has now plummeted to an infuriating loss and I feel the burn each month. Hearing the news from back home of so many people losing their jobs or worrying about the possibility is a new and dismal concept for my generation.

The financial state of Korea is teetering on the edge now, too, and I see it in the loss of students at school.  No longer able to afford the high cost of language academies, parents are beginning to pull their children out in an effort to save money.  Perhaps not as devastating as the crisis in the US, Koreans are feeling the pressure and trying to ignore their sweaty palms.  

Every Monday, my students are required to turn in a diary with a new entry from the past week.  Usually written about basic things like soccer, pets, and kimchi; I was surprised to find a note written by one of my inquisitive fifth graders on the current state of the Korean economy.

Economic Slump 

by Ted

"Today, mom and my sister and me were went to the mart.  But in the mart food, clothes... etc. were very expensive.  I'm surprise.  The government was make the low price for food, living things, for citizen.  But I think it didn't it.  world is in the state of business activities.  Then my mom wasn't buy lot of things.  I'm very saddened by world.  Because they did war, and pitiful activities.  I want to world is peace."  

Unlike English skills, a pure and honest perception of the world cannot be learned.

Five Days in Beijing

Our last day in Beijing provided us with just enough time to sleep in, wander around, and eat lunch before heading to the airport.  On our way to take more pictures in Tiananmen Square, Andrea and I made a few extra turns and ended up in an unfamiliar, but thoroughly engrossing neighborhood.  Content to wander around and snap photos, I enjoyed the absence of tourists and agendas.   

Along with the elaborate architecture, I found the doorways in China compelling.  Painted red in accordance with Feng Shui principles, the main door is considered "the mouth of Chi," through which all energy enters—positive and negative.  According to Chinese tradition, red is considered to be the most auspicious color in Feng Shui.  Attracting a high energy level, a red door will nourish the house and improve one's life. 

Leaving China was bittersweet and, as with any vacation, I was excited to sleep in my own bed. The ancient city has much to offer and in five days, we were only able to glimpse the periphery. I eagerly await the opportunity to explore other culturally rich cities such as Shanghai, Xian, and Hong Kong; but until then I am content to relive my China experiences through colorful pictures and quirky memories.