The Salt of the Earth...Abdulgader

I remember his first day almost as if it were yesterday. He was quiet and looked rather preoccupied. What struck me most was the level of respect he showed.

I'm not quite sure of when we started growing close, but does it really matter? I think not. As I always say, the only thing we are sure of is the moment right now.

It has been an emotional week, but as I sit here and reflect on my day, my thoughts go to someone who received his certificate today.

Abdulgader Alsharif (Abdul) is undoubtedly one of the FINEST students I have had the pleasure of knowing.

There is an expression which fits him perfectly. He is "the salt of the earth". In other words he is someone who is simple and good. Mash'allah!

One of the reasons why Abdul is very special to me is because in recent months, he has worked very closely with me. In particular, with his writing. His ability to weave stories and characters together really impresses me. I hope he knows how absolutely proud I am of his improvement.

When I know people for as long as I do (in terms of students, especially) it's easy to see their different colours/moods. But it must be said that no matter what, Abdul has always displayed the highest level of respect. As one of his peers said, "You don't find people like Abdul anymore."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

So finally - I would like to wish this special person all the very best as he embarks on his future. Thank you for the privilege of knowing a lovely person like you.

What's going on in Venezuela in a nutshell (English version)

A former student, Persida from Venezuela shared this video with me this morning with a short message asking for prayers for her country. Apart from news headlines, many of us are oblivious as to what is happening around the world. Let's keep them all in our thoughts & prayers.

Read EZ - Success!

Pic sourced online

As a self-confessed bookworm myself, I almost felt my heart burst recently when a student told me, “Teacher, I don’t see the benefit of reading.” 

Gasp! Shock! Horror!

I immediately knew that damage control was in order. Also, judging from recent tests that our students have written, lack of reading was quite evident. I started doing some research around this topic and came to the conclusion that students may actually NOT know how to read. In other words, they don’t have sufficient skills to read through an entire text or book comfortably and confidently.

I decided to start a free class (that would replace our “Listen Up”) which would focus solely on reading. What would I call it?
Thanks to my regular and loyal students, they came up with the name “Read EZ” – playing on the name of my conversation class which falls on a Monday, “Speak EZ” J

I have a list of reading techniques and skills to help students with reading, but would I dive straight into it? I thought of taking a different route, and this is a general outline of the class – which exceeded my expectations!

• Do you read in your own language?

Vivian from Colombia said she does – it’s like an escape for her.

• Do your parents read?

Raid from Saudi Arabia said his father used to have him read every night before going to bed.
Marta from Angola said that her brother is her hero, because he encourages her to read.

• What are you reading at the moment?

Wow…I was so impressed with this one because suddenly, some students started taking not one, but two books out of their bags!

Sancha from Angola had The Ironing Man, which I used as an example.

I wrote the title on the board and showed the cover to the students.

(I also introduced vocab like author, summary/synopsis, genre)

Based on just the title and picture, what questions did they have about the book?

I then read (aloud) the synopsis at the back of the book. What were the keywords? Who are the main characters? What do we know about them?

Tom & Marina (husband and wife) who live in a small village.
Tom works in London while Marina is a bored & lonely housewife.

What further questions do the students have based on this information?

So, drawing from some of the questions the ss formulated themselves (before even opening the book) The purpose of this is to pique their curiosity and to give them a purpose when they begin reading. What exactly are they looking for? Are they looking for personality descriptions of the characters? For reasons for their circumstances etc?

To end the class, I then asked if they agreed with the student who said they see no benefits in reading.

To my absolute delight, they were horrified by what he said. So we compiled this list:

The Benefits of Reading:
Self-development
Helps to learn English
New vocabulary
Improves writing
Improves speaking
New information
Improves memory
Understand grammatical structures
See the world through another person’s eyes
Open your mind
Develop emotional understanding
Escape from your daily problems/challenges

How I became RICH & why I DON’T like my job

As the saying goes, a woman is like the weather – unpredictable! I’m no exception to this rule.  On my way to the movies this evening, I took a detour and ended up sharing dinner with two special people.

I know that by judging by my photo uploads, it may seem as if ALL my students are special. They are. And I pride myself on having unique relationships with each of them. Essentially, my students are clients. Yet, for me – they are first people. Before they’re a student in my class or one who visits my office, I have to remember that they are a son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife, father or mother to someone else.

So, back to my story of dinner this evening…

“What is the benefit of your job for you?” one asked me.

“Wow – do you have enough time?!” I replied.

My job has made me super rich. I kid you not! I consider myself rich in knowledge of cultures, religions and lifestyles of people throughout the world. Most importantly I’m rich in love. There are days I can’t fathom the love I receive from the people I work with. I mean genuine caring for me! How can I not feel fulfilled with a job like this?

While teaching, I maintained a strict rule of boundaries with my students. Work + Play = No.

However, since being in my current position of AY Coordinator this year, I have come to know a number of students on a non-academic level. I’ve spoken to people who are terribly homesick and afraid to tell their families, people who are lonely and unwilling to make friends, people who are ill, people who have ended long-term relationships and are here in South Africa trying to “find” themselves.

Whatever the reason may be, there are few with whom I have felt a strong connection with.

This evening while chatting to Yousef, he told me that he will most likely be leaving Cape Town at the end of October. For a reason unbeknown to me, I have come to regard Yousef as a brother. I just stared back at him and that is when I made the realization of why I DON’T like my job.

Goodbyes are unpleasant for anyone. But if I think of the past 3 months at least, I’ve had to say goodbye to people like Serif, Meral and Ho-Yong – who I felt a personal responsibility for. Having lived in Korea for three years, I felt responsible to take care of him here just as I was when I was in his country a few years ago.

This is it. This is the reason why I DON’T like my job. Saying goodbye to these people who have made a lasting impression on me.

Some may argue that I get emotionally attached too quickly. Perhaps. But I refuse to let my heart prune up and become hard.

In conclusion, the reason I have become rich is through the genuine love I have for the people I work for and teach. Everyday feels like a trip around the world and I thank them for allowing me into their space, their homes and their heart.

Yet…the number one reason I DON’T like my job is bidding someone farewell. It's the nature of my job. Students are here for a limited period of time and ultimately - if there is no other reason for them to stay here - they return to their home countries. Back to their own life as they know it!

But this is the cycle of life, not so? There isn’t a single person whom I’ve met who has not taught me something. For this, I thank each and every one of you. And believe me when I say that I have a special place in my heart reserved for every individual! J

Today I made a student cry, playing "Alibi"

From Google Images

The new unit for the week with my Intermediate class is "Crime". After going through some basic vocabulary and group discussions, I asked the class to please close their books as I had something important to talk to them about.

"On Friday after lunch, my nandbag was in this classroom. I stepped out just for a second, and when I got back I realized that my purse was missing," I said.

There were gasps! They really believed that my purse was stolen.

One student had a broad smile pasted on his face as I spoke. I continued...

"When I asked the cleaners about it, they said that they saw two students in the classroom at that time. Do you know who they were?"

At this moment, the tension in the classroom was so thick that I could have cut it with a knife.

"Who was it?" they asked.

"Gabi & Gus," I said...looking at the two students.

"It's impossible," said Gabi shaking her head.
"Teacher, are you serious or this is a joke?"

Gus had a mischievous smile...he knew I had something up my sleeve.

"Will the two students please leave the classroom," I said sternly.

Gus walked out smiling, but Gabi looked extremely distressed.  As soon as they were out of the classroom, the remaining students (and I!) burst into laughter.  They caught on.  

Gabi & Gus who were outside the classroom were the "suspects" and the students inside the classroom were going to play the role of policemen.  I divided them into two groups. Police Station 1 & Police Station 2.

As I was explaining what would happen next, Gus opened the door and announced that Gabi was crying. Oh boy! I had to go outside and tell her that it was all an act...and after being convinced, she burst into laughter :-)

Gabi & Gus had to work on an alibi while the two "Police Stations" prepared questions for each of the suspects, who would be interrogated separately.  The trick? Both stories had to match... about where they were, who they were with, where they went for lunch, what they ate and so on...

The students ended up having such fun interrogating the two, and of course... declared them both guilty!

Monday...

When my alarm went off at 04:00 this morning, my first thought was, "At last...Monday's here!" I was excited to start the new week, but driving to work this morning, I realized that I would be faced with empty seats in my classroom. I was dreading this.

As I mentioned on Friday, I bade farewell to four of my Brazilian students who have been with me for the past 3 weeks. Friday's have become one of my least favourite days of the week. However, when the new week starts, new students have orientation on Mondays and they join their respective classes on Tuesdays.

When I arrived at my second class for the day, the atmosphere was completely different without my four Brazilians in the classroom.  I missed walking in and seeing Dulciene and Fernando doing their homework; I missed seeing Glauco with his intense concentration on his iPad and of course, Luiz who would trail into class ever-ready for a hug & kiss.

Anyway, before long we will all be back into some kind of routine. No doubt, they are all missing Cape Town just as much! I do hope they decide to visit S.Africa once again in the near future!

In love...with my work!

Yesterday, I received such a lovely compliment from a young lady I've known for a short while since moving to Cape Town.

"You're looking...so happy! Your face is just glowing!" she said.

I jokingly responded, "Does it look like I'm in love?!" to which she replied "YES!"

I tilted my head and said to her, "I kinda am..."

Of course, she was intrigued! "You ARE?"

"Yes. With my work!"

Truth be told, I am loving what I'm doing! I'm so happy to be back in the classroom teaching after a year off. Of course, teaching children was very rewarding, but teaching adults has completely stolen my heart.

I am meeting people from all over the world with such interesting professions and each one pulls at my heartstrings in a way they probably don't even realize.

My special Pre-Int class

This past Friday was a bit emotional as some students ended their course and they were on their way back to Brazil the following day. Four students in particular - Glauco, Dulciene, Luiz and Fernando - all from Brazil, were part of my Pre-Intermediate class who I just fell in love with.

This class was very special, with students from Brazil, Angola, Libya, Turkey and France. We just all got along very well. We laughed a lot and at the same time, while having fun, they were learning just as much.

Their spirit and energy were infectious and seeing them everyday for the past 2 weeks brought such joy to me. Waking up at 4am, working non-stop till 5pm, coming home and working more till 11pm was only a pleasure for them.

I think I can safely say that I was being driven by passion.

My work feels like play!


On Friday, my Pre-Int students had to give oral presentations on any given topic. Honestly speaking, I sat there in awe! These students, at Pre-Intermediate level got up in front of the class and spoke with such confidence in a language they are studying. They spoke with such ease and I was so proud of them!

I know for sure that I will miss their presence tomorrow (Monday) in class, but by Tuesday I will have a new batch of students and new bonds will be formed yet again.

I feel very grateful for our paths to have crossed, and I sincerely wish them all the best for their future endeavors!

Mini breakthrough with my Korean student

On Tuesday last week, during my 30minute break between classes, my student (JY) from Korea said to me, "Sheetal...this will be my last week at school."

Suddenly, I forgot about where I had to be and what I had to do. JY had just been at school for 2 weeks and can easily be described as a model student. He's in class early, does his homework, reads, goes to the Listening Center for extra practice etc... so why did he suddenly want to pack up and leave?

I asked to meet him after school and talk it through. I am so honoured that he opened up to me as much as he did. He felt like he wasn't making a lot of progress. I responded to this by telling him that learning a new language is not magic. He can't expect to suddenly speak fluently within a few days. It takes work...for some, very hard work, determination and a strong drive.

As we spoke more, I found out that he is staying with a Korean family very far from the school. This means, that he has no opportunity to speak English when he leaves school at the end of the day. So when he comes to class in the morning, he hears about what other students got up to the previous night and what they plan to do later that day.  JY was feeling isolated. He told me that he wants to have contact with other students from foreign countries, but he feels shy and not confident enough.

My heart sank for this young guy who traveled halfway across the world, determined to study English, but was feeling completely isolated and lonely. Because he confided in me, I felt obligated to help him.

I told him that I see something very special in him, which he may not recognize himself. I suggested he try moving closer to the school and would be able to socialize a lot more with other students.

The next day, I spoke to the school's director who asked to meet with the student and me later that day to talk this matter through. We gave the options of various accommodation near the school.

On Wednesday, a few of my Brazilian students decided to go to the Cubana, restaurant/bar with me and I asked JY to join us. That night, I could see that given the opportunity...JY would really enjoy his time in Cape Town.

The following day at school, I paired him up with Gabi from Brazil for a speaking activity. The two got along so well and had fun working together.  A week later, I am just delighted to say that JY has decided to extend his stay in South Africa! I told him that one day when he's a father and grandfather, I would hate for him to think back to this time and regret not listening to me...his teacher to not give up.

From a business perspective, it's never good when students decide to quit in the middle of their course to go back home. Teachers know that as long as there are students, there's work.  Having said that, as teachers we simply cannot ignore the fact that our students - our customers - are human beings with real emotions and feelings.

Time is precious to teachers, but spending anything from 10-30 minutes talking to a student, stroking their ego and making them believe that YOU believe in THEM can make a profound difference!

When a student's light is switched on

Last week, my student (Ben) from Switzerland spoke to me after our Intermediate class and said that he felt the level was too high for him and that he wanted to move to Pre-Intermediate.  This almost never happens, because students usually want to move UP a level! He speaks fairly well and I could see that he had potential to do very well. I told him I'd give him extra homework so that he could practice his writing. I was happy that he agreed to this.

Within a week of talking to him and praising him in class when he got correct answers, he completely changed. As a matter of fact, he even started coming to class early and walked in with such a lovely smile on his face.

I'm sure any other teacher will vouch that it's such a wonderful feeling when a student's "light" is suddenly switched on.

I'm very happy that he decided to stay in my class and not move down a level.  Also, he now believes in his capabilities as much as I do!

When students need a boost of confidence

Last week, my Intermediate student (Ben) from Switzerland asked to speak to me after class.

"I think this level is too high for me. Maybe I should move down to a lower level," he said.

I couldn't believe it, because as teachers, we often hear that students want to move UP a level. He said that he understood most of what I was saying, but he felt like he was weak in his reading and Grammar. I suggested he give it a few more days in the class and also urged him to visit the library and listening center in the school.  On top of that, I told him that I was going to give him extra writing homework. I asked him to think very carefully about his request as his speaking is rather good - contrary to what he believes, and I feared that a lower level would just be too easy for him.

When I met Ben the following day, he said he felt a bit better from since he spoke to me.

Today, however - Ben walked into the classroom like a new student. He literally held his head up high, participated in the lesson and seemed much happier than he did last week. As a teacher, I was so thrilled to see him break out of his shell.

In my opinion, all Ben needed was to have his confidence boosted! I told him again today, that I would make it my mission to push him to his full potential in his quest to study English before leaving back to Switzerland in a few weeks time!

Late for class...again!

Image from Google Images

A few students - especially in my morning Intermediate class - have been arriving late. Class is meant to start at 09:00 sharp, but I have been lenient with students arriving as late as 09:15.  

It goes without saying that students who walk into a classroom after the lesson has commenced is a disruption - not only to the teacher who has to pause the lesson until the late student has settled, but also to the other students, who made the effort to be on time.

My Int class has predominately male students and two female students. Both females have expressed their annoyance regarding latecomers - which is beginning to get out of hand.

I have discussed this with some of my colleagues, who have suggested that I put a sign on the door saying that late students should go home. The exception is, of course, if they have a note permitting them to be late (or absent).

I'm not sure if I'm very happy to send late students back home and have been wondering what alternative I can use - perhaps something like a writing exercise to do as homework (as a form of punishment?)

However, with all due respect, these are adults we are talking about and if they don't take responsibility for themselves, then who will?

I'm interested to hear from other teachers: How do you deal with latecomers to class?

Bye Bye Teacher!

It's been an emotional week saying goodbye to students and teacher friends who I've known for the past 3 years. Here are some photos of me with a few of the kids. I'll upload another blog post about the sweetest letters they wrote to me!

Report Card Comments

I got this in an e-mail from my friend, Chetan:

These are actual comments made on student report cards by teachers in the New York City public school system. All teachers were reprimanded but, some of these are really funny!


1. Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started
to dig.

2. I would not allow this student to breed.


3. Your child has delusions of adequacy.

I can't turn children away who want to learn...from me!

I have to teach 3 weeks of English Camp during the winter vacation.

Week 1 - 3rd grade
Week 2 - 4th grade
Week 3 - 5th grade

I've run many of these camps before. They're different from regular classes because I teach alone (I teach with a co-teacher during regular classes).

Image taken from Google Images

The class limit has always been 20 students. That's a manageable class size.

Yesterday when I arrived at school, there were about 20 students (3rd graders) waiting outside the English classroom to hand in their reply slip to say if they wanted to attend the camp.  The final count was 22 students. 22 screaming hyper-active 3rd graders for a whole week...by myself?! I figured I could do it.

A little while later I heard that there were some students who were late to hand in their reply slip. Their homeroom teachers misunderstood and didn't send their students to the English class, so they got left out. So it wasn't even the student's fault!

I felt very sorry for them, but had to be strict and say no more applications. If I kept saying "Ok, one more student", I'd have to do it again and again. Also, the bigger the class is, the less time I will be able to spend with each one individually.

This morning I woke up thinking about how I had to reject those few students. A voice inside my head told me that I can't turn children away who want to learn...from me! I had to make a decision - should I bend the rules and allow them all in? I knew very well that I was getting emotionally involved with my work.

It's hard to divorce your emotions from work
when children are involved.

I called my teacher friend on my way to work at 8am and she said that it may be hard for me since I'd be teaching alone. Still - it bothered me.  I decided that by working here in Korea as an English teacher, it's not just a job for me, but it's service I'm providing. When I arrived at work, I told my co-teacher that I will accept the other students who want to join the camp. The latest count is 29 students.

This made me think of a passage I read in The Unmistakable Touch of Grace, by Cheryl Richardson.

According to the ancient philosophy of Vedanta, selfless service is called karma yoga, the path of selfless work, wherein every action is offered to God as a sacrament. By doing so, it is said that one eventually attains unions with God.

I felt so much better after I decided to bend the rules. I shared this story in a chat with an uncle whose advice I always take to heart. I feel so lucky to have mentors - all over the world. He said:

Some personal issues arise out of this:

1. If you bend the rules, there is always the possibility that you will be taken advantage of. Are you prepared to accept that?
   
   
2. If you follow the rules by the book, then your personal feelings come into play and can make you feel despondent.
   
   
3. With such a heavy load alone, what is in the best interest for you, is the question to be answered!
   
   and then..
   
   
4. Your peace of mind comes first, otherwise YOU WON'T BE DOING A GOOD JOB WITH THE FEELING OF HAVING DEPRIVED SOMEONE.
   

Well, I know I'm going to bed tonight feeling satisfied about my decision!

Oh Seo-gyun, not tonight!

After a pretty crappy afternoon (more in the next blog) all I wanted to do was head straight home from work, take a shower and climb into bed. Oh yes - and feel sorry for myself. My mum convinced me to go to the gym because it'll be better than moping around home.

Remember Seo-gyun from last week?

When I arrive at the gym, Seo-gyun is already on the treadmill. He doesn't see me. After 20 minutes he spots me, stops his treadmill and heads over to the one next to me. He tells me he hasn't seen me for a few days and asks what time I arrived.

He asks in Korean if Die Hard is fun. Die Hard 4 was playing on TV and I had it on.

I tell him I'm a little sick today - hoping he won't talk too much and follow me around. I'm really not in a chirpy mood and would much rather be punching something.

...but he does! He follows me into the dance studio and just stands there wanting to talk more.
He keeps asking me something, but I can't understand him.

He also asks where my classroom is. It's common for past students to visit their old teachers. Does he want to come and visit me at school? I tell him I move around a lot... sometimes I'm on the 4th floor, sometimes 5th.

When I head out to do some weights, the gym instructor spots us and gives me a big grin. After about 20 minutes, I'm ready to leave.

"Bye, Seo-gyun!"
He rushes behind me.
"I my go"

I say goodbye to him downstairs and we go our separate ways.

He yells in Korean, "See you tomorrow, ok?!"
I think I may have a tail!

Too emotionally attached to my students?

Image taken from Google Images

On Mondays after lunch I teach the 6-1 class. As I made my way to the front of the class, a few boys were saying, "Teacher - Thomas sad"

Thomas' Korean name is Sang-hu and he's the kind of boy who will ask me with a big genuine smile, "Teacher - How are you?"

When I ask him how he is, he has given me the answer, "I'm rainbow happy!" So he's one of my special students. The class knows I'm fond of him because he always waits till everyone's left to come and talk to me after class - maybe if he did very well in his class test or what he did over the week-end.

When I saw him today, his head was bent over and he wouldn't look up at me. I had to have a few students come to my office for a speaking test. When it was Thomas' turn, he came in with a big frown.

"Thomas, are you sad today?"
"Yes teacher"
"Why?"
No answer
"Thomas, tell teacher why you are sad"
"I want die"
"You want to die?"
"Yes-suh"
"Is it your friends?"

He starts to cry. My students usually cry when they get into fights with friends, but my 6th graders don't really cry openly (they're the seniors at school - but let's face it, they're still "babies")

"My is friends fight"
"Who, Thomas?"
He won't tell me his friends name.

I told him to sit down and I handed him tissues while he cried.

"6-1 teacher know you sad?"
He shrugs his shoulders
"I don't know"

I so badly wanted to hug him and tell him not to cry...but I couldn't. Because of boundaries between teacher-student. There was so much I wanted to tell him, but my Korean's not that fluent and his English isn't fluent enough to understand.

I sent a message to his homeroom teacher to tell him to look out for him. He replied saying he'll talk to him after school.

Kids fight. They make up. But in that moment of them crying and hurting ... anyone can relate, I think ...and for a child to tell me, "I want die" touches me. I know that some may say I probably get too emotionally attached to my students, or to anyone for that matter who pulls on my heart strings. I guess it's just what makes me human.

Today I questioned myself as a teacher

This morning I had speaking tests with the students. One by one they came into my office. I showed them a picture and they had to say a simple sentence which we've studied intensely.

"Let's play soccer"
"Sorry, I can't. I'm tired"

They're usually very nervous for one-on-one speaking tests, so I chat to them for about 30 seconds before we start. I ask them things like what they had for breakfast and what they enjoy about English class (I speak in broken Korean)

Today - as a teacher - I felt frustrated. A bit sad, too.

I asked some of them, "How are you?" and they replied, "It's sunny"
I repeated the question and they gave me the same answer.

I bet you're thinking that's so adorable, right? A year ago, I'd have thought they same thing. But for the past two and a half years I have placed SO much emphasis on basic greeting.

A: How are you?
B: I'm good thanks/fine thanks - and you?

So when a student answers "It's sunny" when asked "How are you?" I actually feel like bursting into tears. And - it was overcast and cold all day.

Weather is another thing I've drilled over and over again.

A: How's the weather?
B: It's sunny/rainy/windy

When I stand in front of a class asking them questions, I'm overwhelmed with joy when I hear 36 little voices chanting the answers back at me. I feel so proud to know that I've imparted knowledge to these little people.

However, the real test comes when a teacher is with a student on-one-one.


Today I questioned myself as a teacher.

What am I doing wrong? I certainly don't want to think that I'm [dare I say it] wasting my time?

I put a lot of effort into my lessons and was awarded for it earlier this year. I know there are probably other teachers who feel the way I do. I'm not a teacher by profession. So I haven't studied the sociological aspects of what is to be a teacher. But why aren't they grasping simple things I'm teaching them?

All I know is that I'm putting my all out there. How much are my students taking in? This is what has been bothering me all day.

My new lil' friend at gym

After a day of just sitting glued to my desk at work, I was looking forward to a good workout at gym. When I walked in, I saw a guy who looked familiar. As I approached him, he broke out into a big smile and waved at me. It was Seo-gyun, one of my first students I taught when I arrived here. Now he's in middle school.

"You here?" He points to me and then to the floor.
"Yes! You too?"
"Yes yes!" He nods his head.

I start on the treadmill and after 20 minutes, Seo-gyun appears at the treadmill on my left. He wants to talk. So I take out my earphones and talk to him. I'm so impressed with his spoken English. He was always one of those students who got almost every answer wrong, but never gave up. He's one of the few that have stuck in my mind. He was also teased a lot by his classmates as he was on the chubby side.

"You house where?" He puts his fingertips together to make like a roof.
I point in the direction of my apartment.
"My house hospital" and he points in the other direction.
(My apartment is near the hospital)

"You time here what?" He points at me, then to the floor and then to his wrist.
(What time do you come here?)
"Everyday is different, Seo-gyun"

"You. Man?" He points at me and then smiles.
(Do you have a man?)
"Husband? Boyfriend?" I ask him.
"Yes!" He nods his head.
"I don't have" and shake my head.
"Why?" He tilts his head to the side.
"You?"
"No! I is (running action) and... girl ... (come hither action)"
(After I exercise, girls will come)
"Seo-gyun, picture ok?"
"Ok Ok!" and he smiles for me.


My time is up on the treadmill. Seo-gyun follows me to my next stop. I'm there for 2 minutes before moving on, and I notice he's behind me again.

I then move into the dance studio where I'm going to do some stretching and hula hooping. Seo-gyun is on my tail. He picks up 2 weights and then stands next to me to talk some more. I have to tell him to watch out so that I don't hit him with the mother of the hula hoop doing its rounds on me. He starts telling me a story in Korean. The only words I understand are "grandfather" and "bus" (in Korean), but I try to look interested and nod my head.

This guy is so cute! I can't bust his bubble and ignore him!

A few minutes later, he asks if he can use my phone to call his mother at home. Sure. He walks a few steps away, but I can hear him tell his mother that he's met me at the gym. He's speaking fast and smiling. He calls me over to the window and points outside.

"My bike" He points down to a lonely bike against a pole.
"Oh good, Seo-gyun!"
"You is home when?" He points at me, to the clock and then outside.
(What time are you going home?)
"I don't know, Seo-gyun"
"You is home. I my home" He points with one finger to the direction of my apartment and the other to the direction of his.
(When you go home, I'll go home)

I carry on hula hooping and Seo-gyun sits on the floor watching me.
"Seo-gyun.." and I make action to exercise.
"Tired!"

By now, I can see that we've attracted the attention of a few people at the gym (remember - I'm a foreigner here so I stick out like a sore thumb!)

I want to do some weights. Seo-gyun follows me out and watches me. I tell him to try it out. The gym instructor comes over and helps him.

I move somewhere else and he's behind me again. I'm on my phone sending a text.
"Friend..mun-ja? [text]"
(Are you sending a text to your friend?)
"Yes!"

"Seo-gyun, I'm going home now! He rushes behind me and the gym instructor asks him why is he leaving so soon. He notices the huge smile on my face and he catches on that this boy is following me!

He asks Seo-gyun in Korean, "Do you like her?"
He tells him that I was his teacher.

Downstairs after saying bye, he asks me again what time I'll be at gym tomorrow.

I shrug my shoulders and tell him I don't know. I leave smiling from ear to ear. It's like he's so excited he's made a friend at gym! But the thing is, he's not exercising. He's just standing watching me!

Oh, and he was so impressed that I remembered his name after 2 whole years. So cute, huh?!

Pepero Day gifts from students

I got a few more after I took this pic. Some students gave me Pepero boxes today for Pepero Day. Two 6th grade boys wrote: "Teacher, I love you" <-- I was a bit surprised because my boy students are very squirmy about lovey-dovey things, but they're two of my fave boys ;)

H1N1 Frenzy at School

There were approximately 100 students absent from school today. And there were 3 (that I know of) confirmed cases of H1N1. One is a student in Grade 1, whose mother is a teacher at my school and the other two are Grade 6 students.

Apparently there were talks of the school closing for 2 days because of this... Will see what happens.