Miryang 57th Multimedia Festival

 

Track and Field Competition

So the day before my co-teacher, literally called me and said I was going to go to a sports competition. The first thing that came to my mind was "how about class?" He told me that they all will be participating in the event. However, I had to teach after school classes. It would of been better if he told me ahead of time in advance. I'm pretty sure if its a city wide event, the days were most likely set. I had lesson planned for all my classes for nothing and I can't use it for next week either. My co-teacher teaches the sections and we alternate sections on what the students left off. Hence, that I only go to that school once a week.

My co-teacher is not the best person to describe directions at all..neither am I. That is the reason why I don't give directions to anyone and that is why they would receive a map from me. So I ended leaving my house at 8:20am to give myself a head start in case I get lost. So here I go walking around remembering the directions in my head that he gave to me over the phone the other evening. I followed the instructions and 20 minutes passed by and I didn't see any signs that lead me towards city hall. I started to doubt the directions he gave me and gave him a ring. We were going back and fourth on the phone until I told him just let me know what the name of the place is, I can find it myself. I was a bit frustrated...so my co-teacher told me to give my phone to a stranger, not a bad idea. So I found a plant shop with a cutie inside haha.. I said hello in Korean and literally stuck my phone in his ear because he didn't know any English at all. 

But anyways, October 17th was a city wide sports athletic competition in my town. The best runner of each age group represents there school. I also seen some of my other students from my other two schools that I teach at. They all greeted me with big smiles. I told them a term that Koreans use a lot, fighting! I was wishing my students the best. It was a nice experience to watch my students participate in the athletic competition. I hope throughout this school year I will be able to participate in more school events and cheer on  my students.

Exploring My Town

 The first month in Korea I explored my small town. It has quite the view. The park is one of my favorite places to take a light jog. It has a lot of hiking areas which I will take advantage. I love hiking.

My park has pretty 3 D drawings on the floors of the park. It is quite breath taking. Super detailed and the work looks amazing.

 This was a bit daring. I decided to hop on the bus and see where it takes me. I found out that taking the bus no. 1 and 2, it takes me to the train station in 15 minutes or less for 1100 Won and I passed by my local library, other schools and places around my town. So if I am a bit lazy that day, I'm taking the bus. Also taking a bus no. 1 or 2 from the train station takes me near my apartment...win-win. 

 A Temple near my house is about a 5 minute walk. It is really pretty but I didn't have the chance to check it out yet. It is on my to do list. 

My park view:

xoxo-chuiee

Employment offer to teach English in South Korea

     After waiting for a week or so after the interview, I received an email from Alistair Wery with exciting news. An employment offer from Gyungnam Office of Education for Chodong Elementary School in Milyang. I was really excited. I was literally prancing around my house with joy. I was so excited to share the news with my family and friends. I called each and everyone of my family members and close friends to let them know. They all knew I was doing something crazy like always. 

     Back to the contract, even though commencement was July 1st in the email. Alistair had emailed me a different arrival date which stated in the email, July 30. I had put in my two weeks resignation letter the beginning of the last week of June for my current employer at that time. I was leaving my job the first week of July and I was planning to spend the rest of July with my family before leaving to South Korea. Alistair had sent me an email, asking me for a good time to call me. (I'm thinking, he wants to check up on me on how I am doing?) Alistair and I were chatting and I told him all my documents were completed. Before hanging up Alistair said, " I will meet you next Monday." I said, "Wait, what?" I was confused.

 I immediately started asking questions and reconfirming with him if June 30 was the correct date. He reconfirmed that the date is June 30. I even told him that he sent me the wrong date in the email so 

I resent the email he sent me stating July 30. He did apologize via email but I honestly think it should been on the phone. I also blame myself for not doubling checking with Alistair verbally.      

 At this point, I have not even packed yet. I didn't even buy my plane ticket. I had several days before leaving. Alistair had told me the WRONG date. I needed to fly out June 29 to South Korea. I had to arrive June 30 in order for Alistair to pick me. I was so frustrated and a bit angry. I literally bought my plane ticket after getting off the phone with Alistair. I purchased my plane ticket through Korean Air. 

For the remaining days I had left in America, I was baffled and packing like a lunatic. I had to repack literally 5 times because my luggages were way to heavy. I also did not have time to pack the items I have at home in storage boxes like I planned too. I didn't have times to say goodbye to my close friends.But, I was excited to begin the next journey of my life in South Korea. This is my experience before leaving the United States and it was hectic.