Here in South Korea things with covid is finally cooling down to a point where we are slowly returning to work. I normally teach elementary and middle school students and for the time being we have been returning to our normal schedule with the middle school students. A sort of trial run before we go back to teaching all the levels.
Upon the first day back we were catching up a bit and talking about the self-quarantine and most of us agreed that sleeping in and chilling at home was nice, for a while... Then it got kind of boring and we wanted to return to normal.
I knew I missed my work, maybe not my work so much, but more the kids I deal with one daily basis. I missed their silliness and their quirky jokes. Being back was great!
Today I want to tell a little story about a middle school student that is extremely gifted when it comes to drawing and painting. Motivated and very mature for her age so it was always nice just talking to her about all kinds of random topics. She is one of those students who always doodle in her books and normally I would put an end to it, but with time I realized even though she is doodling she is still listening and taking in all the information we are talking about so I let it slide a little. Like when we work at home and need some background noise, some music or for me some tunes from Infected Mushroom, the perfect working tunes. For her it is kind of the opposite, she works hard and her doodling is kind of her background noise that makes her take in info a little better.
Anyway, back to the point. The fiancé and I both worked at the same academy for a while but we tried to keep it a secret that we are dating as to not make things strange at the workplace since kids will be kids and they love to joke around about couples and I would honestly never hear the end of it. This student knew though, she is an avid Instagram fan and found the fiancé's Insta profile. We didn't really mind as we know she will not go around telling the whole academy about us. The student never mentioned anything but we knew that she knew, this cute little unspoken secret.
So yesterday when I got to class I could see she was pretty excited about something and had some snacks and a card next to her. I didn't make much of it at first but right before class ended and as I was dismissing them she handed me the card and the snacks and told me happy birthday before hastily walking away. It was very special and as I flipped the card over there was the picture that was on the Instagram account around the time of my birthday. Since we were not having classes during that time she could not tell me happy birthday and only now had the chance to do so.
This was the card, it was so cute and I really feel thankful to have such good friendships with some of my students.
The Korean text says something like sorry for snooping on your Instagram. =P
Happy to be back to teaching and spending time with my students!
Thanks for reading, until next time!
I didnt know you teached! Or maybe I just forgot hehe Good to hear that its almost back to normal in SoKor. Stay safe always! Thats a very nice gift btw.
Indeed I do, only basic English though. Still a pretty fun gig to work with so many cool kids. Thanks and I hope you stay safe too!
How Long was you in qaratain? And is it over at your Country now?
I Think Sweden is the Only Country where you still can go to work. Lets see If this is Good idea or not
We basically started in the beginning of March. Pretty strict rules and a lot of places were closed. Must admit they handled it masterfully, looks like the worst is over.
That picture looks nothing like you. Here's a real photo of you:
But, its nice to see South Korea going back to normal life. Doesn't look like thats happening anytime soon in America.
Hahaha, that is almost accurate =P Yeah, I think the worst is still to come for America. Must admit South Korea handled it extremely well and looks like all is under control for now
They can be pretty cool huh?
Ah, that’s adorable, how old is this student? She sounds really mature in that she didn’t make any gossip about you and even said sorry for snooping. Awesome kid!
Do you ever show your students infected mushroom? Hahah
She is around 13, but when talking to her your would not really think it and might think she is way older. Very awesome kid indeed.
Doubt they will like the sound of Infected Mushroom, they mostly prefer K-POP. like BTS or RED VELVET. They have massive fan groups for them.
That put a big smile on my face...I'm still smiling and can't seem to stop haha
Happy belated birthday @scrooger
I know right!? It was super cute and I will cherish that card always, so thoughtful. I will make sure to get her something for her birthday.
Awwwwwwwwww...
Happy belated Birthdayyy...!! 😊🍰
Thanks! =)
Positive and lovely way to get back to state of normal, nice to hear the students missed being at school.
Gorgeous card, happy belated wishes and strength going forward. Excellent to see some semblance of normal coming back!
Thank you, yes it is indeed good to see things going back to normal. Hopefully, that will be the case for everyone within the next few weeks. Fingers crossed!
How are things in your area in SA?
People are still rushing to buy in supplies many paid via Government Grant system, the township people I feel so sorry for they life on top of each other with nowhere to escape. This is a scary reality of how numbers have grown.
Older more established areas it is a lot easier, did start taking note a week before announcement, bought a few extra items then. No not toilet paper, shops will remain open, my daughter in law works in a butchery and said people are still arriving, although now on shorter opening hours and closed on Sundays.
How are you managing, is it starting to slow down?
It doesn't sound too bad there then, except for the townships. I am taking it they will also struggle stocking up and eventually paying medical bills.
Glad you got the necessities and didn't hoard any tp! =)
Here it is really calming down very few new cases per day and it looks like more people are just going about their day again.
They do still try to enforce social distancing.
Interesting but also a sad story, a big flower park here normally gets tons of visitors this time of year since it just looks amazing. Gets very crowded, they kept warning everyone not to attend this year but people are not listening so now they will be removing all the flowers, giving them no reason to go. Kinda sad...
Glad you are doing ok though!
Awww that's so cute :D
Adorable right!? Gotta give them credit for making my day =)
Is it also normal I South Korea to refer to teachers by their first name?
Not really, they just normally call us "Teacher"
Sometimes they would place our first name in the front but not often.