In about 24 hours, I'm flying from Seoul to Tokyo. I'm saying goodbye to my job at LBridge, but only a very brief farewell to Korea.
The plan: 2 weeks in Japan, 1 week back in Korea as a tourist, then to Minneapolis. After that… road trip (Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, LA, Humboldt, Portland — big circle). Expecting a month or more pause in LA, though. After that… ? Back to Asia, most likely. Looking at Vietnam, Tawain, Mongolia, and/or back to Korea. I'll have to see what sorts of opportunities turn up. It's best when all is in flux…
And here's why I really like this teaching thing. I feel like I'm promoting myself by sharing this, but this letter I received from a student really touched me, and affirmed why it is I like trying to be a teacher so much. Here it is, mistakes-and-all:
Hi, teacher. I'm Shaina.
I write this letter because I want to give expression to thanks.
For the past six months, thank you very much. I was very shy, and I have no confidence about English. But you were bring conviction to me, so I gain confidence about English. Untill now, I announced many speech. But always I was tremble and wobble, but teacher was always praise me. So I can get good scores. And you teach our very funny and interesting. So I always respect you. But you will go will go back to America. So I have an unsatisfied feeling. And I'm sad. ^^
Even though you go back to America, I will not forget you. Thank you, teacher. and good-bye.
from Shaina.
What a great note of honor, Jared — How touching, sweet, and wonderful! Teaching really is a noble profession! — So very satisfying and worth while! Thanks for sharing! I’m certain that your students really will never forget you!