When a Korean teenager quotes the Talmud in his writing assignment, I suspect this indicates nothing more than a strong set of internet-search skills. However, the fact that he used the quote meaningfully and in an appropriate context shows some talent with language, too, I would say. Always little stunning things like this, to keep me motivated.
Ever since my crisis last month with my T2's, I've been getting happier and happier with my students. But, balancing that is an increasing discomfort with my coworkers. Part of that is, undoubtedly, the transfer-of-power taking place as the independently owned-and-operated School of Tomorrow becomes transformed into a small branch campus of LinguaForum Academy, Inc. But I also feel that my way of coping with my teenagers' recalcitrance (i.e. backing way off, ending arguments about whether homework gets done, etc.) probably isn't in accord with the do-more-sooner and work-harder philosophy of the other teachers.
My feeling is that I'll get more accomplished exposing them to English in a relaxed, informal and pleasant atmosphere than cowing them into compliant tasks of mindless memorization. But it's hard to quantify results, which is what parents want. So I'm not sure how this will go… of course, with a new curriculum coming soon, it's all moot.
Meanwhile, one thing certain to happen with the new owners / managers is that I will probably end up working more hours, at least at first. It's already started to happen – I had to come to work early yesterday and today for these long, tedious presentations to parents about the changes in the school (tedious for me, anyway, since they're conducted in Korean, and I can do little but be a nice American-looking spokesmodel standing around).
So I'm exhausted, and feeling like the flu is trying to make a comeback. And I'll be working Christmas day… well, not exactly working, but interacting with coworkers at an obligatory Christmas party. I don't really resent this at all – I look forward to it, as I might get to know some of the new people associated with the new corporate parent of our little hagwon.
Walking home, I had an ecstatic moment when I understand not one, but two words in a row in an overheard fragment of conversation between two people walking the opposite direction. You have to understand, this is a milestone, as such overheard conversations of passing pedestrians are quite challenging for a language-learner. I understood, exactly: "blah blah blah … my younger sister… blah blah blah" I have no idea as to context, etc. But it was cool to hear it and know for certain what it meant. We take our victories, however small, right?