Stepping Up

Wow! This has definitely been a good week. I came back from having some time off for the past couple of weeks. When I left they had started construction on the English Zone (the section of the school that is designated strictly for English purposes). I honestly don't know if this will improve the kid's English but I hope so. If anything else I think it will generate an excitement for the kid's to be excited to learn. I know that just being around the whole process has created excitement for me. I feel that I have to step up to the plate now and really deliver. Taebong will have state of the art facilities, resources, and equipment. Before all I had was a book to teach from and limited materials. Now sky is the limit. I also feel like I need to step up to the plate and deliver. My school has involved me alot with the planning and construction of the zone. I have given valuable input of what things should be added or taken out. I have given names to certain areas in the zone as well as hand pick inspirational phrases that will be posted throughout the zone. Also this week my school told me that they want to hire another native English teacher as well to be in charge of the after school programming. Even though I have many teachers at school with whom I talk to on a regular basis. It will be nice to have another native English teacher with me there as well. Here are some photos of what the zone is looking like so far

Lighten up on the BUS!

Last night my friend and I wanted to get out of our city just for awhile. So we hopped on the bus and went to the next city over and met our other friend. The three of us just hung out and basically talked the whole night until about 12 or so. We talked about life, home, and Korea etc. Anyways as we are on the bus coming home we are talking on the bus. We are not talking loud! We are not using profanity or talking about anything inappropriate. We are simply having a casual conversation until an older lady turns around and motioning us to be quiet. I found this to be EXTREMELY RUDE! I sat to myself thinking no this lady did not turn around and shhh me! I sat there I didn't respond back to her in anyway. I simply pretended that she didn't exist. As I go on talking the bust driver starts FLAPPING AT THE MOUTH. hahhaha I have no clue what he is saying but I know he is telling us to be quiet! Now I don't know if it was because I was a foreigner or if he was in a bad mood and didn't want to hear noise. Either way I thought it was very disrespectful and rude. I could understand if we were so loud that we were disturbing the ride of others. However we weren't! We were sitting right across from each other talking in a calm tone. I have noticed KOREANS are uptight when they ride public transportation. It's as if everyone is mad at the world. I know for a fact they always talk about happiness and being happy. Geez!! they even have a WORLD KNOWN COMPANY! in LG where there slogan is LIFE'S GOOD!! Wow? that's interesting if LIFE'S SO GOOD do me a favor and LIGHTEN UP ON THE BUS! just thought I would share that with everyone...Hope everyone is well peace

MUSIC= A universal Language

I am sitting in the auditorium of Taebong Elementry school as I get my thoughts out for this blog. Monday is Graduation day for the 6th Graders.
In the ceremony there will be a prelude that will be played by some of my fellow co- workers. Usually when everyone comes to work it is to teach. There are not
many times where you get to see other teachers in another light because the time you share with them is at school. Well today I had the chance to connect
some more with the teachers at my school through the gift of music. The day for me ended when it started lol. I do not mean to be funny but the school year does
not start until May 1st so until then the school is undergoing maitnece and construction of certian areas in school to prepare for the upcoming year. I was walking around
the school searching for something or someone to talk to. I decided to go upstairs to where the graduation is being held. I opened the door to melatotic sounds of the piano,
chello, and violin. I wish I would have listend to my parents and kept up with it! They always told me I would regret and sure as the day is long I def regret it.
Three teachers whom I adore professionally and personally. The way that the three of them where effortlessly playing made me feel some type of way. They always say
that it is never to late to start learning how to play an instrument. It was good for me to see them in another light than teaching. Also I don't know why I am surprised
it is very common for at a young age for Korean kid's to take intstrument lessons and stick with it. However I was really surprised when the one teacher that was playing the
chello stopped playing and laid the chello ever so gently on the floor and hopped on the piano as if she never played the chello. All three of them played multiple instruments.
For this brief moment the four of us spoke the same language. We all enjoyed each others company and the passion for music. Today was a very dark and gloomy day in Korea
however with the sounds of all three instruments blending together made my day! I can honestly say this is what I invisioned when I signed the contract to come to Korea
not only did I want to give part of my self to the school in which I would teach at but in Some way I wanted to connect with my school and Co- workers on a personal level and that is exactly
what is happening here. Today made me realize that this was the best decision that I could have made for my life at this point and time. Needless to say Im happy about life. Im happy about my
deicsion your boi! is doing it super big. Until next time remember always always! LIFES GOOD

Taking it back

Im in a real chilled out mood. I had a great dinner and evening with some other teachers in my area. I hardly have any classes this week as they are remodling my area. I have no Homework lol! Im in a great mood. I am going to take it back! I remember not long ago when I was in Elem or Middle school my Dad used to play Anita Baker hard. I remember him having the Anita bumping in the car or if we were cleaning up the house. I was listening to a Rap artist named Drake and he has a song in which 9th wonder samples a track from Anita Baker - Sweet Love. So I had to go back to the original song by Anita Baker and vibe out. So songs for you Pops! I'll be home soon to vibe out

Finding the Next Move

Its 2:27 am on a Tuesday night I should be sleeping because I start work tomorrow after being off for the past two weeks. I want to get my thoughts out before I head to bed. In the night time is when I have time to reflect on my past and thinking about my future.

I was watching one of my favorite movies Finding Forrester and I found myself absorbed in the movie thinking about the future. I think why I love the movie so much is because I was very similar to the main character. I went to a private school in High School to achieve "a better education". I was a standout athlete on the basketball team so I believe some teachers didn't expect much from me. I always felt the need to go above and beyond to prove myself that I could do the work that was given. Anyways to fast forward my thoughts I have been here in South Korea for 5 months now. I am starting to put light pressure on myself to figure out my next move. I have always struggled with doing what society forces you and steers you thinking you have to go to grad school to get a decent job. Should I just find a normal job and live low key? Should I come back and do a second year of teaching? My thoughts are I want to do what I love and that's basketball. In some shape form or fashion I want to be around the game. This film recharged my thoughts about the possibilities of being a GRADUATE ASSISTANT (assistant on a basketball team while studying for your masters). Tomorrow school starts back up so I will have plenty of time to get back networking, sending emails, and getting information on grad school. For now I am just going to try and be a sponge to this Korean culture and do my very best at teaching.

This Months Activities Will Include

Basketball game every Saturday Night in Feb with my Team x-bulls

Visiting Cheongju

Preparing for the John Legend Concert

Following up on some Saving Goals

Networking back home for the next move

p.s. If you haven't seen Finding Forrester I suggest that you download it and watch it! Or get to your nearest video store and rent it