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
Friday, February 20, 2009
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
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MUSIC= A universal Language
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
Monday, February 09, 2009
Taking it back
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Finding the Next Move

Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday's eArly EvENING Thoughts
I am looking forward to the New Year there will be some changes happening at my school that I think will be beneficial to me. They are renovating my class room and I am getting a new Co- Teacher. I will def keep everyone posted on that.
Lastly, I did want to mention that being away from home and hearing bad news is very strange feeling. I mean bad news is bad news wherever you are. But there is something about not actually being there that hits home. About a week ago I received word from my Mother that a close friend of the family and church member passed away. I knew that he had been sick and I had been praying for a speedy recovery for him for awhile. I was not expecting him to pass in the time that he did. It home. Honestly, Its hard to describe the feeling. I do know that the brother was full of KNOWLEDGE I mean full! He was one of those guys in your family when you had a question about black history or anything he would know every answer to every question. To tell you the truth whenever I think of black history I think of Brother Frazier. I'm blessed to have been raised around positive Black Males to pattern my life after so that I can stand as a monument to the ones that came before....
I just wanted to take some time and def reflect on his passing. I guess God is collecting his Angels right? until next post. Liefs good
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
History is mADE and LiFE iS gOOD!
First, I want to state that I am by no means a political buff. I will admit that I have not be in tune with politics the way that I have tuned into this year's election. The biggest issue for me was that when I was young looking through the text books. I didn't see people that looked like me. Their was no people of color or different ethnic background. To me that sent a wrong message that I couldn't be in politics because the color of my skin. Now some reading may disagree with that statement or say that it's false. However I promise that is HOW I honestly felt. Then the problem thickened when I would go to church and here the Pastor say that " We are all Equal created after his Image". Well in my mind if we were all Equal how come I don't see people that look like me hold certain jobs!
Now by no means am I trying to turn this Election into A Racial debate. It's been a long time since I have had the pride of being AMERICAN!! The only other time was when we won GOLD for BASKETBALL THIS PAST SUMMER..hahha. Seriously, I am proud to be American. I am proud to be from the DMV area and always will... And I am proud that my Kids will look in the history books and see someone that looks like them. They will be able to say I CAN DO anything!!! I put my mind to! History has been made! I feel little distant but at the same time when I walk around and Koreans shout to me OBAMA and run up to me and give me hugs!! I know Change is being made!!! Until then people!!! HISTORY IS MADE AND LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Positivity
Last Sunday to make a long story short. I came home to my apartment to find that it had been broken into and my belongings stolen. My computer and Digital Camera were taken from my apartment the only two valuables that I have in my Apartment. Now when I came into my apartment I'm not going to lie I was baffled, angry, mad, and any other emotion you can think of. I think the thing that set in most was that my laptop was my lifeline back home. I love my family I love my friends and keeping up with them on a regular basis is ABSOLUTELY necessary while me being out here! That night I got no rest I had nothing or what it seemed like nothing to do. I glanced over at my Bible and began reading. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. I prayed that night. Maybe it was God telling me that I was spending to much time on the computer and worrying about videos and photos instead of spending some time reading his word during my free time. Maybe the only way for God to get my attention was to take away the two things that distracted me the most. Maybe. All I know is I am glad to be safe. Money comes and goes. Material things can be replaced but life can't. I have remained positive throughout it all because I know negativity only makes situations worse. This weekend made me realize you have to surround yourself with positive people in order to grow.
Until then I hope everyone reading is doing well and Rollin with positive people that are uplifting your life...Until next post stay blessed and remember always always LG...Life's Good
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Holidays in Korea!



Wow time is flying! I cant believe that its almost New Years! This time last year I was in practice running countless suicides and having two a days getting ready for the second half of the season! Now I am Half way around the world about to spend the new years in a New Country! Not to mention that I will have the opportunity to celebrate two New Years!! The Solar New Years in which WE celebrate back home in the states and also the Lunar New Year which is Jan 26th and 27th in which most Asian countries recognize as the New Year!
So Let me give you a quick quick quick update of what has happened in the past Week. I am going to type really fast so please excuse my grammar and all of that! Ok I was super excited about being in another country for Xmas bACk home Xmas for the past couple of years has always been a good time to relax take some time off of basketball..But there was always the thought of having to go back to practice so didn't get to enjoy like I really wanted to! But looking back at it now I miss it! Anyways Xmas eve me and my friends. Mike from chi town and joe from Australia via the states, and sue from Canada and states we all went to a famous place to shop called Dongdaemun at least I thought I was going shopping! Ok in my contract it says that if your payday falls on a holiday which is the 25th so xmas falled on my payday. You should receive your pay on the 24th! Ok So I was so amped to get paid..I get to the bank and my money is not there! So I could have gotten mad which I was Little but there wasn't any reason to get bent out of shape there was nothing NOTHING I could do! I checked on Xmas it wasn't there! then finally the 26th I called my co teacher and calmly asked her Why I wasn't paid. She told me that the lady in the office forgot?! lol haha hahhaha all you can do is laugh really lol....hahahha how do you forget to pay an employee! I tell you what One day I should not show up to school and say that I forgot however Two wrongs don't make a right...Long story short My money was put in my account that day resuming my Holiday! I WOULD not let that Major incident get in the way of me enjoying my Holiday!
Fast Forwarding to Xmas! Its funny to me how small the world is. A friend I went to college with is from Japan! Her family moved to Korea about a year ago! I got a call saying that she was in town for break! It was perfect timing it was good catching up with things going on back at home and at school and also seeing a familiar face was something I appreciated for the Holidays!!
I am still enjoying my time here trying to pick up on the language! Tomorrow I will go and have an exchange lesson with one of my friend and his co teacher. We will go and speak English in exchange for Korean lessons. It's a good way to learn about Korean Culture as well as share your own with Koreans that normally do not often get to speak English! IT WOrks out great for both parties!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Late Night Thoughts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Koreans- Respectful & Gentle People
I was going into burger king thinking I was going to get a meal and get a taxi and head home. This guy decides to go behind the counter! DID YOU NOTICE HE reached and ate a french fry! and Ate It! LoL if this happened in the states what in the WORLD DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN! THATS RIGHT HE IS BEHIND BARS FOR BEING INTOXICATED IN PUBLIC. Not here they just asked calmly not to do that and escorted him behind the counter this is support number 1!
hahahhaha these two guys are obviously drunk and fighting over who knows what! Lol the police come and calmly seperate the two! Once again what would have happened in the States? THATS RIGHT BOTH OF THEM KNUCKLE HEADS WOULD HAVE CAUGHT A CHARGE OR SOMETHING!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Constructive Criticism
This is how it should be! I should be teaching 70% and she should be teaching 30% before it was the other way around! Once she saw that the kid's were having fun! and were comfortable with me up there teaching she was at ease...I am a passionate person I do understand constructive criticism. Playing colliegate basketball has taught me that. Being able to take advice and learn from mistakes is very important in the work field or anything you do! My Co Teacher/ Boss told me the things she wants to see from me and thats what I am going to do.
I simply was being me during the lesson today and I believe that she saw the potential and the passion when I was teaching. This does give me hope for the future as I am still feeling my way around teaching! No one wants to feel unappreciated or that their doing a bad job! I just think our problem is communication and everyday we will get better at that...Until next time... Enjoy the photos below...And coming soon is VIDEO BLOGS FROM LUNCH, Health Club, Korean Cribs, and English Festival...Until next time I hope all is well and always always remember lifes good!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Attention: Board with your Desk job, Just Graduated, Want to see the World, Lovers of Asia, and want TO travel on a free ticket. South Korea is for U!
Teaching English in Korea
Requirements
Native English Speaker from- USA, NEW ZEALAND, GREAT BRIT IAN, SOUTH AFRICA, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA, and CANADA
Degree from any credited University
Documents you will need
The signed contract
Your original degree
Sealed university transcripts (unopened)
Copy of the Info Page in your Passport
4 color passport photos
A Signed copy of your resume with correct address and contact information
Criminal Record Check
MOST IMPORTANTLY HOW WILL IT BENEFIT YOU! (IMMA KEEP IT funky and real with You)
The Benefits
Round Trip Flight to and from Korea (I thought it was a joke! I did not come out of my pocket for my tickets. It was taking care of by my agent Teacheslkorea.com soon as I received my visa!) Before I knew it I was on a plane from DC- DETROIT-TOKYO-KOREA
Usually you will work M-F and work total amount of 22 hours. Which is about 4 classes a day (What they do not tell you is that you are at work from 8:30 to 4:30) However you are not working the whole day. School is out and kids go home around 1. So from 1- 430 its free time to do whatever you choose to within the school. In my time I email. Keep up with the site. Talk on skype. Watch videos. Try and learn Korean and talk to my other Co Workers.
Paid every month 2,000,000 yes 2 mill Won(It used to be about 1 to 1 but because of the economy it has gone done slightly but you can still save a good amount of money) sometimes more depending where your contract is.
Paid Vacation
20 Vacation DAYS
Health Insurance Coverage
AND THE MAIN REASON OR BIGGEST REASON I AM HERE FREEE HOUSING!!! (Yes, people free!!! the rent is free) back in the states living is your biggest expense eliminate that and you free up more disposable money to go towards something else.
Also benefits they dont list but that I am going to list!
Great people. meet people from all over the world. teaching is fun with the kids. always have money in your pocket. great public transportation. emerging yourself in another culture. communicating with someone who doesn't look and speak like you! All in all its a great Opportunity and I just want to share with others that are still not sure if they know what they want to do and want something different. Any questions don't hesitate to ask or email me at lyons.jered@gmail.com
Rock Papers Scissors: THE LAW

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Cheezy PUTTING ON for his City. TOP 20 Ranking

#23 Corey Dorsey
Position: Guard/ForwardHeight:
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Vacation: Thailand!

Monday, December 08, 2008
Just My Thoughts
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Germany
Switzerland
Turkey
Greece
Ethiopia
Tanzania
South Korea
Sitting in the chair at my Elementary school in Korea @ Taebong Elementary school my sister asked me what im doing... I respond "Nothing much just looking at ticket prices for THAILAND"...man whats wrong with me I said it as if it was nothing. Like everyday people say yeah im get up and go to THAILAND for my vacation.
Im not going to lie sometimes I just get caught up in life I forget to give thanks to the one who has made all of this possible.GOD...Thats one thing I NEVER EVER WANT TO BE is Ungrateful..I always appreciate things people do for me whether it is big or small..Sometimes I feel I dont deserve it because my actions and words don't reflect that of Christ or what I believe...My College coach used to always say your either going to do the right thing or the wrong thing there is NO GRAY AREA."Integrity is being able to do the right thing when no one else is watching!" ....I have this feeling that I am supposed to share my experience I am supposed to give back to someone else in some form or fashion. I truly believe that people is my passion. I thoroughly enjoy communicating with people from different walks of life than my own...I guess what I am trying to say is that being here in Korea has opened my eyes...Before coming here I NEVER!!! AND QUOTE "NEVER" had a desire to go to an ASIAN COUNTRY until recently...Look at me now bowing when I SAY hello and almost Advanced Chopstick user...Until next post....
Friday, December 05, 2008
Eastern Mennonite University Basketball Program's
Eastern Mennonite University Royals located in Harrisonburg, VirginaParticipate in the ODAC
The Lady Royals are off to a great year! We are currently 6-0 and 2-0 in conference play. Everyone by the looks of it is contributing each game. Whether that is coming off the bench to give your team a spark or if your serving in a starting role...Keep the Job up. From time to time I am going to post updates with how my Alma Mata is doing!
MY SQUAAD!!! Yeah that's right I'm a fan!! We been in the dumps ever since I got to EMU. We had a great team my Freshmen year and we couldn't put it together...I am excited about this class. Last year I got a chance to play with them and I could tell that this group wanted to win...Sometimes in order to LEAD you have to FOLLOW. Last year we had the pieces to do some things but it was more important for the young fellas to get to the tournament be in the ATMOSPHERE get adjusted to playing there....Now a year later...The Squad has things rolling knocking of Va Wesleyan for the first time in I don't know how long. Almost five guys averaging double figures in. We are currently 5-2...Imma keep posting up dates on here but keep doing yalls thing "REACH FOR THE STARS IF YOU FALL YOU'LL LAND ON CLOUDS"