Missing Foreigner Joy? Try American Joy

American Joy has been my new blog of my life back in America. Although I'm busy being a grad student I try to keep up with it and give insights into my new life back in Seattle. You can see not only tidbits about my life but also fun things I'm doing around the area.

Thanks!

Proud of My Work

Before I ever left for Korea I was working at an Insurance Company in San Francisco. My boss was this kooky old Japanese man who lived by a lot of morals and codes. Have you ever watched Mad Men? The office was kind of like that, and even had old type writers.

While he was training me to be an Insurance Agent he would now and then pass on knowledge. This one time he told me that when you do a job you should do it right. You should do such hard work that when it comes time for you to leave (for whatever reason) the company should be sorry to see you go. At that time I was fresh out of college and with a small work history behind me. I tried my best at that job, but know I could have left it better.

His wise words have carried with me in Korea. As you know I struggled at the first few jobs I had here, then I started to get momentum and understood what hard work means. It doesn't just mean showing up on time, doing paperwork and being there. It means going beyond the call of duty and probably working more than you should.

At the job I'm leaving now I know I am leaving behind hard work. My colleagues and supervisors might not be exactly telling me, "We wish you could stay" but I know I've left my mark. Although the Vice Principal did say she was sad to see me go.

However, I'm proud of my work at this job because of what I experienced today. I was organizing my desk and getting things ready for the new teacher. Throughout the year I kept binders of my work so to keep a record and just in case things came to this. I looked through my two full binders of "worksheets" and realized what great work it was. I made 90% of the worksheets by scratch. The binder of "lesson plans" weren't just short pages with an outline of what to do, but detailed and lengthy. In the storage spaces along the walls were spread out five large plastic bins full of materials, I also made from scratch. In addition, I bought blocks, cards and other hands-on stuff for the students. I'm leaving this all behind for the new teacher, and hope they use it.

When I walked into this school to teach 1st Grade math I was left with scant supplies and lesson plans. I started from scratch and built up a curriculum that I think is effective. However, I know that there is room for tweaking, but that's for the new teacher to deal with.

Leaving a job feeling satisfied and proud is a really good feeling. In the end, I don't really need a supervisor to tell me "good job" because I saw the results in my students and work. If you are an English teacher here in Korea I would encourage you to put in more than you have been. You might think it's not worth it because of the salary and quality of your institution, but it will develop yourself so much.

Anyway, that's my thoughts on this last Monday at work! (Official last day is next Thursday...next Monday is a holiday).

Goodbye desk~

Goodbye chalkboard ~

Excited to Attend Seattle University

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About a year ago people would ask me if I was going to stay in Korea for the rest of my life. My typical response was something like, "Unless I can figure something out to do back home, Korea is my home for now." I really didn't think about going back home and heading to graduate school. But as we all know my mind changed and I'm heading to be a student again.

I thought I would spend some time talking about the program I am heading into. Located within the Education department I will be working on getting my M.A. E.d. TESOL (Masters of Arts in Education with emphasis in TESOL. When I was picking which school to attend I mostly focused on the West in areas in California, so that I would be close to family. What I found was that most programs were situated in the English or Linguistics department and had a strong emphasis on the technical aspects of the degree. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this but as I looked at SU's program I began to see that it fit me better. 

As I did the research I liked that the program prepares, "...teachers of ESOL who will be successful classroom teachers in a wide variety of institutional settings and cultural contexts." I was also impressed by the information available online and how organized it all was. In the courses section, they didn't just list them but provided what kind of work will be expected from students. 

In addition to this I liked hearing that most classes were offered in the evenings, no more than 25 students per class and that they have internship opportunities. One catch was that they are on the quarter system, which I am not familiar with. So I will need to get use to doing my work faster than before and having shorter breaks. But the prospect of a new city and an enticing program are what finalized my decision to attend SU. 

Am I ready to be a graduate student?

I'm not really sure what I could do to prepare myself to go back to school, other than take interest in articles and media related to my field of study. I'm definitely mentally preparing myself for the challenge and considering the hard work ahead. 

But mostly I'm excited to be a student again and to head back to the classroom where ideas and discussions will be fervent. I have found that by attending the Seoul KOTESOL workshops I enjoy learning and discussing about topics in TESOL. Also, I feel I have a lot to say and add to the conversation. Mostly, I'm looking forward to turning my five years of work in the field into something professional. 

Why not stay in Korea, keep your job and take an Online course?

A few years ago I took an online TEFL certificate and worked really hard at it. I didn't have classes to meet up with online, but did most of it on my own time. However, that experience taught me that I missed the classroom. I'm not entirely sure how Online courses function, and from what I hear there are interactive sessions. But I really just couldn't see myself working full time hours then coming home to do my homework. I think I function better in the classroom then from a distance. Sure economically it makes sense to do your degree Online while keeping a salary at the same time. However, I do intend to find part-time, internships or volunteer work in the field to keep my teaching skills sharp. 

I hope all of that sums up what my program is about and also why I chose it. If you are thinking of taking your teaching gig to the next step professionally, I hope this gives you some insight into that. :)

New phone, maybe a new car....future

I'm not really a materialistic person. If you know me you will see I don't have a fashionable and expensive purse dangling from my arm, or the latest handphone clutched in my palm. However, that doesn't mean I don't desire material things. My return to America is pointing me in the direction of building up a new life. I have the opportunity to get a new phone and contract, along with furniture for my rented room.

However, bigger options are starting to cross my path. Like the possibility of leasing or owning a car. The last time I owned a car was a few years before I moved to Korea. It was a used Toyota Cressida that was nearly as old as myself (at the time). That car served me well during my early college years, but later on the poor thing overheated a lot. I ended up donating it to a radio station.

So I've never owned a new car, or at the least a slightly new car. The thought of getting one has me all excited but also a bit nervous on finances. With a car comes more monthly bills to pay, but heck it also gives you a lot of freedom! Road-trips!

Also I think I would use my car to help people in my community. As I was perusing through one of Seattle's websites I found that there is a volunteer service you can join. They help drive seniors to the grocery store. Basically, when you need to go to the store you go pick up a senior, help them and you're done. You get rebates on your car insurance and help out with gas. I thought that was a clever idea.

Yet, I'm not too sure I should really dive into such a financial commitment right away. The place I got isn't too far from the campus, just a 15 or 20 min bus ride away. Near my home is a grocery store and pharmacy. So I am kind of going back and forth on this. Then I lean towards "yes" because I know I want to take up internships or volunteer work within the ESL field, and a car might really help with that.

So in essence returning to America has me buzzed about so many things. I've really enjoyed living in Seoul where having a car is impractical. But maybe it's time to hit the road. ;)

Korea's Future Without Me

The recent Korean Presidential election reminded me that this country's politics and future is going to roll on without me next year. I am surprised and proud of Korea for electing a woman President, but I know that it doesn't necessarily mean more rights for women in this country. However, with the figures for the number of people who voted this election I can see that people care about their country's future and want changes to come.

To be honest I'm not deeply involved in Korea's political scene or know in depth the problems Korea faces. However, I know that it's very expensive to get a house here due to many reasons and that I for one would like to see things change to help people settle down.

Korea has changed so much in the five years I have been here, and mostly in the commercial landscape. Take Itaewon for example, a town that when I first visited felt like an oasis for foreigners. This was because not many Korean people seemed to be there inside the restaurants and bars. I mean there were Korean people there of course, but when I mentioned "Itaewon" to my Korean friends their typical response was, "Is it safe?" Now Itaewon has become the hub of gourmet restaurants and swanky clubs, almost starting to look like Hongdae's outer areas of swankiness. This is all good and fine, but for those who remember Itaewon as it was it's a huge a change. My point I want to make is that I think Koreans have changed in a way of embracing Westernization and accepting Westerners here.

Anyway, I've learned in the past to not talk too much about Korean's and their opinions as some think I was wrong.

If I were to wish for Korea's future I mostly would hope that the country continues to prosper and also find peace with it's neighbor up north. Of course that can't be accomplished if North Korea continues to be as stubborn as it is.

Roboseyo has a good post about the election, which he put up after a slumbering period of no posts. Now Korea will have five years of President Park Geun Hye, and I hope she delivers what the people want.

As for me I'm heading home to my country where a fiscal cliff looms and guns laws need to be tightened. However, I am not afraid to return to my country in the state that it's in. Besides I'm moving to Washington State where they just legalized marijuana and gay marriage!

San Francisco > Seoul > Seattle

Ever since I left my dad's house to attend community college in Humboldt County (Eureka, CA), it feels like I have been a nomad. I think it's a symptom of my age, where we don't settle in one place. But this allows one to explore and see the world as they move around. That is why as I find myself packing things up and heading to Seattle, I know I'll be ready for what's ahead.

I also find it somewhat iconic to be going from one big city to the next. In San Francisco I worked at an insurance company that was right in front of the Pyramid building, and a block from Chinatown. 

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Living in San Francisco, for the most part, was where I gained my city feet and learned how to survive in the urban environment. Having come from Eureka, a town of probably just a thousand people set against the deep redwood forests, living in the city was certainly new. When I decided to come to Korea I wondered if I was prepared for Seoul life, a city of millions. 

I left the triangular tower and came to Seoul with it's iconic Namsan Tower set in the center of everything. 

(my photo)

What really can prepare you to live in a city of millions of people? Everywhere you go, whenever you go is crowded or never really empty. Life flows on the streets so abundantly here that the buzz only dies down on certain holidays. But this doesn't mean it's a bad thing. It just means this is a city that beats and constantly spins to it's own rhythm due to the number of people and it's culture. I've often felt when visiting back home in my dad's small town an eerie feeling of the lack of people around. Seoul is a vibrant city with so much going on that you hardly need to dig deep to find meaningful experiences. 

Leaving Seoul behind is a hard decision as it is a city that has truly grown on to me. I have felt like I fit in here after so many years. But it's time to look forward and onward, and this time the place of interest is Seattle.

(source)

I have never been to Seattle, and in fact it will be the Northwestern most point in America that I will end up in. People tell me it's a fun and great city to live in and I believe them. From what I've read the place is buzzing with good food, live music and an eclectic scene of artists and creative people. 

Already I've found museums and parks that I want to explore, and with Canada right up top I might take an adventure there too. Since I'll be a student they have plenty of cozy cafes to warm up in with my laptop or books. And libraries!! Yes, Korea has libraries but you know..wasn't the same. 

It's going to be a new place to discover and I hope to get involved in the community and get to know what makes Seattle buzz. 

Anyway, just wanted to share this interesting set of facts about my life. Winter is here in Korea and I have to keep warm thoughts as the temperatures drop down. So here is looking ahead to the future and appreciating where I have been in the past. Cheers!

Pancake Thanksgiving

I didn't really feel like spending the cash having a real Thanksgiving this season as I'll be back home and can eat whatever I want pretty soon. So instead I made blueberry pancakes with a friend, who had never made pancakes before. It was a good time! I found that box of Bisquick the local Lotte Mart supermarket for 9,900 Won and couldn't resist bringing it home. Maybe next up ...biscuits!

They turned out as scrumptious as they look!

Getting On Base: My Visit to Camp Casey

Located north on the blue line is the US Army Garrison known as Camp Casey. Throughout my whole time living in Korea I have never gone on any of the US Army bases here in Korea. Of course the main reason being that you can't just walk in, but need to have an Army personell escort you. Through some random act of the universe I was invited to go on base with my blogger friend Jennipal. She has a friend who works on the base and so invited me along.

It was a lot of fun meeting Jennifer, as we have only met one time long ago, randomly and briefly while we were at the same hospital. However, I had thought I had met her before but apparently had myself confused.

When you enter the base you go through a building that checks you in. Here you hand over your ID and passport, although US citizens don't need to. They keep your ID and give you a temporary one to carry around on the base.

After stepping out of the check-in room it was like walking out of Korea and entering into a small town in America. Grassy lawns and buildings with few signs on them makes you feel at home.

There were few cars moving about and mostly you saw Army guys and gals wondering around. It was a strange sight knowing Korea is just outside the walls.

Our first stop was the food court where Taco Bell, Burger King and a few sandwich shops were up for grabs. We chose Taco Bell, even though you can get it around Seoul these days.

photo = Jennipal

After our meal and admiring the fact that I paid in Korean won and got US dollars back, we headed to the pool to cool off. I was told I could use my US credit or debit cards and not be charged any overseas penalties  Oh the wonders of an Army Base!

The pool was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it with my friends. 

This summer I really wanted to go swimming and felt my prospects of that were slim, unless I wanted to join the pools at the Han river and swim with lots of children. So I was incredibly pleased and grateful to swim in a pool that didn't require a cap or goggles. Plus the whole vibe felt relaxed.

After our swim and fun times we showered up and enjoyed a tour of the Camp grounds. It was fun to see bunkers, army vehicles and barracks laid out amongst beautiful lawns and mountain scenery.

Everything was in English of course, including advertisement banners.

If you can find a way to get on base I would highly recommend it as it certainly is a way to "get away" from the hub-bub of Seoul. Although my friend's friend didn't have access to the shopping areas I still enjoyed my visit. Plus I feel like I got to experience something unique within this country.

For more pictures and blah-blah head to Jennipal's post of her take on the trip. Also for some old time pics of the base and to see some history check out this link.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Interior shots of the underground Metro station in Washington, D.C. Having rode the subway in several different major cities, I can say this one wasn't too bad. The reality is that the Korean subway system is just so far superior in so many ways, it's hard to beat.

This will be my last post from my recent vacation to America, as the last thing I really did there was visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with my mother. The day was a lot warmer and sunnier than the one before, which made viewing the monument spectacular.

I studied the artistic aspect of the memorial in one of my art history courses in college and so had that as my primer. But I think one can't really be too prepared to see this monument as it reflects such a dark history in America's past.

Yet what I mostly took away from this visit is seeing how other people reacted to the wall and those sorts of interactions.

Along the path of the wall were volunteers with pamphlets one could use to rub off the names, but also served as an information packet. Lots of folks talked to these guides who provided historical information and explanation of the design of the wall.

As for myself, I was of course moved by the simplicity of the design and the sheer number of names along it's surface. I couldn't help but think how all these people passed away for something that is now history.

My mom commented how she saw the men in her high school classes go off to war, and wondered if any of their names were up here.

My mom took a moment to recognize the sun shining down on all the names and considered that this must have been no coincidence as she remarked, it must be to keep them all warm.

For me this was the last place in D.C. I visited with my mother before I was whisked away to the airport. Before doing so we caught a glimpse of the memorial for women veterans.

I highly recommend this as a "must do" when visiting D.C., even if you think it is just part of the tourist side of the town. One really can't miss this monument as it represents a great turning point in America's history.

The National Gallery of Art

The wind was blowing a chilly blast but we headed to The National Gallery of Art anyways. Inside this humble building are vast halls filled to the wall with art from long-ago to the more recent. The West Wing houses the more traditional and classic works, while the East Wing is for contemporary and modern art.

We mostly explored the West wing and I found myself seeing works from well known artists such as Cezanne to some I didn't know.

Dutch still life is always a treat ~

I liked how as you finished one section of the gallery you go through the garden atrium in the center.

Heading into the Impressionist wing was exciting and certainly was the more popular section of the building.

Although the free-willing aesthetic of Impressionist art is mind-capturing, I still enjoyed the occasional still life in all it's detail.

Since we had just an hour left before closing time we tried to get in the East wing and see some modern and contemporary art. Certainly this wing was set up differently to accommodate the modern scale of art within the last few centuries.

The above is a walkway section that links the East and West wings. As I stood there trying to photograph it I got yelled at by one of the guards for being too close. Hmph!

It was fun and looking back I wish I had gone into the Smithsonian as well.