lao-ocean-girl

Remember a few weeks ago when I was making myself passport pictures? Well, it was for my E-2 application. I got a job. In Korea. For at least a year. It’s in the southern suburbs of Seoul, at at university near Anyang. Ras and I will be working there together.  For reference, it’s 43 minutes by subway to Itaewon. Maybe you’re wondering, “But lao-ocean-girl, I thought you were going back to school?” To help explain things, this is part of an email I sent to a friend:

When I was home, I spent October-December taking classes at Portland State University. Since I had already been in Korea 4 years, I had an idea that I wanted to continue teaching and maybe get my Master’s in TESOL. Before jumping right in, I wanted to take some linguistics classes first, and make sure it was a path I really wanted to follow. Well, I found my classes challenging but eye-opening and received “A’s” in them. So… I’ve come to the realization that I want to be a “real” teacher.

Even though my classes were interesting and I learned a lot from my classmates and professors, my life at home wasn’t very fulfilling. I was staying in a spare room at my brother’s house. As much as I love him, it was difficult being comfortable in someone else’s home. The furnishings were his, he had a routine that was followed, a way of doing things, and TV shows that had to be watched at certain times - on the only TV in the house. Anyone who’s had to live at a friend’s or relative’s for a long time will understand what I’m getting at. Even though there was more than enough room for me, it would never really be “home” to me. In addition to the living situation, the travel bug was still biting. It’s a weird thing, but being in the States felt too comfortable and easy. There was no adventure in my day. If I needed something, I could easily get it done. People understood me. I know that’s a funny thing to say, but I enjoy the spontaneity and surprise that come from living (and traveling) in a foreign country. The difficulties that one might find in living abroad aren’t burdensome to me - they’re welcomed challenges.  I’ve learned and grown so much in the five years I’ve been abroad.  I definitely don’t want to live in Korea forever, but I’m expecting to be here for two more years while I continue my education online. I’ve now got goals and plans I’m excited about.  It’s good to be alive.