Finishing my last few days here in Korea. It is bittersweet. I am ready to be back in what Adam calls "the land of freedom" but there's so much I am leaving behind. I never thought I would care but I do.
June 8 was the last day of school and we had a half day on the books. Part of that was an assembly. Our headmaster had all of the teachers stand so that the students could thank them. I had been sitting with the 10th graders and while I stood there looking at all of the students waving and smiling it hit me. I wasn't going to see them again... And I had tears come to the surface. I would've been fine if I hadn't heard one of my 8th grader yell out, "don't cry mrs. Willingham." We all know that let's the tears fall... And I cried. I sat back down and laid my head on one of my precalc 10th graders shoulders. These are some of the best young adults i will ever meet.. Ugh... I am crying now. I don't remember much after that but when the assembly ended all of my students surrounded me and held my hand while I cried. Many of them cried too. We all ended it with hugs. It meant so much to me to have them all there consoling me. I have never had students affect me in this way. It is just amazing... This is why I became a teacher.
We have one more full day here.... Gonna go to dinner with a student's mom tomorrow. It as been an amazing 2 years. I have forever been changed by these people and this culture. As frustrating as it can be I think everyone should come here at least once.
1 comment:
So I know I am almost a year late on this post! But thank you so much for posting it. My husband is thinking there is a very likely he will get stationed in Korea and I was worried. But reading about your experience has made me feel so much better. Thank you so much for sharing!! Seriously.
Carlee
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