GIC

So, today has been an interesting day; don't worry it was a good day.

First Miranda and I went to the Gwangju International Center. We became members and signed up for Korean classes. They have 7 week sessions meeting every Saturday for 7 weeks. The levels are Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. I imagine that the classes are much like the dance classes that my parents were/are taking. What I mean is I imagine that you may need to take levels more than once to truly grasp everything they are teaching...even with constant practice.

I am beginning to realize what a real office job must be like...not one which doesn't have enough stuff for you to do, but one where there is constantly something to do, and you must keep yourself on task to achieve it all...and when you think there is nothing else to do, that is when you better find something, or you will be behind later. It is quite stressful, but I taught myself bad habits at work and I became lazy. I have several things I wanted to get done this week and I have not yet completed them...I am working on it though.

As for teaching, I am getting a hang of it. Everyone has there own style of teaching, but I feel I haven't truly found mine yet. I go directly by the book as much as possible. We do 2 pages a day (mostly) but this is deceiving because we also have workbooks, storybooks, write it writes, vocabulary and so much more to get done. I honestly feel it is impossible to do everything needed in the allotted time. I try very hard not to give homework, but I feel I am going to have to start. I also realize that I am going to have to become more strict in my classes, and now is the time to do it because the new teacher honeymoon stage is wearing off with the kids. I already feel myself learning more and more about how to teach, it isn't natural for me, but I am coming along.

Another interesting note is different perspectives on life. In America, everyone is paranoid about North Korea and their nuclear missiles however in South Korea it is a minor concern. South Korea's perspective is simply this...North Korea is not going to risk a nuclear attack against any country or countries ally that can wipe them out. Unless, said country/ies decide to force them into action with sanctions or whatnot. I don't know if I truly believe this line of thinking. It seems like you are ignoring a potential problem on the belief it will never become a problem, and that is foolish. On the other hand, it brings up a good point, the United States should probably not be the police force for the world. We should continue to carry our big sticks but perhaps back off from the parenting. Personally, I question American Foreign Aid programs at all...why are we sending billions of dollars over sees to supposed aid countries that just the money to build up their military and feed their soldiers? Does Good Will in politics ever achieve your true goals?