Back to the Beginning

I remember wishing that I could go back to kindergarten.

In junior high, when morning started coming too soon, and in high school, when the homework hit hard, I wished I could go back to the days of nap time and the ABC song.  I would've killed for a field trip to the zoo or a picture book to read.  The good old days were gone, and I couldn't go back.

Or so I thought.

Typical tourist strolls. 

Nearly two months ago now, I was quietly going about my business at the private middle school academy that I'd been teaching at for 11 months.  I was enjoying a rare 10 minute break, when my boss's number appeared on my phone.  The words I heard upon answering were vague, but implicative: Karen, how are your plans for next year looking?  

Having a great idea, but a blank slate, I confessed that they were yet unmade.  Hearing this, he spilled.  A position had opened up at a sister-company, which happened to be an English-only kindergarten in the area.  The previous teacher up and left, so they needed a replacement ASAP.  Uncertain, but agreeing to at least talk to the president of the kindergarten, I hung up.  

That was Monday night.  Tuesday morning I had an interview, and Wednesday, bright and early, I became "Miss Karen" to a class of twelve frightful 5-year-olds.  

True self shines. 

I was shocked.  I wasn't expecting them to be so small.  I forgot that they need help wiping their noses and have to be reminded to wash their hands.  They yelled, screamed, fought, ran, and who knows what else.  I simply watched, struggling to stay standing.  

Cafeteria lunch comes on in. 

Saturday, I packed my things and moved to a new, smaller and shabbier apartment.  Then, Tuesday, I left for a week-long trip to Canada.  After floundering in the festivities of a good friend's wedding, I returned to Korea and re-faced the classroom.  Nothing had changed.  They were crazy.  I was tired.  

Two Optimus Primes, a skeleton, Harry Potter, an alien, and the Black Ninja. 

Fortunately, necessity took me under her wing and I began to gain control of the classroom.  I adjusted to the schedule and punished the "handfuls" like crazy.  Then, I began rewarding the well-mannered ones.  Although they are still themselves, the students have improved a thousand-fold since I first met them, as has my overall outlook on life.  I, too, though, am still myself. 

Six princesses. 

This contract is set to finish at the end of February 2013.  After that, I'll have to re-decide, re-plan, and perhaps re-construct, as this plan could very well be dashed, too.  Knowing this now, I'm not as uptight about the details.  As important as it is to make plans, it's also important to realize that they could, and likely will, change.  For better or for worse. 

Thanks for reading :) 

***

SNAPSHOT

Jane, me, and Jenn -- on the town.  King SeJong's got our backs. 

MY PLACE

The new apartment -- looking at the front door, about to exit.

Turn 180 degrees -- looking forward after entering through the front door. 

Glance to the left -- the washer, kitchen, and window area. 

Glance to the right -- the small inlet where I spend so many evenings. 

The "second room" -- equipped with a 2-for-1 sink-shower combo.  My fave.

BONUS FEATURE

Education is intense.  This is the back door of the kindergarten I work at.  Registration for next year begins tomorrow at 8:00am, and parents started camping out at about 2:00pm today.  This was the line I passed at 5:30pm on my way home.  Dozens of parents will bear the cold all night just to ensure their 4-, 5-, or 6-year-old gets a spot in school -- an early stab at success.