My Second Korea-Versary!

January 8th marked my two-year Korea-versary! Wow!!

The first six months here went so slowly. Every month felt like three. Every experience was so new. It was like learning to function as an independent adult again -- figuring out what to eat, how to sort trash, where to buy toilet paper.

Around the six-month mark, I started feeling settled. By the year mark, I had this on lock. I had explored all the big attractions on my to-do list. I was finding the hidden gems of Seoul and setting bigger bucket list goals.

My second year helped me grow as a teacher and as a person. I solved new problems in the classroom, formed new bonds with my students and co-teachers, learned to keep things simple (for sanity's sake), and began to view my job and the world through a different light. Actually, we don't just view life through one light, do we? The lighting always changes, so we've got to adapt to the changes, be it with sunglasses, clear lenses, or just by closing our eyes and letting it pass.

When I worked at Disney, I thought I knew Change. Then, I came to Korea, and boy oh boy. Change takes on a different shape and form in my work culture here every few seconds. Love it or hate it, I've learned to adapt. Resistance is futile, so I've just learned to go with it.

I've been learning to set boundaries and say no when I need to. I've been learning to ask for help when I need it. All in all, I can sum this up to one word of advice: Communicate.

I've learned that I love my life. Even when times are tough, I remind myself that I'm living my dream. I'd never imagined this was possible, even though I'd always dreamed of doing it. I feel so much personal fulfillment through it all. I'm so grateful to the people in my life who support me: my family, friends (including you reading this!!), my co-teachers, random supportive strangers, and my students, who make every day worth it.

I'd originally intended to celebrate by going out and shooting (with my camera, of course), but I got hit by some sickness that's kept me homebound for five days. I've PCR-tested twice, and thankfully, it's not COVID. It boggles my mind that I've gotten so sick, despite how careful I try to be. But today, I finally feel like I'm coming out of it! Though I hate doing nothing, I'm incredibly grateful to live in a country with great, affordable healthcare where I can afford to simply rest.

Not so long ago, back at home in the US, I used to feel guilty whenever I got sick because it felt like my life revolved around work. I felt incredibly guilty whenever I used a sick day. These days, I still value working because it's wonderfully rewarding when you enjoy your job. But for the first time, I'm putting my health first and don't feel a speck of guilt about it. Neither do I feel hesitant about visiting a doctor. This pandemic has taught me not to misjudge the value of the finite things in life.

Anyway, all this to say, here comes my third year of South Korea. It's been a marvelous journey with many lessons and memories. Thank you all for following this path with me. And if you've made it to the end of this ridiculously long post, then here are some invisible points you can cash in for a lucky day or something guilt-free.

If you're still here, I'd love to invite you to watch a recent presentation I gave at my company's end-of-year meeting! I talk about the hats I've worn in my life and the lessons I've learned from wearing them.