Newspaper Article

*I was given the privilege of writing an article for our middle school newspaper, in light of the end of the semester and my upcoming departure.

Greetings to my Cheongryang family!

As you have probably heard by now, I will be returning to the USA at the end of August. When I think about leaving Korea, my feelings are bittersweet. (Bittersweet is a word we use to say something is both happy and sad at the same time). I’m sad to leave Korea because I have enjoyed my time here so much and have grown to love so many people here. At the same time, I’m happy to return to Indiana to see my family and friends again. I am also excited about my plans to go to graduate school to study TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) & Intercultural Studies. I am looking forward to learning how to improve my skills as an English teacher.

As I reflect upon my time in Korea, I am overwhelmed with gratitude (thankfulness). I know that I will never be able to completely express my thanks to you all, but I’d like to at least try…

교장선생님께 & 교감선생님께: Thank you for giving me such a warm welcome to Korea. You have been so gracious and generous to me. I especially appreciate your consideration concerning my apartment in 봉화산 and my trips back to the States. Thank you for being so thoughtful and sensitive to my needs as a foreigner living here in Korea.

선생님들께: You have all been so welcoming, thoughtful, and kind to me. You have been patient with my very limited 한국말 and so many of you have taken extra time and energy to speak English with me. I’ve cherished our times together – Volleyball, Morning Prayer, English Bible Study, Christmas parties, Teacher trips, 회식 dinners, snacks in the 교무실, and random conversations. Thank you for some wonderful memories.

영아 선생님들께: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I often chat with Native Teachers who have had less than ideal co-teaching situations. These conversations always remind me of how blessed I am to co-teach with each of you. I am forever indebted to you for your helpful feedback and support. You have shaped me into the teacher I am today. Thanks so much for all that you’ve done!

학생들에게: It has truly been a joy to teach you! I’m thankful that I could spend my first years as a teacher in Korea with you. You’ve taught me so much about loving, learning, and teaching. Even though English can be difficult sometimes, I’m proud of you for working so hard. Remember: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! J

Finally, I want to thank 하나님for bringing me to Cheongryang Middle School. It has been such a wonderful journey to see how God has answered so many prayers and blessed me with such wonderful people to share my time in Korea with. I prayed for you before I even knew you and will continue to keep you in my prayers.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

With much love,

~ Teacher Holly

P.S. A special note to the 3^rd graders: It’s been such a joy to teach you twice – as 1^st graders and as 3^rd graders. I’ve really enjoyed seeing how you have grown and matured so much. I’m sorry I can’t be here for your graduation (ㅠ.ㅠ), but I will be thinking of you. Best wishes to you in the future!