Korean Job Discussion Forums

jaderedux · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Lurking outside Seoul

Today is teacher's day. I got several letters from my students but this one has to be the best even if not perfect. I teach middle school.

Dear Miss Jade teacher,

Hello Ms. Jade

My name is Lee Seung Hoo. I respect you. You are good teacher
mmm... When I entered the SJM school flankly (frankly) I hated you because I didn't like foreigner but what I think was a mistake.

You are my real teacher. As you know, my attitude is better than one of second grade. I want to be good student in your heart. I'll do my best in your class during this year, I want to get along with you. Thank you.

From your smart student Lee Seung Hoo

I had several letters but none as honest as this one. I only wish I had found this career before all my other ones. I love these kids and yes we can make a difference. One child at a time, one attitude at a time.

Jade the misty and teary today.

Been There, Taught That · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 4:49 pm Post subject:

That's the only attitude I ever received from my students. They were my ultimate example of giving what you get. I tried really hard to educate them for the sake of their learning, putting aside all pressures and agendas given to them by adults around them, and they responded by letting me know they were doing the same, just trying to survive by getting to know and like people on a person-to-person level.

I can say that, different to what is real in my country, kids there are still encouraged to appreciate what is done for them and outwardly show their respect. I believe that, as you said, that's a valid and ongoing reason that people come to teach in Korea and Asian countries in general.

And the money's not bad.

xcelr8r · Joined: 08 May 2007 Location: Amsterdam

I can't get over the fact that they hated you from the get go when you came to help them. So, through all the work and sludge, you turned one student from the darkside. Was it worth it??

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

FXAdam · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Location: Seoul-si, ROK

I got a big jar of pickles from a brother and sister set.

Home Style Baby Dills.

Somehow I feel your letter might be a little more heartfelt.

I do appreciate the gesture though. I also like pickles so it is all good.

mehamrick · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Location: South Korea

Homer · Guest

Cool of you to post this letter jade.

We do make a difference.....if we put the effort in.

jaderedux · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Lurking outside Seoul

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

What a great post Jade.

It seems all we focus on here are the deviant hogwan owners and how they try and screw us over.

It's very refreshing to read about the tender side of things.

pest2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada

besides the money, often the students are the only reason to teach English in Korea.

Beej · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Location: Eungam Loop

Your student likes foreigners now, but will hate you again once we get the new Ohno, Switzerland, or GI's driving over school girls incident.

MANDRL · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Location: South Korea

OP, great post. My fiancee and I both received similar letters from a few of our students. We got a few other gifts, but the letters were definitely a refreshing upper. I believe if we choose to be remembered and make a difference, we can. I know many people on this board believe otherwise, but I believe it's a matter of ones desire to teach. Not everyone is a teacher, so this is not a surprising attitude. We both have our degrees in education and plan on teaching when we return to the States, so we want to be teaching, we want to make a difference. Maybe that is the difference, I don't know. It was great to receive some very heartfelt letters though, we do make a difference.