Hello everyone!!
I hope you guys slept well (or had a great day, or whatever appropriate thing to say here). I didn't sleep so great. I just couldn't shut my brain off. I was basically half asleep until about 4:00ish (that's the last time I looked at my watch anyway). Then I took a sudafed to help me sleep - awful, huh? But when I woke up at 8:00, I was glad I got at least a little sleep. I was thinking about what's going on with my friends, how stressful my week could be at school, and what I will do when this adventure is over. I know a little early to think about the end, but whenever I think about being here for the full year, I start to really panic. I think about what could happen over this next year (I think about missing the good things and bad things) and think I can't throw away a full year. So I've broken it down into 3 month increments. So at this point I'm considering the end around April-ish. Then I will reevaluate and see where I stand. Anyway, my brain just would not shut up.
Despite being pretty tired, the morning classes went pretty well. One kid (probably a 4th grader), Potter, couldn't be quiet in the first class and the punishment was a few minutes outside with his hands up and then he was allowed to come back in and stand in the corner with his hands up - I didn't want him to miss the lesson. He's a handful... just can't stop talking!
In my second class this morning, I had made up a board game and while it wasn't genious or anything the class (teenagers) seemed thrilled. One boy, Sean, was like "You are the best beautiful teacher." I think he was laying it on a little thick, but it was still nice - that was the worst class to teach last Monday and Tuesday and now I actually don't completely dread those 50 minutes...
Lunch was pork and rice... meat!!!
This afternoon I put an entire class in 'hands up' mode for the last ten minutes. They were openly talking and mocking and ignoring me. Feels strange to be a disciplinarian. I'm a hard-ass.
Well another long day with very little sleep (this is shockingly like last Monday), so I think I'll head off to bed.
Love you all.
12 comments:
Ya know... I think you have done very well for the first 2 weeks. You came into an established class. Not like here when everyone starts new together. They all knew each other and YOU were the new kid in school. Not only new to school, but new to the country, the apt, the food, the job... and the teaching. Give yourself a pat on the back kid!!! You are doing a wonderful job.
Keep up the good work!
Love ya
Aunt Sandi
Cool - Cassie the controller! Wonderful being the adult - ain't it? :-)
Wield that power, oh dominatrix of the Korean classroom! : ) Are most of the signs in English there? Your mention of Ubiquitous Dream along with my reading that Coca Cola is the second most universally recognized work second only to OK made me wonder.
You were suprised that that kid said you were the best and beautifull I have felt that way all of your life.You are doing such a good job. I guess hands up is a lot like a TIME OUT right?
I wish I had a solution to help you turn off your brain at night but I never have that problem...
Gramps said we need to check
Dwight's ID he doesn't think he is old enough to be subejected to all of this live style.keep on keeping on LUV U
Grams
Hey Cass or BattleAxe Lewis,
So far from what I am reading you are doing a great job at teaching those unruly kids. You show them who is "boss lady". Don't doubt yourself, your a beautiful person who has lots to share with them. Looking a those picture of Seoul are amazing! Looks so nice there and how lucky is Dwight! We miss you here in Colorado.
PS - save some Soju for us!
Love
Jen Hen
Eh, jealousy is so unflattering on me...wish I could be teaching. But I don't envy you having to punish kids. Are they better behaved than American kids?
Love you,
E :o)
P.S. Molly says "Piggy Five!"
Hang in there, Cassie. Just remember that there are plenty of folks back here that would love to be having the kind of adventure you're on!
And keep kickin' some ass!!
Hey Cassie Lou! Does hands-up mean they really have to hold their hands UP? I would get tired! Remind me never to be mean to you again. :-) Those pictures are awesome - so many colors and details! You look cute standing by those guard guys. I'm insanely jealous of Dwight eating all that food. I hope he shares! And remember - there is absolutely nothing wasted about the time you're spending over there - adventures are the best part of life and never a waste! Love you and miss you! :-)
LJ
Cass- Finally caught up with your first week...I'm jealous, plain and simple. I'm glad you are having fun and learning how to handle the kids, all ages. Ethan and Ali always loved you, so I had no doubt that these children would love you too. They say "hi" by the way and ask about you often (E and A that is). Take care and continue to keep the spirits up. Look forward to catching up with you again later in the week.
Love, Kandi
Is "hands up" even legal in the united states? Tell the kids to put their heads down on the desks. That's what we got to do, and it was like nap time for nine year olds - super radical.
Cassie, What a great story. About turning off the brain, I have the same issue. My husband tells me to close my eyes and think black. It takes a minute or two but then I'm right off to sleep. Keep up the good work and can't wait to read more of your adventure.
Cousin Susan
Sounds like generally, things in the classroom are getting better for you, except the afternoon classes. And at least you got something real to eat, today - or maybe real isn't the word - familiar :)
It sounds like maybe its a better idea to do it in 3 month increments, because then you can come home when you want to, you arent letting yourself get TOO homesick.
Even though I know its stressful sometimes, it sounds like you're definitely having an experience of a lifetime - I won't be the first (or the last) to say that I'm jealous :) I hope things get better and better for you, as time progresses, and maybe a year will fly by!
Talk to you later, sista.
Carilynn
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