Graduation day at the academy

For Korean students, the new school year starts this March, and our school says goodbye to our oldest middle school kids, as they go on to High School and thus say goodbye to the world of hagwans. Last year they were all students that David (who had left earlier in February) had taught, so I didn't really know any of them. This year is different, as one of the girls I have now taught alomst every day since last February and 2 other girls and a boy I have taught off and on for months. This age group is probably my favourite to teach, as they are getting old enough to actually have their own personalities, opinions and attitides. It takes a thick skin to teach them, as they will just say whats on their mind. Also, Koreans don't have social issues with commenting on one's appearance, mistakes or other faults anyway so add that to a smart ass 14 year old and you can just use your imagination. However, they also have real ideas that go beyond "I want a cookie". The little kids are fun to play with, throw around, make faces at etc. but the older ones are fun to joke with and talk to. One student in particular I will really miss. Her English is as good as a few of our teachers and even though she is grossly over worked she still rarely shows annoyance or frustration (as I'm sure I would have at that age under the same conditions). She's also been a great source of info on the lives of Korean students. While I really admire/envy the Korean work ethic as an adult I have to admit that I am happy I was educated in Canada and lived there as a child.

Anyway, a few will be back on Monday before Tuesdays holiday, but some will not. The same goes for teachers. SEI has always had a phenomenal turnover rate for Korean teachers and the end of this month sees three leaving. While I've only had the opportunity to get to know one of them, I'm saddened that so many are leaving at once. I also wonder what the academy will do with so many vacancies. On the plus side, I do hope that I will be given a few more classes in March to fill the gaps.