10 years later

10 years ago I was settling into my new home and life in South Korea, 10 years! I was confident I would only be gone for one year, that's what I promised my family. I wanted to explore the art of teaching (knowing I had pursued the wrong degree) and experience life in a different country.  That year quickly turned into two, thanks mostly in part to the amazing students, coworkers and friends I met at school and in my community, the same people I call best friends to this day. I guess I knew years ago that Korea will always be home, but I continually found opportunities and reasons to leave: traveling SE Asia, Americorps and completing my masters to name a few, but I always found my way home...

If you would have told 23 year old Stephanie that in 10 years she would be back in Korea, living on Jeju Island and working at world-renowned international school I'm not sure she would have believed you.  Somewhere deep down I would have known and expected this outcome, but my constant self-doubt, imposter syndrome and disbelief in my own abilities would have thought this was only some pipe dream. Nevertheless here I am, realizing the dream I set in motion years ago, my want to live where palm and pine trees can grow, with 15 minute access to both mountain hikes and beach walks.

I'm still sleep-deprived (4:30 am wake ups - why!?), getting my bearings straight, and although I've only been here 4 days, it feels like I never left.  Having done this routine multiple times, it was only a process of going through the motions, deciding what belongings would go to storage (graciously provided by my brothers and sister-in-laws basement), accompany me on the plane or be shipped across the world. The logistics were fairly simple, but the goodbyes were not as smooth.  I know the COVID-19 pandemic has upset all of our lives and caused complications and nuisance, but it also brought us closer to family. I was lucky to spend two years watching my baby niece grow, aiding my grandparents as they age, and enjoying time learning and growing with my family. Goodbye was not as easy this time around, but I treasure the two years of closeness we experienced. I know and appreciate that my family will always be behind me as support and encouragement. 

Chicago-->Seattle-->Incheon-->Gimpo-->Jeju.

It was a long day, but when the plane came down in Korea I felt a sense of ease, I always do.  Something I love about Korea is the collective sense of care, and although sometimes this works against me in being 'othered' it also gives me a feeling of security. Somehow, I know that I'll be taken care of in this country. I know that has a lot to do with the positive experiences I've had along the way, but it also has a lot to do with what I give the country. I am continually catching the eyes of strangers, smiling children and curious ajosshis, and no matter how big or small these interactions bring life to the country, beyond Kimchi and BTS.  As I write this I think of the adorable toddler in pink on my plane to Jeju, the ajosshi with the Marine hat at the hospital, the security guards at school, the cafeteria ajummas, and more. In only 4 days I have a collection of memories filled with friendly and inquisitive faces, and these are the moments I treasure here - also great motivation to brush up on my Korean. :) 

We have two weeks of orientation, one for new faculty and one for the full staff, before school starts and I know it will be a whirlwind of information, work and hopefully a little play. I've become really good at nesting over the years and already have a home that feels that way, filled with knickknacks, treasures and memories I've collected over the years. The staff I have met so far are all phenomenal people, coming from every corner of the world with a vast array of past experience and education. Aside from the prestige and high caliber of the school, I am excited to interact with and learn from the diverse set of minds that I'm lucky to be on the same team with. 

I'll be working in the boarding program which means that I work after school hours, roughly from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. and cover all jobs a mom would in those hours. Teacher, advisor, sister, friend, and as I was informed yesterday from a past student, bug squasher. We will be responsible for running after school programs for the girls, ranging from sports to service, alongside the expectations to be available for academic and personal assistance, advising or guidance. The girls are divided into four houses and there will be 5 of us working with each group, each directly responsible for 10 girls, a group with which will bond as a family.  I also have been assigned the role of senior don, a position I applied for knowing that greater responsibility will push me to be that much more invested in the role. I'll be in the position for a year, and plan to take advantage of the environment and community around me aiding in the growth of future opportunity both here, abroad or back home. 

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