Today I had one of my best students visit me. I taught her for about 7 months but as it is customary with the way my school works, she was moved to another class after she reached a higher level and could handle more challenging books. Although I was happy that she had mastered everything in my class and was “leveled up”, I was sad to see her go. When no other students did their homework, she did and because I would reward her, other students started to do their homework as well. She always studied hard and it showed in everything she did in and outside of class. It was great to see her today but also sad because like other students she wonders why I cannot stay longer.
She heard that I was leaving in two weeks and going back to U.S from her younger sister who is in another class of mine. She came to say goodbye in case she didn’t see me again. I made only one or two spelling corrections to the note. She wrote,
I heard that you will go back to your hometown. It’s good to you, but I’m sad. Because you are my funnest Teacher. You make me happy everyday. I’ll miss you. But I will send you email just like my other Teacher. I sometimes send messages to her. I’ll send you too.
I heard that Theshelen(Teacher from Canada) went back to his hometown and I will try to send him email too.
Thank you for Teaching me English. I’ll always miss you Tata Teacher.
Erica
This is why I do not like goodbyes because although you leave a part of yourself behind in memories of those whose lives you’v touched, it is usually not enough. Life is a continuation and the only thing constant about life is change. I understand this and it is easier for me to move from place to place since I have been traveling sine I was 10. It is difficult sometimes however and this is one of those times. And I know it is difficult for them too. The only place I have stayed for more than 10 years is America since my immediate family is there and the rest of them are spread out across the world. From Africa to Europe, from Japan to Canada and from Germany to France and France to America they are everywhere. So it is not new to me to meet and develop deep relationships in a place and root a part of yourself in it and then find yourself leaving those who have come to embrace you behind.
I have 14 days left in Korea. My chances of coming back although in a different area are high. I can already see the growing sadness in most of my students faces. Although others are happy that I am leaving (you can never win them all), it is nevertheless a difficult transition for me and them whether they see it or not. After all, we never really understand or appreciate what was until it is no more.
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Wow, I know this period is bittersweet for you! I’m at the 5 month mark, and I know I’ll be where you are before I know it.
Feel confident knowing you have impacted these children and they will always remember you! Even the ones who act like they don’t like you
Have a safe trip home!
Yeah it gets to that stage where you start to wonder how difference you have made in their lives. It is reassuring when students let you know that you have done good by them. Even the ones that put up a face do eventually pull you to the side and ask questions about your departure which lets you know that they do care to some extent. Count each day and enjoy it. It won't be long; my return might be sooner than I thought but we will see how things are on the home front first. Enjoy
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