The Walk to Oblivion

If you’ve been reading my blog, you may remember one co-teacher in particular that I found quite frustrating.  The one who taught the lesson I was supposed to teach and called me out for “not being prepared” in the middle of class.  Well that may not have been the best start to working with her, but I can say that things have gotten much better.  I’ve realized that her stare (which used to come across as angry) when I am talking is really just her concentrating and listening to what I am saying.  I learned the other day that she went to school for German Education, not English.  I wouldn’t have expected that because we are able to communicate pretty well with each other, even better than I do with some of my other co-teachers.  Things have gotten better and I’m thankful for that.  Of course sometimes all you need is time to get to know someone.

We had midterms from Monday through Wednesday this week, so the kids were allowed to leave school early once they finished the tests.  On Wednesday there was a walk planned for the whole staff.  We were supposed to leave at 1:30 once midterms were over, but of course things don't tend to happen on time around here.  The walk was along the river in Hwamyeong, where I live and where the school is.  Sounds kind of nice, right?  Well we were supposed to walk until about five o’clock.  Three hour walk?!  I have to admit, I did not have the best attitude.  That’s just too long.  And I was going to be walking with people who tend not to talk to me.  So many of my co-workers even avoid eye contact.  I think they’re just nervous around me.  Really though.  A lot of them don’t even acknowledge passing me in the hallway, even if we’re the only ones there.

I expected there to be some sort of announcement saying we were all leaving for the walk.  Some of the teachers were even wearing sashes.  Not sure what they said because I couldn’t read them, but they seemed to make a big deal out of this walk.  No announcement, though.  I guess everyone left when they were ready to go.  I ended up walking with only two of my co-teachers, one of them being the co-t I mentioned at the beginning.  We left the school a little after two o’clock.   About 40 minutes in, with my co-teacher trying so hard to shield her skin from the sun (which is very common here) and mentioning how hot it was, she turned to me and said, “Kelsy, if there is a proper movie time between now and (motions to try and figure out the words) why don’t we see a movie?”  It took me a second to realize she actually said that but of course “Why not?!” was my response.  She then started running!

I ditched the work walk with two of my co-teachers after only 40 minutes to go to the movies.  We saw Oblivion—definitely a good one! I found the whole situation to be so funny.  Of course I wouldn’t mind going to the movies!  My other co-teacher seemed a little worried that we shouldn’t leave the walk, but no one else was around.  And it provided a nice little bonding moment for us.  I realized I shouldn’t have had that bad attitude all day.  Spending time with your co-workers here is important, so I need to do that if I want to have a better experience at work.  Plus, I never know when we may have another walk to Oblivion!