Exciting Day!

Yesterday I found out where I am going to be teaching! Apparently I will be located in the middle area of Busan, and will be teaching at two different elementary schools, Anrak and Dong Sang. I am so excited! There are definitely pros and cons about teaching at two schools, but I think the pros will outweigh the cons for me. I will be compensated more, first of all, which is great. Second, I will have more to do (kind of - the lesson plans will not be very different because they are both elementary schools, but I will have to deal with two different administrations and that will take an extra effort), but I will also create relationships with two different schools, which is great (especially if I don't particularly mesh with my co-teacher or principal in one of the schools, then I can just focus on the relationships that I have at my other school). Also, I will see more of the city by going to two different schools, even though they are pretty close together. Lastly, I have the opportunity to create great relationships with not just one but two co-teachers, for apparently many English teachers find these relationships very rewarding.

Another very exciting thing happened today...I was at breakfast carrying my books in my Ironman satchel, and someone comes up to me and asks me where I got the bag. We started talking and apparently he does half ironmans!!!! AND - he is planning to go to Hainan, China to do the half ironman there, AND IT IS THE SAME TIME AS THE IRONMAN!! Which means that I will have a travel buddy! I am soo excited about this! He also knows of a few races around the area which is great. However, he is looking to possibly go pro, so while I plan on trying to run with him a bit and possibly bike when I visit Jeju (where he will be teaching) or when he is in Busan, I will only be able to train with him when he is on his chill days, because...well, let's just say his goal time is crazy fast and there is no way I would keep up with him. But that could give me incentive to get a lot better fast!! Wow, I just can't believe that happened. That really made my day.

Orientation is taking a lot out of me. It is very informative, but some of the things they are telling us are kind of freaking me out, like sometimes the co-teachers don't stay in the room with you although they are technically supposed to. Also apparently sometimes teachers as well as parents will come sit in on class to watch us, which I am kind of nervous about, because since parents but such a high emphasis on education they are very particular in what and how their children are being taught. I know I will have some problems - it is inevitable - just everything coming all at once is making me very nervous...but I am still very excited to get to my schools, meet everyone, and start teaching!