Nic's Sunday DinnersDespite the sad ending to my 2nd term, my third term was greeted with much more disappointment. Although I was highly ranked and proved to be a loyal and hard-working instructor, I was screwed over when new schedules came out for the Spring term.
Monday: Eagle Reading 4-7pm Elementary
Tuesday: Albatross Reading 4-7 pm Elementary, Memory Tera 7-10pm Middle School
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Albatross Listening 4-7pm Elementary, Memory Tera 7-10pm Middle School
Friday: Albatross Listening 4-7pm Elementary
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Albatross Reading 10am-1pm High School, Masters Writing 1:30pm-4:30pm
Not only am I working on SUNDAYS, but I do not have two consecutive days off. Perplexed and bewildered, I begrudgingly presented the news to all my friends. We all sighed. Despite the worst schedule in the world, my FM did promise that I could choose my Summer schedule. I guess I have dodged the bullet long enough without having to work the weekends. I'd rather have my pick of days in the Summer versus the Spring term.
We are finally in Week 5 of the Spring term. Although every term is dynamically different because of schedules, new instructors, and the season, I would have to label this term the most bizarre. CDI apparently hired too many instructors, therefore had to limit everyone's hours to 24 despite requests of 27 or higher. Something new that is happening this term is giving a midterm exam. Instead of the 1 level up test (IBT: Internet Based TOEFL--how middle school, high school, and university judges students). The students complained a lot because it covered every vocabulary and chunk they learned for the past 4 weeks. This was the most unnecessary and irrelevant test because the scores did not affect their overall grade, therefore were boosted so that the lowest grade was a B+. Why put these students through more stress? They get so much flack from their parents and Korean society. Whatever happened to kids having fun and enjoying being their age?
Every teacher will agree that every term is different from any other. My first term, I was focused on an ex-boyfriend and trying to impress my head instructors. The 2nd term was aimed at building on improvements made on the first term and enjoying the single life. Hence, all the winter shenanigans that ensued. Now, I'm in my 3rd term. Every instructor, at least at my branch, agree that 3rd term is where it's all downhill from here. The average career life of a Chungdahm instructor is 1 year since we have contracts. 70% tend to leave, while the other 30% resign for another year of CCTV scrutiny, spoiled kids, and a 10% resigning bonus. 3rd term is when most instructors have established a rapport with their respective head instructors and hopefully where the FM has had enough time to gauge you and favors you above newbies. With this said and thankfully established during my tenure, it is safe to say that my 3rd term thus far has been smooth sailing. I have been given ideal upper level classes and my head instructors hardly ever give me feedback because they now trust my teaching style after 2 terms. My FM hardly ever says anything to me or asks me to do anything. I guess the best part about being moved to the test prep building is that I rarely have to substitute.
Noraebang After Chasing Soju with Soju Cocktail
John, Norma, & Me
Xiao's Going Away Party @ Monkey Beach (Thailand in Korea)
Ladies Night in Itaewon
St. Patty's Day & Chris' Birthday
Ben, Norma, & Me
Dancing at a bar in Kondae (Konkuk University)
Chris, Ben, John, Norma, Me, & Dave
Despite the horrible schedule, my third term has been full of shenanigans. Because my schedule does not fit with any of my friends, we have somehow established Tuesday as the new Friday. Somehow, Thursday, Friday and Saturday also became heavy drinking nights. By heavy, I mean bottle service, noraebang, supporting our co-workers at Texas Moon, a dive bar in Apgujeong (Beverly Hills/5th Ave. of Seoul) or late night movies at a co-workers apartment. **Reference Uncle Buck or Kung Fu Panda. It has been draining term, but it has been rewarding too. I have gotten to know a lot about co-workers who I would otherwise just make pleasantries with in the break room. I have not only made new friends, but have made somewhat of a Nowon crew that finds each other after work every night and every weekend sharing inside jokes and pumping or perhaps persuading to go out again. One of my problems throughout my life is that I've always been everyone's friend. I was a floater or people pleaser. Throughout college up to now, I have tried to make an effort to turn down my naivety and make a few close friends rather than a lot of acquaintances. I'm so fortunate to have found my "close group" and happily a new boyfriend as well. But that's another entry...
Battle of the Bands @ Texas Moon Bar
Dave & Me
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