My Last Days in Korea

I was cleaning up my apartment for the next scholar (because I'm awesome and don't want to leave people with a dirty place), and I came across some material that I made towards the beginning of the semester for my students.  Fairly poor material I might add. At least compared with the type of scaffolding that I am able to put together now.  This was the beginning of my flash back of my time in Korea.  After this, and looking through my previous blogs, I can't believe how much I've grown since being here: teaching skills, personal skills, and eating skills.

So here's to Korea, and what I did for my final week.

By far, the most difficult part was saying goodbye to my staff and students.  Even though I'd like to tell myself I will see them again someday, we all know that isn't the case.  But for the moment it held back some tears.

Kids falling asleep on me.

Some kids in agonizing pain, knowing that I may be gone forever.

I think I left the biggest impact on my sixth graders. They know my point.

And outside of school, I have made some of the best friends and had some of the greatest times of my life.  I'm happy to say that I didn't hold back any on my final weeks here. 

Saw the Big O in Yeosu.

Saw another really crowded beach at the Boryeong Mudfestival.

Saw some great musicians play at a club in Gangnam.

I got to see The xx, Vampire Weekend, The Cure, and more at the Ansan Valley Rock Festival! :D

And what better way is there to end it than with fireworks at the Pohang Firework Fest? 

So now I'm sitting here in a hotel room waiting for my departure.  I'm packed. I'm ready to go, but I don't want to go. Thank you to my friends and family back home for not holding me back from the best experience of my life and I'll see you soon.  But I'd like to especially thank all of the people I've met in Korea: friends, staff, students, bus drivers, restaurant workers, and other random Koreans who helped when then didn't need to help.  

Korea...peace out.  See you again.