Breanna's Travel Blog: February 2017

So when did it finally hit me? It wasn’t when I got the job offer 2.5 months ago; it wasn’t when I left my four jobs to spend time with my family and friends; you would think how I was impatiently waiting for Houston to process my visa, no; it wasn’t the two weeks it took me to pack; it wasn’t when my family dropped me off at the airport sending me away; it wasn’t the 13 hour flight to Narita; it wasn’t even when I was lugging all of my luggage around the airport in Seoul; not even the time the worker in E-Mart was trying to explain to me in Korean which microwave to purchase. Mind you, I don’t speak any Korean, yet that is!

I've been pondering for hours as to what exactly I wanted to write as a reflection of my two weeks here in South Korea. I know that through it all, I have matured mentally as a person and traveler. To several, I'm too young to travel internationally alone. As a “young” adult, I thought this has to be the perfect way, for me that is, to grow as a person, take on adult responsibilities, see the world, and live and enjoy what God has envisioned for ME! Heck, I'm young and single, without children. Isn't this the best time for me to explore the world?

*Pause, Rewind* I'm sure you're probably thinking “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how” did I end up in South Korea. *Hint: there's the answer to the where!* So about two years ago after I graduated college, trying to figure out my life while in Beijing, China, I realized that I was about to fall in the pool of the 45% of “recent graduates that are unemployed after graduation.” I applied to jobs, used resources and patiently waited to find something in my field. Nothing. For about 2 months of being unemployed, I was pressed to get anything. So, I picked up subbing in a wonderful school district, worked at the AT&T Stadium *Home of the Dallas Cowboys ;)*, and two other places. (It's all about managing your time wisely. That's how I did it!) About 3 months into that lifestyle, I realized that was not the life and I wanted to be back overseas. I came across some amazing educators that steered me to teaching overseas. I didn’t think that I would find so much enjoyment being in the classroom with the students. I had some rough days, but God used those students to reveal an unknown passion I never knew I had. So by the end of December 2015/beginning of January 2016, I stopped ignoring God’s signs and created a road map of where I wanted to be in a year→ January 2017. There were many obstacles and challenges I faced that got me discouraged, but I had reminders here and there that kept me on track. By the end of October 2016, I had everything I needed. From certifications to legal documentation and practicum hours, I was ready to apply. I waited til mid-November to start applying. It was during that time frame I realized I had the power to either push my dreams away or pursue them. Well, I’m sure you can guess how that ended.

*Resume* So, what am I doing here exactly? I’m teaching Korean students (elementary to middle school) English. Do I have to speak Korean? Do educators in the U.S. have to speak other languages to teach English to their students whose first language isn’t English? How are the students? Just like any student. You have your sweet ones and you have the ones that give you a headache and need a whooping all the time. How are the foods? I’ve only tried three dishes: Korean BBQ, Korean style pizza, and “noodle soup.” I cook foods that I would eat back home in the U.S. I don’t have money to eat out like that. How do I get around? By foot. Trust me, it’s not that hard getting around and living where you don’t understand what people are saying. I only have my Irish co-teach at the moment, but trust and believe, I'll be finding my way around South Korea. Am I afraid? Hmmm… I’ll just share this. I found out that I’m the “first” at my school. *The first person of color if you didn't catch that* I love breaking stereotypes. There has been a positive response to my presence at the school. Yes, my students were surprised and intrigued, but after a couple days in, the curiosity died down. I’ve been stared at several times while I’m out walking in the city, shopping at the grocery store, or even at the movie theater. It’s nothing new for me. I've experienced this in other countries I've visited. What’s new for me, is being hesitant to say that I’m from the United States. I’ve come to learn that there is a fear of people from the U.S… I’ve been enjoying myself thus far, and I will continue without stress. All I ask for is prayers. I shall continue to overcome barriers.

Well, this blog was longer than I expected. Don’t worry, in the future there will be more photos than words to tell my stories. I’ve already been mapping out possible locations for adventures during my time here. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m back to my adventures abroad! Enjoy!