To My Precious Sixth Graders

Though our time was short, I have seen each of you grow in different ways. I'm very sad that we won't be able to spend more time together, but I wish you the very best! I only ask that you always try in your English classes! Right or wrong, just try. You can do it, I believe in you! 화이팅~!

영어선생님이에요

Today my Vice Principal told me my teaching style has greatly improved. In fact, she said I deserve a certificate for being a real teacher.

And yet...I have mixed feelings about this statement...

One is joyful and the other one is resentful.

I'm well aware that I wasn't exactly a teacher when I first started out back in September. Before then, I'd taught only two classes with another English teacher. Outside of that, I've only given presentations to my peers (woo, class presentations~!). So, to hear that I've improved is fantastic!

But...why didn't she give me any tips or suggestions on how to get better?

Yes, I have a TEFL and TESOL certificate that say I am qualified to teach English to non-English speakers, but let's be honest...attending classes, drafting lesson plans, reading methodologies...theory is one thing, and the practical is a whole other beast.

Some days I struggled, other days I was able to keep my head over the water. There were even some days that I could stand in the water with confidence. Those first six months were rough, but they were doable. I'm proud that I was able to achieve what I have.

But...a little help would've been great. Not going to lie. Especially since I never really knew what I needed to ask to improve. Knowing what I do now, it was getting to know the students and having them know me. It was through this process that I was able to figure out what kind of teacher I was.

I connect with my students by being silly with them. I get my students improving by sticking to a routine. Heck, even the usage of my minimal Korean has shown my students that as they try to learn my language, I'm also learning their's. I kid you not, the second I told them to get out their 공책, they not only flipped out, they got more attentive.

Did I have to learn Korean to be a better teacher? Maybe. For the position that I am in, at the school that I am in, it did make me a better teacher. Had my circumstances been different, it may not have been what made me "better".

What did make me a better teacher was the amount of time I've put in for my students and for myself. I feel that at the beginning, I'd only been doing half of that. I was putting in too much effort for one of those, and it was hurting me. Until I figured out my balance, I wasn't doing anyone any good. Not my students, and definitely not me.

Six months to get comfortable in a new land.

Six months of teaching young children to first get comfortable with English.

Six months from when I left everything that I knew.

I can now say, with confidence, I am an English teacher.

영어선생님이에요.

#SaveOurToya

First Day Nerves

This is it. 

Today is my last night before I become a real teacher at Jusang Elementary School. What makes me finally 'real', you must be wondering?

I'm finally teaching a literal class tomorrow. 

I'm teaching four classes and yes, I am nervous as fuck.

Not so much in my teaching ability, but if I lesson planned well enough? Does that even make sense? 

If not...here's my defense: I've been sitting in the living room of my Homestay for the last 4 hours, making out my lesson plans. And before that, I was making a powerpoint for about an hour or so. It would've been less time, had I gotten more accurate information on where to start my lesson planning to begin with. 

The hardest part in a new job is the starting point. 

The messier your information, the harder it is to get your mind around everything.

I do pride myself in being able to sort out things out quickly and efficiently. But still...I'm allowed to be nervous!

It's normal!!!!

At least that's what I keep telling myself. 

So here's what I'm jumping into:

There has never been a Fulbright ETA at this school before me. They have one traveling teacher, who jumps between three schools. I am in contact with her, and bless that I am. Knowing where the kids left off before their break is much better on where to start, than suddenly being two chapters ahead. 

Which was the information I got on Friday. And on Friday, I banged out like four lesson plans, they were beautiful. But now...nevermind. Gotta use them later. Maybe in October?

I almost forgot!!

Don't let it fool you. This is not set.

Annndddddd, let's not forget that I don't even know my full schedule yet. I'll find out tomorrow. 

During go time. 

I feel like I'm a new driver with one foot on the gas, the other on the break, and another on the clutch. It's like I have three feet, two legs, with the street signs blown away by the typhoon. 

Gah.

So. Much. Gah.

Lesson learned (pun NOT intended): At the end of each class, semester, year, whatever...write where you left off. It's not only a good benefit for yourself, but also the next person coming in. You definitely want your administrative staff to be aware as well. 

Communication is so important, folks. I mean...don't leave home without it, important. 

There's so many other things going on, why make it harder?

My next post will be on Week 8 to talk about my first week in class. Any predictions on what's going to happen? I'd love to hear about it!

If you want to get updates on the latest #SaveOurToya shenanigans, please hit the FOLLOW  button to the right. I mean, why not? 

I'm a peach.

#SaveOurToya

Stronger than I Look - First Month Update

My feelings have reached a new level of exasperation. I am frustrated, apathetic, amused, challenged content, tired, disappointed, excited, and inspired. So much has happened in this month between meeting everyone in my cohort, teaching for the first time, workshops, and trying to figure out what this year will bring me.

Instead of studying for my midterm, I wanted to get something off my chest.

This last week has been...a challenge. I'm not too sure if I can get the words out- hell, I don't even think I can properly express these emotions properly.

Please be patient as I try to put feelings into words. This may be all over the place, but...meh. I'm okay with that.

During one of our workshops, Culture Shock was explained to us. It's not the first time I've heard of it, and I've learned some techniques to handle it during my many travels/moves. Thankfully, I haven't had to experience the intensity that Culture Shock can reach in my past.

But maybe I'll feel it while in South Korea? The culture is quite different from home and anywhere else I've traveled. It's still undetermined, but I'm hopeful that everything will work itself out the way it needs to.

I'm mentioning Culture Shock, because that's probably the first thing others bring up when what I'm about to express is used as an explanation for my feelings. And fine, it may play a role, but if it's one thing I know well, it's that there's more to a story, person, and feeling.

Everything has an origin story, but so much goes into that story that leaving anything out is not only a disservice to the story, but something else entirely. I cannot blame my emotions on Culture Shock, not alone.

Alright, enough stalling. Time to jump right in to the heart of the matter.

I want to read my posts from April and May, to see where my emotions were back then, but I'm hesitant. I had hopes and goals that I wanted to meet. I fear that reading those posts will bring my disappointment to the forefront. No one likes being disappointed in themselves. One day, I'll look at them again, but I don't think I'm in the right place currently to do that.

Why is dealing with emotions such a struggle?

I think I've reached a point in my Orientation where I'm asking myself why am I here. Yes...I have a duty as a cultural ambassador while here under Fulbright's name. A responsibility I am honored to uphold and wish nothing more than to be successful for my country and my communities that I represent, support, and adore.

I want nothing more than to do right by my students and my Homestay Family.

But...I want to do something more.

And yet...what is that more?

I titled this post Stronger than I Look, for two reasons. 1) A friend of mine recently gave me news that I'm on the right path that I need to be on. I will come across trials that may appear daunting, but I have what it takes to get passed it.

And 2) a shout-out to my past. Since as far back as I can recall, I've always took on many tasks and have made it my point to exceed all expectations no matter the request. Of course, I also know how to say 'no'. But more often than not, my quick mind comes up with multiple solutions or answers before I turn to 'no'.

Though my strength exists...I'm also tired. Perhaps, I should hold off on the more and take my time to live a life without the demands that I'm familiar with. I'm still not done with my journey, but there's no shame in getting off at a nearby rest stop. Who knows when I'll get this chance again to stretch my legs, using the bathroom, and restock?

What are my emotions?

What are my actions?

Who knows. But as of now, with one month behind me since I've come to Korea, guess we'll just have to wait and see what I get up to.

#SaveOurToya

Week 2 - La's Placement

Hands slightly shaking with sweaty palms. Breaths coming faster, but controlled. Blood rushing to my ears. Clenching fingers squeeze briefly before letting go.

It was go time.

When I heard my name, all the worries and noises went away. I knew what I had to do during my Placement Ceremony. 

It was go time.

Paper in hand, standing straight in front of Director Shim, I gave a 90-degree bow and was then off to place my sticker on the map. 

It was go time.

Clearly...its in the red part...

I have the honor to be teaching at 주상초등학교 (Jusang Elementary School) in 거창군 (Geochang county). It is the province of 경상남도(Gyeongsangnam-do). And by the looks of it, it's a small village school! While some of my fellow ETAs are going to be teaching 500+ students, I will be teaching what looks to be 19 students. 

That's right, Fam.

You read that right.

19 students.

As in ten plus nine equals nineteen! 

I will be taking whatever chance I can to practice/learn Korean as my students will be working hard to learn English! If teacher can do it, so can they!

Relatedly, I don't know how well y'all know your Korean education systems, but elementary school goes up to sixth grade. And since ETAs start teaching at third grade, I will have 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. My fourth grade class looks to be the biggest with ten students. My smallest classes have three students. 

Fam, I can't lie here. These are literally the numbers I was given/researched through the internet.

Do I have any concerns?

Well, I did. I mean, I went from city beautiful, to what looks to be a mountain township. It'll be a big change. And I think I'm ready for that. This is what I've been waiting for these last three years - a challenge! - and I'm ready!

But what I am preparing myself for is being the first black person the people in my township may be meeting. It doesn't look like there were any former ETAs at this school, it's a small place and up in a mountainous area. Then here I come in all my wonderful, beautiful glory or a hot mess. Not only am I representing America and Fulbright, but the black community for this township.

I am really thankful that I've had the chance to talk to former/renewing ETAs who are black and discussed their experiences. It's helped settle a lot of my concerns.

However, I don't think I can get rid of my all of my concern just yet. Not until I'm there and have established myself!

With my placement mostly out of the way, it's all about meeting my Placement Family now! I'll be working hard on my Korean!

Until next week's post...make good choices Fam (like dropping a comment!)

#SaveOurToya

The Day-to-Day Shenanigans

I know you're all waiting to hear where I've been placed, but I promise, there will be a post up on Sunday! Promise. 😸

I'm here to talk about another topic. Let's talk daily life, shall we?

I'm sure many of you are curious about what I actually get up to on the day to day. Spoilers: it's programming/Korean classes.

To get started, my day generally starts at 6am...

...well, I realize I'm no longer sleeping and its a new day. My roommate is generally still sleeping, so I tend to snooze for the next hour-ish or so. I generally get out of bed sometime between 7am and 7h30am.

Breakfast starts at 7h45am, so I tend to show up a few minutes after. We have about 20mins to finish breakfast and then head over to our classroom building. It's the next building over from the dorm and class starts at 8h15am.

Korean Language Instruction (KLI) lasts until 12h15pm. Which means, I am in a classroom for 4 hours, learning Korean. Which isn't too bad. We get ten minute breaks at each hours. And 선생님 (the teacher) has been really fun and very informational! It's been great.

Lunch starts at 12h15pm and ends at 1h15pm. But our last hour of KLI starts at 1h15pm, so I tend to leave around 1pm.

Teaching and/or culture workshops start around 2pm. We also may or may not have a General Meeting as well. We get a lot of information between 2 and 5pm, generally.

Dinner starts at 5pm and goes until 6h30pm.

After that, we tend to have free time, or we go to office hours for extra help with Korean. Personally, I go on my evening walk and tour the area we are in. I've been getting some nice pictures these last couple of days. I'll have to make more of an effort to upload pictures!

Essentially, expect a separate post of evening pictures and another for my meals I have been having! Because the meals that Yonsei University has been giving us have been fantastic. You guys might be jealous.

Unless you're someone in my cohort reading this. If so...heeeyyyyyy Fam~!

If you guys want to hear about anything of my experience here, leave a comment and I'll make a post about it! Please don't hesitate. If my experience can help you learn more about Korea or answer questions before you come here, please-please-please-please!, reach out!

#SaveOurToya

Guess What...

At the end of the month, I will be holding my first lesson. Together with another ETA, we will be holding a small lesson (by small, I mean 45 mins in length) and I am excited and nervous at the same time!

Ugh, this feeling is lowkey frustrating!!!!

Having never taught a class and using what skills I've picked up while getting my TEFL certificate and certification in TESOL, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my partner and I will be fantastic and awesome. 😎

Which we totally are.

But...nerves are normal and natural. Just...gotta...get to the point where I'm in the classroom and doing the thing.

The teaching thing.

...!

In other news, I hope to take part in all of the activities outside of the classroom that FEP will be holding in addition. These kids sound like an awesome bunch already.

And who knows! Might end up teaching one of them one day...

Keep your fingers crossed for me~!

#SaveOurToya

Hurricane Season Everywhere!

Hurricane Beryl and Chris on the way back home. "Super" Typhoon Maria on the way here. 

What. Even.

Hope y'all back home can stay dry and don't receive too much damage, if any at all. If you do get hit, I'll look for your posts that you're okay! 

As for myself, if you clicked on the link, you'll have seen that "Super" Typhoon Maria is down south and really shouldn't hit Korea. But when has weather ever done what was expected of it? 

Also what is this 'super' business here? 

Lucky us, I looked it up. You're welcome. 😁

A 'super' typhoon is equivalent to a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane. Just kind of sums it up into a 'dis be supah bad' and calls it a day. Gotta give Asia props on that. Back home, we still have hurricane drinking parties up to a Category 4... 

For those of you not familiar with hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones (the various names based on where on the planet you are), it means winds are 150mph or higher. Trees are sideways, flooding is imminent, damage will be received, and tornadoes are dancing around. Only the lucky get to keep their power. 

Guess its not just snow I have to be able to prepare myself for...

#SaveOurToya

Day 1 - What is Going On?

This post is coming to you live from my dorm room! Mostly because that's the only place I have wifi...okay. It's the only reason. 😀

To sum up the last 24 hours, which includes my flight and two full days of programming in a sentence, it would literally be, 'Uhh, what is going on?'

Don't let the picture to the left fool you!

There was a bit of confusion at the beginning. Haha!

And that's for a multitude of reasons:

1) Not only am I jet-lagged, we had programming right after we landed. There was a picture taken at some point. And I did not know that it would be used as the 'this is who your homestay ETA will be' picture for my homestay fam. So...I hope I didn't look too bad.

2) There are 79 people in my cohort (80, counting me), and we're all getting to know each other and are extremely excited, but also so exhausted from the traveling. I'm pretty sure I introduced myself to someone like 3 times in one day. I don't know...but that feels about right.

3) Getting into the swing of the programming is a bit of an adjustment. But to put it into perspective...it's like going to a conference, that is 6 weeks long. In a country where you can read the signs, but have no idea what you're reading.

4) All the different foods! I have no idea what I've been eating. I really would like to know the name of all the dishes, but holy crap is it good. Shout out to the Yonsei Kitchen staff.

I'm just going to stick to those four. There's been a lot going on and I'll do my best to capture it all for you! :)

Speaking of capturing, below are some pictures of the various meals I've had since I've been here, a picture of everything that I brought with me, and a picture outside the window!

Dinner :)

Lunch :)

Breakfast :)

All that I brought with me on this trip.

A view from the plane.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to send them in! I'd love to hear from you! 

#SaveOurToya

Bye Bye UCF

It is 7:46am as I write this post and all because this morning, it really hit me. 😕

This is my last day at the University of Central Florida. I've been here for so long (7 years!) that it's kind of surreal. In the summer of 2011, I started working part time in the College of Sciences' Dean's Office. In the fall, I started undergrad. A year later, I was working full-time and going to school. By 2016, I had my B.A. and started graduate school, while still being employed at the university.

I've worked in three separate and vastly different departments on campus. And from each area, did I learn something new about myself.

These last seven years...I really can't put a word to it. I am thankful and honored for all of the people who I've met and while some of the experiences were less than ideal, I am better for it. There are so many people I want to give shout-outs to, but you all know who you are. If we've ever interacted, even as little as 'hi', thank you!

Now, it is July 2018, I am a two-time graduate of UCF, about to move abroad, and am only 24 years old. I think I'm doing this 'adulting' thing right. We can compare notes^^

It's been an adventure UCF, but gurl bye. 😘

#SaveOurToya

Not Goodbye, but See You Later

This morning, I had the chance to drop my parents off at the airport. They're on their way to a 3 week vacation in Germany. I'm totally excited for them and miss the Fatherland quite a bit, but this trip will be good for them. They work so hard and do so much! It's their time to relax and recuperate. Hopefully one day I can make it back to Germany too.

And while this wasn't the first time I was sending them off, it was the first time that I'm sending them off where I won't see them for almost a year again. I was okay, until Ma started crying.

Dad (to me): Why are you crying? Stop that.
Me: It's mom's fault!
Mom: I don't regret a single tear!
Me: *chocked sob*
Dad: This is what you want to do. You're gonna be great!
Me (wiping away tears): I know!
Mom (sniffles): Be a good girl and have fun!

If this isn't an accurate representation of what it's like to be with my parents, I don't know what is. Well...actually, there are a few more examples. BUT! This is what they all come down too.

It would've been better if my older brother was there too, but he's not exactly accessible from Florida. But the four of us, we're gonna be okay. I'll be okay.

This opportunity is my journey to take, but I know that while I won't see them, my family will still support me.

#SaveOurToya

My Vacation in Hawaii

Aloha!

It's been a while since my last post. I have a reason for that! And it's not because I forgot. But because I was on vacation!

For two weeks, I got to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It was my second visit and just like the first, I felt charmed and thankful to be on the island. There's a culture there that has survived one way or another on the island and hearing/seeing it never got old. And the food! Oh my gawd. I had the best banana bread on a street-side fruit stand. It was ono.

If you ever get the chance to visit, don't hesitate! You won't regret it. (Just make sure you have a jacket with you for when you go into Safeway. XD)

That being said, this trip started off...interesting. Living in Florida, it would have made sense for me to fly to the west coast for a layover before heading all the way over to Oahu. BUT! My cousin was flying in from Germany. So we tried our best to meet at one airport like we did last time and then fly over together. And like last time, we tried for the Seattle airport. Silly me, flew to Los Angeles to Seattle to Honolulu. I thought it would be okay. Since my cousin would be with me for the last leg.

Come to my surprise as mother-dearest drives me to the airport, my cousin messages me and says that her plane was delayed. Then later, once I get to L.A. and turn my phone on, she says she got taken off of our Seattle flight. She tried to get sent back, but apparently her seat was taken already.

Now, while disappointed, I was still kinda hopeful that my flight to Honolulu would go well.

Silly me.

The person who ended up next to me smelled badly and kept leaning toward me. For six-ish hours I sat there, wishing the plane would go faster...or something.

Had to wait an extra hour for my cousin to finally land, but once there, we whisked her to my brother's car and left for his house!

The next week was so relaxing and low key. Pool visits and a few trips to the beach were very nice. We even had a catamaran ride where there were All-You-Can-Drink drinks. The best kind of drinks with a beautiful sunset on the ocean. We made it out to the Dole Plantation where you can find Dole Whip. You have not yet lived the pineapple dream until you've had Dole Whip.

I'm not joking.

Moving on...the second week started off, well I really don't know how to explain it. To put it bluntly, I fell into a dishwasher and got stabbed by two steak knives. The ER trip was quick and painless (pun intended) and didn't slow us down one bit on our vacation.

In fact, a couple of days later, I was stuck in a car for practically eight hours (give or take). The four of us decided to use the Shaka Guide app that uses your GPS location to take you on a tour with your own car. It was loads of fun and took us to places we wouldn't have thought to stop at! I strongly recommend the app! To my understanding, they have an option for quite a few of the islands. (Unpaid recommendation :))

But before we went on our Shaka Tour, we found ourselves in a theater watching Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson impersonators after our luau. I'm still not sure what Michael Jackson has to do with Hawaii...

And to ensure we ended the trip with a great time, we did Harry Potter trivia night at Honolulu Beerworks. I shined like a lightbulb crafted by our very own sun in Round One.

So yeah. Hawaii was a blast. It had it's high moments and its low ones (and I'm not talking about my trip to the ER. That was actually a rather amusing time!!), but Hawaii is definitely a place worth visiting.

Good luck with the H-1 and mahalo!
#SaveOurToya

Frustration - My Old Friend

I just finished posting on FB that there are some individuals in my life who think I'm playing. Like I have the time and desire for these childish games.

I don't.

I really, really don't.

I don't know about the rest of the world, but I gotta live my Best Life. And my Best Life does not include having to decipher whether you're being honest with me, or have some ulterior motive. Nor does it include crying over the fact that you don't "like" this new me. If it really mattered, if I really mattered, this "new" me, wouldn't be a problem.

This huge change over me wouldn't be anything new. Sure, you'd see more determination, but that's about it.

I am done with these games.

Either grow up and shine your damn brightest, or be left here to wallow in your frustration and pettiness. Because this chica got places to be and life to experience that doesn't involve your two best friends.

#SaveOurToya

Paging my Life

For the last 3 weeks, I have been running around getting myself ready for my move. I'm pretty sure the staff at the Health Clinic know me pretty well by now. At first I was "the girl with the pretty eyes". Now, I'm "Toya".

There's a lot of stuff that comes with moving abroad. And I'm overwhelmed by the medical checks...

But! That's because I'm going on vacation next week and I want this all to be done and ready to go before I leave!

So, here's what needs to get done (still):

1) Medical (like 2 more appointments before I can submit it, but one more vaccine left)
2) FBI - level background check (finger prints too)
3) Visa (there's no fee, so I'm shook)
4) TESOL Certification  (Even though I already have a TEFL certificate????)
5) Flight (👍✈)
6) Miscellaneous  (For whatever is missing)

So!

While I'm running around getting the rest of this stuff done, I'm also getting prepared for my trip to Hawai'i next week. A personal graduation present to myself for finishing my Master's.

#SaveOurToya

I'm Scared...

You ever get to the point where everything is going well, and then a small thing pops up that can spiral into a well of despair?

Yeah...that's currently where I'm at.

I'm trying to rationalize it and keep my mind on the goal, but what if it doesn't work out? And it's that 'what if' that's freaking me out.

Ugh.

Just keep me in good thoughts while I take May to figure myself out and put out fires.

#SaveOurToya

Reassurances

This is just gonna be a small post....

Yesterday, I received a phone call from my dad. They're not a daily thing, or a weekly thing. Maybe we talk on the phone once a month?

Anyways, as my phone rang, his name lighting up the screen, I got the option to accept or reject the call. I had been in the middle of something, thinking of letting the call go to voicemail, but something prompted me to answer his call. After all, we only talk about once a month on the phone.

"Who else is going to be there with you?"

That question came to me as a shock. I paused. Hesitated. 

"What?"

"Who else will be there with you? Or will you be by yourself?"

I am well aware that the transition between leaving America and moving abroad is going to be a huge transition for him. I lived in France for a month, and that had been a struggle for him. My time in France was not only for me to get the studying abroad experience, but also to have my family get accustom to me not being in the area. 

And now here I am, moving to the other side of the planet for a year, with hopes of an extended stay abroad.

Based on his questioning, he's not ready for this move.

And I respect that. As a father, his youngest child who has always been near him or near family, this is a HUGE change for him.

But, I'm not letting it stop me. I can't.

He may not know this, like, be fully aware of this, but I need to do this. I need to live my life how I want to and always wanted to. I need to spread my wings and explore the unknown!

I will be honest and direct about everything. I told him that I wouldn't know anyone else in my program until I get there. I have no idea where I will be exactly. I could hear his hesitancy over the phone as we spoke.

I don't know if it's because he doesn't want to hurt my feelings, or he doesn't know how to express himself, but it was important to me that he knew that he could ask me anything. Transparency is probably the most important thing between us these coming months. So, I hope that even if it is making him uncomfortable or quite fearful, that he can talk to me about it.

#SaveOurToya

I Didn't Even Know, tho!

I really didn't.

Now you must be wondering, 'What do you mean you didn't even know? Know what?'

And that's my point exactly. I had no idea what I was doing or going to do. Since birth, it has been ingrained what the appropriate pathway would be.

Please note: I do not agree with the following life style, as everyone has a different way to their end game!

Essentially, the "appropriate" life path goes:

1.  School
2. Secondary School (Bachelor's)
3. Marriage
4. Child
5. Post-grad school, maybe?
6. Retirement

And well, after that is death, but let's not get so sad, shall we?

But yeah, that's the general outline of what your life should look like or follow. But I'm calling BS. That life path might suit some best, but for others, that life can be in a complete different order. (Though, I'm pretty sure that Retirement is at the end. Right? I'm only 24. I haven't really looked into it that much...)

There I was, just graduating high school, going into college for a Bachelor's degree in French, with the goal of becoming a translator. This was a big moment for me. I had plans.

Or so I thought.

Four years later, what I thought my life would look like after graduation was no where near my expectations. I was pretty upset and that carried with me. In fact, it's still with me today. I am afraid that the things I've been working on for the last two years are going to be taken away. I had to change gears. I took it as a sign that perhaps translating isn't where my talents lie elsewhere.

It took about six months, but I changed gears and pursued another interest of mine. In the next week(-ish), I will be walking across the stage during my second graduation ceremony for a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies with a certification in Gender Studies and second certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

It's hard keeping your head up with all the pressures and expectations from those around you. That's why this post is to show that even though I didn't know what I wanted from life and whether I followed the path of what's right, it's okay. I go at my own time. I go at my own pace. What's important is that I live my best life for me.

Who even knows when I get married and whether I have children. Right now, in my life, my focus is teaching abroad for as long as I can. :)