It is always sad when students leave after they have been in class for a while. Sure, they are moving on to a new stage in life, richer and smarter with what they have learned. That's what it’s all about. But it is still sad because they will not continue to study with the class; they will not discuss the same stories; they will not laugh or become concerned over the same things. Or will they?
Moving across cultures: Me in the traditional Korean hanbok | To my surprise, I met not only the one student I had contacted, Jinhee, in Seoul, but also Eunjeong, Yeonjung, Hyangsil, Jiyeon, Sunghee (who was in Carol's class), and Yongmi (who was Ann's class). I learned that after their return, four of them continued to meet, read English short stories, and work on their English until eventually Hyangsil and Yongmi got jobs teaching English and could no longer meet. Now, Yeonjung's and Jinhee's sons are taking English classes and ensuring that their moms keep up their language skills. Not only did I get updated on my former students’ lives, but when two days later we went on a tour of the town, I got to hear about the art and history of Korea, beautifully recounted by Eunjeong, our designated docent. She and Jinhee even came to the wedding, and Jinhee let me borrow her traditional hanbok, which two years earlier she talked about in class! |