a final reflection

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

This past year has not been simply a page in my life, but an entire chapter. As I mentally and physically prepare myself for returning to a place which I call home and yet, feels slightly unfamiliar to me, I have to stop and think about how my life has changed and the people who have had a hand in changing it.

I have been lucky in my life to have had many opportunities to travel the world, and to have parents who understand and nurture my desire to explore and experience. Every time I see a new country, however short or long the period, when I leave that place I feel like I leave a piece of myself behind. And now South Korea, a country which, a year ago I knew nothing about and would probably only give a passing thought, holds the biggest piece of my heart.

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.”

First, I am extremely grateful for my EPIK friends. Without you, with whom I was able to share observations, fears, and concerns, I cannot imagine adjusting to a new country as well as I did. You were my support network, and you allowed me to really embrace a culture I had no prior tie to. We shared stories, adventures, and passing moments. We also had a lot of fun together, didn't we? ^_^

Once arriving in Korea, I did everything I could to expose myself to the new culture, to keep busy, to make friends. I took Korean lessons, learned salsa, practiced yoga, and even learned Tae Kwon Do. Through these experiences I made such wonderful memories and met such wonderful people, that I wish I could walk up to each and every one of them and tell them how glad I am to have had them in my life. The friends I've made in Korea - who have been so patient with me and our language barrier, who have always made me feel welcome - will be extremely missed.

The reason why I had a smile on my face at work every day for an entire year? My students. Kids whose names I may not remember, or can't even pronounce. Kids who touched my heart with every little effort they made. Their enthusiasm gave me enthusiasm. Even the mischievous ones are special to me, maybe even more so! I wish I could have fully expressed to them how much I am going to miss them, and how much I hope for their futures to be bright and happy. My co-teachers too, who were always so patient with me no matter how hectic their schedules were. These were the people I saw day in and day out, without fail. I can't imagine not seeing them like this again.

I am SO excited to go home, and seeing friends and family. But I am equally sad about leaving this life behind. I was afraid when I began, afraid of unforeseen challenges, afraid that I would hate it. I should've been afraid of leaving.

To the people I am returning to: be patient with me, please. I will probably talk about my experience a lot. This should be natural, as it has been my life for an entire year. I cannot pretend it didn't happen. I only wish that I could've shared it with you.

"I am not the only man to seek his fortune far from home, and certainly I am not the first. Still, there are times I am bewildered by each mile I have traveled, each meal I have eaten, each person I have known, each room in which I have slept. As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination."

All that's left to say is: Thank you.