I added Korean to the writing because in order to effectively express the storyline, the students had to be able to understand it. I am also no expert at video editing and didn't have much time (crammed this whole thing in one day) so don't mind the lack of amazing video editing skillz.
I nearly cry every time I watch it. And it made many of my students cry and run up to me saying they'll miss me and begging me to stay. But then I reminded them that I AM staying and that they are the ones leaving! I even had students come crying to me that I didn't even think cared that much about me. Truly heartwarming.
Naesung 6th Grade Farewell from Amy Kue on Vimeo.
At my smallest school, I have a class of 11 6th graders graduating. At the very beginning, the girls opened their arms to me and I spent every afternoon there talking and playing with them. They even taught me my first Korean phrase ("I love you") by writing it in the sand. They are so pure hearted, sweet, kind, and very funny. Probably the only kids I've met so far in Korea without cell phones! I am going to miss them so much, so on my last day there, I bought a cake for them.
And then the girls all surprised me with farewell gifts, to which I did shed some tears.
This one's from one of the quieter girls with very little English skills. But she made me a pretty bead necklace, so I can't complain.
This is from one of my favorite students. She's a super bright girl who's funny, sweet, and going to be a great teacher some day. I wanted to express to her how wonderful I think she is, but I'm pretty sure she already knows.
This one made me chuckle. I know for a fact that she doesn't know this much English, so it was both impressive and amusing that she had outside help to conduct this letter. It was a sweet gesture.
This one's from one of my other favorites. She's super sweet and tries so hard to learn English. I visited her a few months ago in the hospital when she was hit by a taxi and I think she was appreciative of that.
This one's from a girl that's aspiring to be a writer, professor, and environmentalist. And any 6th grader that can say "environmentalist" is OK in my book. It's no wonder she bought me a planner as a parting gift. Super smart girl. Perhaps will be President one day.
So, how do you measure a year?
In Konglish, handuh pones, kimchi, bangs, mirrors, being called big eyed, easily amused faces, unforgettable whining, boyfriend and girlfriend gossip, Wondergirls, being best friends with Tae Yang of Big Bang, Bonghwa world stars, insanely lame yet catchy English songs, playing house, singing rehearsals, embarrassing students, soccer, badminton, free candy and tattoos, never-ending "hello"s and "hi"s and "teacha"s, like, like, and lots of love.
