A 7-Month Journey

Hello and welcome to my personal blog. I want to make this an area where I can leave updates about things going on in my life, especially as I move to South Korea and begin a new career.

It wasn't always easy getting there, however.

It all started with a phone call. My best friend, Karissa, was listening to me talk about how I didn't want to go back to working at school in the Fall 2021 semester. Ironically, it wasn't the students, but it had more to do with things happening with the administration and fellow employees. I had many good friends who ended up leaving for various purposes, and some administrative changes had me hesitating to return.

Karissa casually mentioned that perhaps I should try something new, such as applying to a new school or something. She was rather vague, leaving my brain to think about options. After our phone call, I kept thinking about what she had said and the more I thought about applying at another school in the US, the more I disliked the idea. Why would I leave a school where I have friends, good coworkers, a super awesome supportive team, and students that I've known for two years, to go to a new school that will have the same problems, except that I will be the new teacher?

But then I suddenly had the thought "Why don't I apply to teach overseas?" and just like that, I felt a sort of relief wash over me. It was a peace about this sudden vision and I jumped on the computer to apply.

Several applications later, I finally got in touch with a company that helped me to prepare for my journey overseas. I had to get an E2 Work Visa to teach in South Korea, so I had to do a Criminal Background Check (CRC), get fingerprinted, renew my passport, get copies of college transcripts and a copy of my diploma for my Bachelors Degree, and I had to get everything apostilled. It felt like a laundry list of tasks to accomplish.

But I finally got everything I needed, got an interview with a school, and signed the contract. My E2 Visa was completed in December, and I was set to leave in January for South Korea to begin the next chapter of my life...but unexpected events caused a delay in my plans...

I attended a wedding with my parents and not only us, but most of the family members that attended (and possibly more) ended up getting COVID. When I tested positive for COVID, my trip was delayed until February. It was very disheartening and cost me much more than I had hoped to spend. Still, I'm finally on my way to South Korea.

Thank you everyone for the support, the prayers, and the well-wishes. Stay tuned for more updates as I go to live my dream. ^_^