Belle

A couple of days, I wrote about my Cultural Ignorance. I explained several deficiencies I was facing interacting and engaging with the culture of the Philippines and my Korean students. I can’t recall writing a specific post for an individual, yet here’s one.

One of my students, Belle, has truly been a bright spot. At 10, she’s fully conversational in a second language. Her pronunciation, comprehension, and engagement during conversations is impressive. It’s interesting that at such a young age she’s had the opportunity to learn another language.

At home, I frequently meet parents of children who are fluent in English and Spanish. Living in Texas, that happens quite often. What’s exceptional regarding Belle is Korean seems tremendously challenging. I pulled up some simple phrases and I decided not now.

In years past, I’ve entertained the idea of becoming a teacher. Educators play a most vital role in society. I can remember every teacher in my entire twelve years of school. I am grateful I was afforded the opportunity to play a small part in the furthering of Belle’s education.

Today was the last day in class before returning to Korea. It truly an honor to have met her. I sat with her and her mother, Kristina and explained the impact she has had on me and this phase of my journey.

When speaking of Belle it’s challenging to think of enough superlatives. She’s bright, sharp, charismatic, and optimistic. It’s been an honor and I felt as if letting her mother know about her genius was my duty I never understood why my mother visited and spoke with my teachers every year but she did. I am uncertain how my mother used the feedback provided from my teachers but I am confident she put the info to use. I felt a bit of reciprocity was needed.

So I sat with Belle and her mother. I did my best to edify Belle. I did my best to convey to her mother her genius. I did my best to explain how exceptional her daughter is. I did my best to convey hope for the possibilities of her daughter and her mother agreed. I made it a point to speak positively and optimistically about and in front of Belle.

As I reflect, it’s becoming more apparent the impact educators play in the lives of children. I wanted to insure I made a positive impact on Belle’s life. It’s my purpose, my reason for being.

Belle’s mother conveyed something that warms my heart and went in and penetrated the shell of spirit. Last week Belle had gotten sick and unable to attend class. Her mom informed me that the only class she wanted to attend was mine and that she looked forward to coming to class and learning from Teacher “D.” I was ignorant to the fact she only came to school for a couple days sick, only to attend my class.

I am still processing that conversation and digesting the information. Her mother offered me a position as Belle’s tutor in Korea. She explained varying part of the culture and some of the benefits of living in Korea. We exchanged contact information and we’ll see if the next phase of my journey involves a trip to Korea.