To
begin, this is actually an assignment from one of my major subjects in college.
A feature story that I wasn’t expecting to be approved by my proffesor and got
a perfect score. You will read about my story as an English tutor and my first
encounter with Korean students in our school. This written work is expression
of my gratitude towards the talent that God had given me. To God be the glory.
Everything
started from the very beginning of my first year in college. I was walking then
when I saw a group of youngsters speaking peculiarly from the kind of language
I used to know ever since in this country. Noticing their pale skin and eyes
that were so narrow, I got to the point wherein I realized that they are not
Filipinos, perhaps they are the one whom I love to watch in our television. To
tell you who are they?
They
are Koreans..
Growing
up as a teenager, I’ve seen myself enjoying
the culture of South Korea. Yes, I’m a full blooded Filipino but every
time I see those things that related to Korea, there’s a joy somewhere in my
heart that I cannot describe. And maybe that’s the prime reason why I’m so glad
to know that there are Koreans inside our school. I began to wonder what
brought them in school so I took a fearless move to answer all my questions. I
discovered that those Koreans were sent here by their parents to study and
enhance their knowledge when it comes on English language.
Cavite
State University – Main Campus is offering a study abroad program (English
Proficiency Program) for Korean students headed by Ms. Divinia Chavez, Fortuno
Marketing, Ms. Marilou Matilla and with the help of Mr. Bernard Feranil. That
would be the exact words when I asked Sir Feranil about my question. I found
out also that those students are requesting for the help of a tutor and spots
are available for CvSU students who will qualified from the process of hiring. To
tell you honestly, I considered the application process as a head over hills
challenge in which the assurance of acceptance are totally rare. Using my
willingness to help the Koreans and love for them, I took the risks and applied
as a student tutor. Suddenly, it was a moment to remember when I received a
confirmation saying I’m one of the applicants who had been selected as a
student tutor. It was one of a kind happiness I felt for the first time.
Happiness not because I will be having a job but happiness for getting the
chance to be with the Koreans whom I really treasure.
The
entire journey of being an English tutor is truly unforgettable. I got to know
Lee Min Hyeok and Ryou Ho Jun as they became my first Korean tutees. It’s like
whe have known each other for an instant and I inherited a lot of lessons
through the whole experience I had with them.
My
love for my tutees certainly thrived as the days went by. They are like my
younger brothers and own children as well. Their love and consideration for me
cannot be compared from any materials that my allowance can buy and I felt like
they’re making a special spaces in my heart everytime I’m with them. And though
we’re from different countries and we have our own nationalities, there is one
thing that connecting us and made our relationship closer. The kind of friendship we have for each other is like a dialect in
which we have been fluent.
I
could say it was a fun experience also to witness how interested they are in
Philippine culture so am I to their culture. Everytime I tend to speak a little
of their language, they always show their amazement for me. But just what they
always say, every beginning comes to an end. I need to say goodbye as their
program is about to finish. Before they went off to Korea, tears were streaming
down my face especially when they hugged me while crying. I knew that time when
I said goodbye that it wasn’t an ending,
only a postponement.
Until
now, everytime I reminisce the days we had together, I still can’t escape the
feeling of happiness and loneliness. I
will treasure forever the opportunity of being with my tutees and I believe
that one day we will see each other again. Maybe not for now but someday.
Hence,
being an English tutor for me is not an exhausting duty perhaps, it is a stress
relieving and wonderful experience especially as I help different Koreans. I
will never get tired of helping them and I will continue to value and love the
Korea and its own treasures..
Kamsahamnida - ‘Thank you!
God
bless \(*u^)v
“For
I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
