Bali Bali

I walk up the stairs and hear- "Ms. Amazing, Ms. Amazing!" I blow kisses to the crowd of children as if I am star and they are my fans. I have changed my name several times since I started teaching. One month, I wrote a different name each day on the board which varied from Ms. Beautiful to Ms. Sunflower to Ms. Pretty Pink Petal. Ms. Amzing seem to stick, however it is the kids that are truly amazing - they are the future of Kimchi Land. Korea focuses strictly on education, education, education. Korean school, English school, Chinese lessons, ballet class, piano lesson, violin lesson, art class, Bible study and Taekwondo. I had my kids do a timeline on "A usual day" - Hands Down...these kids work harder than any American child.... and most adults. Over 90% of my kids didn't go to bed until 1am. Keep in mind these kids are 7 years old!! One kid didnt go to bed until 3am on some nights. These kids aren't staying up late watching TV, they are doing Homework!! At times, I have felt sorry for them but then I quickly remind myself that this is the Korean way, this is their culture, this is what they value, this is their future. An average household Korean family has 1.4 children. The average family spends over 1/3 of their income on their child's education. Not only are the Korean children growing up in a fast pace society but the adults are like energizer bunnies. Work hard, play even harder, sleep when you die. Work 12+ hour days and then go out and eat, drink and drink some more. Resturants, clubs, bars, singing rooms, jimjilbongs, and PC bongs are all open 24 hours a day. Koreans call this "bali bali" meaning "quickly quickly". My life here has also become bali bali. I hold a lot of respect for the Koreans and for the people that have built this cutlure after being taken over several times by the surrounding countries. Korea doesn't have natural resources that help them to compete in the global economy, so instead they rise above with education. For this, I smile when looking into the eyes of my students and blow kisses with love.