This past week felt like a nonstop whirlwind of events–we were at Wooridle for barely five days before having to part ways with the people there. We had no time to really process anything nor were we able to fully settle in. However, the bonds we made with the students and faculty were fast and easy, and I am confident that they will last for a long time.
I went into the week a bit fearful, knowing that our daily schedule would constantly be prone to change and that many of the students would be our age or older. These fears were almost immediately dispelled after the teachers’ warm welcome. Although we only really taught two students on our first day, we got a glimpse into some of the other students’ lives through video presentations that they had been working on. Each of their stories was unique yet equally touching, and it felt like I had known them for a long time. Unlike at Jiguchon, where it felt like our role as a teacher came before that of a friend, we were able to connect with the students right off the bat, especially afterwards when we played ping pong with them in the basement.
Our schedules were as erratic as expected, but the kindness and enthusiasm of the students were a pleasant surprise. Throughout the week, we taught mostly the same group of people, and I am still astounded by how attached I grew to them in such a short period of time. Despite their hardships, the students came to class with eager attitudes and a commitment to having fun with us, and I could not be more grateful for that. We did not end up with an effective curriculum for that week per se, but I believe our meaningful conversations made up for that. The staff were also so unbelievably kind, always making sure the food was to our liking, treating us with snacks and drinks, and making us feel like we were a part of the Wooridle family.
While I will always hold Jiguchon in my heart, it’s safe to say that Wooridle has quickly earned another special place in my memories.
~ Jeanie Jia
