Year 3 Cruises To Uncertain Closure (Part One)

It feels tired and trite to drop the word "uncertainty" in casual conversation. I now cringe when I send messages to friends punctuated with the well-intended but cliched, "I hope you're doing well in these times of uncertainty." Let's whip out the thesaurus on 'em: "I hope you're finding peace in these volatile times." "I …

Finding Refuge in Teletherapy

Since starting my personal development journey around 2015, I sought to avoid any need for professional mental health assistance. Standing on my own two feet, sorting through my own mental baggage on the meditation cushion, in my personal journal, and on my blog motivated me away from seeking professional help - as if the former …

Always Hungry

I've been quite busy this week planning some lessons for the Korean English teacher-trainees lately, so I haven't the time to write a fresh post lately. But here's a post I did on my old self-development blog, 일취월장, almost a year ago. It reminds me of my consistent, ongoing struggles with food. “In the early …

Interlanguage, Classroom Management, and New Teacher Tips – Interview With Bryan Hale

Today I transcribed an interview with Bryan Hale. Bryan has taught in Korea for many years, and currently works at Yeongam High School. He is also heavily involved in KOTESOL, a professional development group for English instructors in Korea, serving as president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam chapter. Along with some older photos from my college years …

Round 2 of Teacher Training

After weathering some lazy bouts of writer's block, my best course of action is to write my mind - and lately my second round of six-month teacher-training has dominated that head space. Today, just as most native teachers regain the pleasure (or curse) of teaching students in-person once again, our in-person classes with Korean teacher-trainees …

Self-Protective Self-Criticism

Source:  Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff Bold italicized sentences indicate book quotes. Why are so many of us so hard on ourselves?  It feels counter-intuitive. We want to succeed and become the best versions of ourselves. It makes no sense to self-sabotage with self-destructive thinking. Kristen Neff, psychologist and self-compassion specialist, suggests a straightforward explanation for …

The Perils of Optimal

In the self-help community, the word “optimal” surfaces as a staple buzzword - especially in the introduction to the Tim Ferriss Show. YouTube videos all contain titles that suggest optimal performance tips. “The optimal way to lose weight.” “The optimal way to grow huge muscles.” “The optimal way to study.” “The optimal way to teach.” …

Lesson Planning Tips For New Native Teachers

Welcome back! While most native teachers slated to start in April have postponed their travel until August, a few have migrated from other positions within Korea to begin their public school journeys. We've all been new ESL teachers at one point.  Moving abroad, flying thousands of miles, settling into a new community, and adapting to …

The World On Pause

The world feels frozen - as if aliens paused their intergalactic DVR episode of Earth to use the toilet and pop some more corn.  California ordered the entire state to shelter in place.  The U.S. ascended intro the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some days I do nothing, yet feel like everything is changing.  These …

You Never Forget Your First Farewell

As the world descends into physical distancing, handwashing, panic, and pandemic, mid-February feels like several lifetimes ago. And yet the end of my first six-month teacher-training program etched memories on my mind that will last a lifetime. I still remember the aching awkwardness as I started work at the Institute.  The previous class of 16 …