December 6, 2014
Host Rotary Club: District 3661 – Ballston Spa
Sponsor Rotary Club: District 7190 – Busan
Current Host Family: Kim Ji Eun, Kim Keon Ung, Kim Hye In
Counselor Name: Lee Dorim (Sophie)
Upon
entering Busan International High School I was given a schedule of events and
activities in which I would participate. Among them was our school's Global
Forum: a semi-prestigious international gathering of schools from Indonesia to
Russia; Japan to Sweden; and for the first time ever- from America as well.
Myself and another American (Daniel Barron from Pennsylvania) were asked
(required) to do a presentation about Ecological Integrity for the forum. We
too were slightly confused as to why a couple of exchange students suddenly had
a sort of authority to lecture an international audience about natural science.
But we did it anyway. If you'd like to see our Prezi, here is a link: http://prezi.com/za9ax7e6s1qf/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share
The whole
week the school was abuzz with preparation and welcoming newcomers. At that
time more than ever I felt like a true Rotarian representing Ballston Spa High
School, our Rotary club, the state of New York, and the United States. It was
strange to think that the only impression some students would have of a true
New Yorker would be me. I felt uneasy responsibility for a city I've only
visited twice. At any rate I felt I successfully represented whatever I stood
for that day.
Delivering
the presentation went well considering our trite information about the
environment and our predictable call to action at the end. We answered
questions and then were told to present a summary of the other speeches from
the same venue. Initially a shock, it became an opportunity to improve my
impromptu public speaking to say the least. But the truly rewarding part of the
whole event was the cultural exchange at the end. Groups from the different
schools danced or sang and everyone gave extremely enthusiastic support.
Despite realizing the benefits of international cooperation through various
lectures, it was still more fun to yell and cheer for talented youth from
around the world.
In addition
to this experience as an ambassador for my school I also placed first for women
in the 5k at Busan's annual marathon on behalf of my Cross Country team. This
is the blog post I wrote about that day: http://bspatobusan.tumblr.com/post/102010787276/november-2nd-2014
In
celebration of a rather successful week, I went with the rest of the first
years to 의령on a farm service field trip.
We picked persimmons for 4 hours on two separate days. I was thrilled about
this because it felt like the obligatory autumnal apple picking of New York,
and it was an opportunity to become very close with the rest of my class. I had
already spent more than class time with them in school thanks to them including
me in their dance performance for this trip. On the first night of the trip all
8 classes showed their true selves on stage. This lasted a solid 2 hours and
the energy never stopped once. Here is a link to what I had the privilege to do
with my class: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1s1B8CNHHo&list=UUUIzj9SmK_TeuyJOYbSAM2w
Being with
my friends outside of school like this was an unforgettable experience because
the next week I would realize the stark contrast between Korean High School
student's true and school personalities. On the 13th of November the
Korean SAT (수능) took
place and there was no school. This national test determines a Korean High
School student's future. Parents went to temples to pray for their children,
people avoided driving or taking public transportation during test hours to
reduce noise around schools, and the whole country held its breath. This test
is so important to Koreans that it even causes some students to commit suicide.
But on that day I ate ice cream with friends who didn't have to take the test
(students from the Busan Maritime High School). Since I already graduated High
School it was strange to be on the other side of taking an important test, but
I still felt guilty for not feeling the anxiety of it. In this way, every day I
go to school I am constantly reminded of how I'm not really experiencing Korean
High School life. But I'm ok with it. Over my four months here in Korea I've
come to accept the reality that I can never completely assimilate into Korean
life, so I'm glad for the chance to participate in my own way.
From
admiring autumn leaves at 경주to
video taping a family photo day I have a unique window on people halfway around
the world from where I was born, which is pretty neat. The people I have to
thank most for this (besides Rotary and my parents) is my host family. With
them I have been able to appreciate this country in the comfort of a friendly
and caring environment. Next weekend I will be changing host families. I am so
lucky to have had such an exquisite first host family in Korea, and I know
we'll stay in contact. Even though I'm saddened that things never stay the same
I am excited for the adventures of living with a new host family.
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