'Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.' What do Korean children treasure more than the ability to swim (while living on an island)? What puts more sparkle in those tiny black eyes than a brand new 10,000W bill fresh from the mint? What causes more animosity, treachery, deceit, competition and tears than anything else in the modern Korean child? No, it's not a new bike. It's not a computer game. It's not even Pokemon cards. It's a simple glittery sticker no larger than the eraser on a pencil (which is actually rare here in Korea...) that comes in the shape of a star or heart. As a form of positive reinforcement, I have my students compete on workbook assignments. Clawing tooth and nail through the tedious "I would like some, thank you." sentences as well as the more difficult "I went to the store yesterday to buy some veggies, an apple and juice." these kids will scribble nearly unintelligibly, simply scrawling whatever seemingly correct Engrish seeps from their skulls, all in the hope of ascertaining that beloved and revered sticker. Once the child has garnished his/her finger tip with the new bedazzled plastic, it is put on a particular sheet of paper containing numerous circles, sometimes representing balloons or cookies. Every 2-3 months, on Sticker Party Day, these treasures are totaled, allowing for the leading student to get a 'Certificate of Achievement' while the others sit around feeling sorry for themselves saying things like, "Muggahsah Teacha, 3 too" (I needed 3 sticker to tie the winner) or "Mong Teacha, nehgay, joosayo". (Four more please) These stickers, upon being tallied by the official representatives (myself and my coteacher) are turned into Dollas, which the kids will spend purchasing Dakboji, snack mix, pb&j, juice, or playing the raffle to maybe win some Pogs (yes, they are still ridiculously popular here) or maybe some Pokemon cards or even a soccer ball, a couple highlighters or a 'ball-pen'. The sticker party is also one of the most boring days for Meaghan and me. We sit around, doling out old food and damp snacks, while kids attempt to talk to us in Korean, even though we know they can at least say numbers in English. On the other hand it's a good chance for us to take some candid pictures of the good, the bad, and the ugly in their natural habitat. On that note, enjoy the following: (Notice that some of these children have bigger heads then even me.)
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MuggsJust a little journal about my life. Click 'Comments' or the Titles if you'd like to add anything. The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences.
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