It's funny--the question I get asked more than any other lately is "aren't you afraid of (fill in the blank)?". Everyone seems to have something different that they think I should fear about Korea or the trip there. The prevailing things people think I should fear are: a) Not understanding the language (and the various problems that could arise), b) North Korea, and c) Getting sick from some random foreign disease.
This got me to thinking, what am I afraid of about this move? Sure I've felt mild concern at the possibilities other people keep bringing up, but the things that scare me the most aren't on that list. You know what my big fears are right now? Here's the list:
1. Eating what I believe to be chicken, and then finding out that it isn't.
2. Accidentally insulting someone through not understanding Korean etiquette. Or just being an ugly American, in any way.
3. Not being a good teacher to my students (probably my biggest fear).
4. Learning from being a minority for the first time that I am in some way racist/prejudiced.
5. A death in the family while I'm away.
6. Making a mistake in my paperwork and/or visa requirements and not being able to go.
7. Getting lost in a foreign airport on the way there.
8. Getting all the way there, and then realizing that I forgot to pack something essential.
No comments:
Post a Comment