teacher's day

In the past two weeks here in Korea we've had Children's Day and Parent's Day. In keeping with the trend, yesterday was Teacher's Day. In my mind, a teacher's day would mean that I don't have to work. That's not the case; rather it just meant that some of my kids gave me gifts. Here's a sampling:The basket flower was from Polly, with a note which reads: Thank you for your teaching. The rose (for which I'm using a soju bottle as a makeshift vase), from my phonics student Jen. The Big Bang playing card came, curiously, from Billy.

I got some other stuff as well which I left at school, including a set of five porcelain soju drinking cups, and some handmade soaps. I think my favorite gift though was from a phonics student I named Leslie. She gave me a set of Disney magnets. Now, I will get zero use from the things; I have no practical uses for magnets, not even ones with Goofy or Minnie Mouse on them. However, I still like her gift best because it's something she clearly picked herself to give me. All of the presents are nice, but are just things that the student's mom gave them to give to me. Leslie's magnets are more sincere and thoughtful. And as always, it's the thought that counts.