first day back

I went back to work today. It was nice to have something to do.

I was welcomed back cordially, from both my fellow teachers, who had to pick up the slack left by my absence, and the students.

To give you a good look at what South Koreans think of America and Americans, about 60% of my students think I now have swine flu. "Teacher, you were in America?" they ask, "you have swine flu," they diagnose. I may even have to go to a hospital to get checked out, just to appease the parents. No lie.

I didn't tell any students that I was leaving, but the secret as to why I did leave seems to have found its way out during my absence. I had a few say something along the lines of, "Teacher, your dad is died?" I'd correct their grammar if I wasn't using every fiber of my being to not punch them in the face. They're just kids though, too innocent and oblivious to hold their insensitivity against. Besides, to them I only exist inside a classroom; they probably have a hard time believing I know anyone else other than them. Maybe if they remember me when they are older they'll empathize and identify with me.