Life Update: 안녕 Korea

Life really is full of surprises.

If you had asked me if there was a chance that one day I would be living in Korea I would have said no way absolutely not. I had never been a fan of K-pop or K-dramas. Having been exposed to Korean media since a young age — I never thought that one day I would like any of it, nonetheless be hooked and decide to move to Korea to become more immersed.

2023 - I was at an all-time long in my life. I had been attending Emerson College (currently on a leave of absence so that hopefully one day obtain that 2nd degree) up until this point. But there was no way around this nightmare, I had to face it and let go.

2024 - It’s January 1st, currently on vacation with my family. We’ve been taking a 3-week long trip around Korea and Japan. I was missing my babygirl, Nori, so much — we got a Yorkie mid last year. She’s my everything. The only pride and joy I have, my comfort.

Mid January. I went back to working at Starbucks. This time around I was working at a location closer to home with better hours. I was able to save money to one day film a short film version of my feature film — this was my goal. But a part of me also craved so much to leave be away from all the pressure and judgement. This was when I saw the ad to teach English in Korea — was this the sign I had been waiting for?

February. I took it as a sign. I registered in a TEFL (120 hour) course and shopped around for a recruiter that was the best fit for me. I felt like I was finally able to start taking the breath of fresh air. Things were going going into place. The one remaining… two remaining factors were (1) leave Nori and (2) discussing with my family the decision. Both extremely daunting thoughts.

July. After numerous back and forths — not all rainbows and butterflies — I was doing this. I was going to South Korea to teach English. It was truly one of the most difficult decisions of my life. I was taking a huge risk traveling all the way across the world by myself, not knowing if any good would come of it. But the decision was made — all the paperwork was set and done.

August. We went on one last family vacation together, to Canada. I had to say my goodbye to my little angel baby — it was too long of a drive for Nori, I didn’t want her to suffer from car sickness. I just hope that she will remember me and not think that I abandoned her because I would never.

September. The real adventure begins! We had a 1-week training to learn the teaching curriculum. I also met two other new teachers that was starting at the same school as I was :) I was both so scared and excited.

2025 - It’s been 5-months… to say time flies by would not be an understatement. So much has happened, I have definitely grown so much — I understand myself so much more, and my relationship with my mother has gotten so much better. This was due to the fact that before I left for Korea we opened up about our feelings and thoughts. But, I still miss my babygirl Nori. Hopefully I will be able to go back home to visit my family and her in the next few months.

I really have become so much happier — although occassionally still stressed and anxious. I have gone out of my comfort zone and have tried so many more things than I would have if I didn’t take that risk.

I appreciate all the obstacles that I have gone through so that I could be where I am today. I can’t wait for everything Good or Bad that will come my way during my next risk.

Until next time beautiful people <333