February 24, 2000, 7 p.m.
Random thoughts: The floor is the warmest place. I’ll get in shape here, walking up and down the hills to work. Dr. Park is overworked, and she complains–but cheerfully. She thinks we work more than at other universities in Korea. It’s not hard to believe; I’m teaching 21 hours. She has 14, plus an administrative assignment.
We had a bizarre little English faculty meeting, with some chat in English, some Korean. At first I was nervous. Then I realized that I was not expected to participate–and I began to enjoy the positive side of not knowing the language. It’s kind of fun just sitting there not understanding anything while two colleagues talk. These faculty meetings are going to be a lot less stressful than the ones at home!
I met Professor Lee, a handsome, tall man, Director of Language Labs; Professor Kim–also some kind of administrator; Professor Kang–Chair of the English Department, pretty, nervous, sarcastic, oddly flirtatious; Dan Lavelle–the returning American professor, dressed in a suit, smelled like booze.
Professor Kang was sophisticated in a grey suit and high heels. I had chosen a denim jumper and white shirt, which was normal attire at home, but here I felt sloppy. Professor Park wore a dark-colored pants suit, not sophisticated, but more professional than I.
February 25, 2000
Dan, the other American professor (I’m called Professor too, here; I love it!), told me he asked for fewer hours this semester, acknowledging that it means less money. He needs the time more, he said. I could really understand that; it’s what I want too!
But they’ve given me a killer schedule, 21 hours of teaching. I can’t believe they could be so cruel. Yesterday I thought, this is going to kill me. How can I do it? But I didn’t complain. How can I complain? I was depressed last night, thinking, I don’t care about travel one bit, just get me out of here!
This is spring term though. It has to get better. The weather will get warmer and prettier. Life will be easier. Won’t it?
Some of the challenges here are fun. I pick up words from conversations--Yongeo, English; chigeum, now; onje, when. Inspired by my former students in the United States, I walk into stores, speak in gestures and one-word sentences.
The post office lady asked me if I wanted coffee. “Kopi?” she said as I was leaving. I said no, flustered and taken by surprise. Coffee at the post office? Probably she wanted to practice her English though. Next time I’ll say yes.