Avenues He Used

Hello world!

 It's me, Michelle coming to you from Jinju, South Korea (*Charm city*)! I've been living and working in Korea for about 10 months now. I'm here teaching English. I got here on March 9, 2012 and haven't looked back since. What made you want to come to Korea? Before I answer that question here's a quick purpose for my blog. I'm writing this blog simply to share my experiences in hopes that someone is blessed, inspired, ENCOURAGED and maybe even apply! lol  I can't speak for all jobs in Korea but mine is great.  Also, I want to answer any questions that you may have. I love writing and I think its about time I let the world know what's been goin' on.

To understand the present, I think it's important  that you are aware of the past.

Back to the question. As some of you know in May 2011, I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  I'm certified to teach  in Texas. Thing is, after working for Lead America  in the summer of  2008 and 2011, I decided I wanted to work somewhere other than Texas (preferably overseas). Lead America is a college and career readiness program for middle and high school students. Why the desire to 'get away?' During my employment with Lead-America, I had the opportunity to travel (for free AND get paid) to Universities all over the US (from Georgetown in D.C., San Diego State in Cali, Olin College in Boston, to DePaul in Chicago, Stanford in Palo Alto, California and a few others). Thanks to my sister, Melanie who referred me for this position.

 As a 'team leader' to my students, I wanted to inspire them to 'get ready' for college, excited about their career and live their dreams! Sounds corny and something out of a college pamphlet or something but it's the truth. That's really all I wanted for them. In my attempts to inspire them, I was thoroughly inspired (specifically by Mike Hilty). He's extremely gifted. After listening to him talk about why he loved Lead America and why he decided to come back another year, I was convinced. I guess it's just something about the words of a 'testimony' that does something to me.---He sold it (tears and all) lol Sorry, Mike. :)

Ironic
In my attempts to inspire my students, I was challenged to do what I had 'preached' to them all summer. Simply, live your dreams. In 2011 after graduating from college, I worked for LA again.  This time, I worked with High school students who hailed from Hong Kong and Beijing. This LA conference was held at Stanford University. These students had dreams of attending American Universities, preferably Stanford. Some of them couldn't speak much English. Half of my students were American and the other half were Chinese. Imagine the group dynamic! Anyway, working with them sparked my interest in the Asian culture along with other things. I would sit in lectures at University listening to my math teachers 'brag' about the Asian culture thinking 'what's all the hype about?' I could read about it, hear about it and watch the news about it but it just wasn't enough I guess. I wanted to venture out and learn more about different people and teaching practices. So I thought 'hey, I'm qualified, single and clearly God is everywhere and will take care of me. I don't have anything to worry about.' Let's make it happen!

My family, friends, professors, sorors, co-workers, cooperating teachers, students, church family and Lead America have all inspired me to do what I'm doing right now. It's no secret. I couldn't have gotten here by myself. Their words of encouragement was what I needed.

God used all these different avenues to get me here (as I'm sure He's done in your life)!