Lost soul in korea

Today was def one of those Up-then-Down days!

What happened was…

Yesterday, I was sick AGAIN. I had a massive headache, dizziness, sore throat and the odd vomit (the usual). I thought I should use a sick day because I knew I could drop any second when I start teaching, the day after there’s a teachers’ hike, plus I thought my co-teacher would be ok teaching the cute 4th graders by herself (but actually teach her a lesson for ditching me in lessons). Sent her a message, done. Spent the whole day lying in bed. I had to skip korean class, I really couldn’t go anywhere. I just wanted to sleep the pain away.

This morning, I went back to school. My headache’s gone, but my throat still hurts, I had to go anyway. I was on time for once. Bumped into one of my vice-principals, I greeted him but he was really rude, he didn’t say hello back and gave me an evil look instead. It made me feel down, I thought it had to do with me using a sick day again and that he thinks I’m lazy… I wasn’t sure, I just felt really bad.

Got to the office, planned my lesson for the 6th graders right away, and started teaching. During the lesson, my co-teacher (vacuum lady) turned round to me and told me that all the 4th graders asked why I don’t have to go to work when I’m ill and that they have to. Apparently, they’re disappointed in me and she suggested that I should stop using my sick days because its normal that teachers only use once a year. She said its nothing to do with the fact she’d have to teach by herself, but cos she doesn’t want me to look bad in front of the students and vice-principals. That was when I wanted to cry… I felt really mixed. Never wanted anyone to think I’m a bad person, but also mad at her when she’s the one that keeps ditching me in lessons and gets away with it?? I thought there was no way I can re-new my contract if I have to stick with her and that people think I’m bad anyway :(

During the 3rd period, I made it clear to my co-teacher that I don’t want students and vice-principals to think I am a bad person. I know she wants me to stay for another year so I had to guilt-trip her back. I said to her that if the students and the vice-principals think I don’t ‘seem good’, maybe I can’t stay for another year. That’s when she got worried and said things like ‘Oh, no no it’ll be ok! I’ll tell them that you’re still adapting to the changing weather!’. Few mins later, she realised something which could help me. It was a stupid thing she did but it will def make me look less bad. Oh well, if it helps me stay another year… ^^

This afternoon, we all went for a hike near Gimpo Airport. It was lovely. The fresh air and exercise actually made me feel better, I should hike more! Afterwards, got a lift back home early! Gdgdgd :)

So what have we learnt today? If your co-teacher tries to guilt-trip you, guilt-trip them back! Esp those who leaves your lessons at times and vacuums the classroom randomly…

With the winter gone, I’m supposed to feel better not get sick over and over again!!

I think I’ve used my 4th sick day so far. I really hope my principal and vice-principals don’t think I’m lazy or I’m secretly doing something else (like a certain someone did yesterday *nudge nudge wink wink*).

Tomorrow I have my co-workers’ hike trip followed by dinner. I hope I can make it! :(