Alumni Coordinator - Footprints Alumni

You know that picture? I know you know it. The picture in your head of what the future is supposed to look like? We all have a vague idea of what we think will happen post-University right? Well, the components of my personal picture were pretty traditional up until 2005. The last time I saw remnants of my original picture was when I walked along that long stage to receive my hard earned degree from the University of Ottawa/ L’Universite d’Ottawa (if you want to be politically correct about the title). After shaking the Dean’s hand everything became somewhat surreal. As though I was once stuck in a black and white movie hoping to find the outside world, I decided to apply to Footprints Recruiting for work in South Korea rather than sit around at home waiting for the color to appear in the picture I had vaguely outlined. (Think Pleasantville). Then I saw myself packing my bags followed by my arrival at Incheon International Airport. What I did not see is my original picture being developed in any way, shape or form….and I couldn’t be happier for it!

On my first day of school at a Kindergarten (where I learned later the children had never met a foreigner face-to-face before) my director was fielding and translating questions from the children to me as an ice-breaker. First question: “how old are you?” To myself I thought: “how is this relevant?” Of course, I answered politely. Next question : “do you have a boyfriend?” Well now come on! Why do these children care? (answer politely). Next question “what’s your blood type?” Umm, I don’t know I replied inquisitively. This is where I heard a faint gasp from my little audience and my director restated the question somewhat shocked that I didn’t recall my blood type. That is my first, and one my favorite memories of teaching the little ones. I’d tell you what blood types have to do with anything, but I’ll leave it up to you to find out!! I’ve had strangers ask for photo ops because I’m a foreigner, a cleaning lady try to teach me Korean or English (still not sure that she knew she was just speaking Konglish), to parents making pies and inviting me over for dinner. The year was simply a test of fortitude and a learning experience in how to laugh !

I met the most interesting and colorful people in my life, made some very good friends, taught some AMAZING children and well….bought A LOT of purses! I could write enough about being in South Korea to publish volumes of books, so instead I’ll simply recount what I’m doing here in Vancouver. Well, since I came back with such a positive outlook on teaching overseas, and since Footprints Recruiting was responsible for sending me there, I jumped at the chance to work for a company in which I will get to ‘pay it forward’ so to speak by helping other prospective teachers and Alumni get the best experience they possibly can.