I think optimism has its drawbacks.


For instance, it's difficult for me to say goodbye. So I cover it up and think to myself that it'll all be okay. That I'm not affected. Oh, but deep down, I am. I don't know; this is the main reason why I dislike being attached to people.


TL Carla
My first TL ever in the history of my entire being. Haha. (Given the obvious fact that I'm a first-time employee..) Her strong personality has taught me to be a bit tougher when dealing with Barney. And not curl into a fetus position and wish for the world to end when 'incidents' happen. Haha. Oh, and she also taught me to panic when crap happens in class (see, optimism has its downside)! But yeah, she's like my first ever mom/big sister figure at work. And even though she moved just a floor below us (on the 10th), I still miss her. (Her excessive cussing and loud, funny remarks on our floor, among others. Hahaha!) =D

Mina
My 11-year old smart student. I know I initially thought I couldn't handle her because of her lack of response, but just when I was beginning to actually look forward to 20:00 to have class with Mina, she's suddenly off my list. The tragedy of it all was that I didn't even get to say goodbye properly. The last thing I said to her was, "You did very well in our class tonight, Mina. I'll see you again tomorrow, OK?" And when tomorrow hit, she was off my list. Just like that! I know that she was bound to have a new teacher (the kid teachers' team, which TL carla now handles), but I seriously felt a genuine feeling of sadness. What's sadder is that her new teacher treats her like a seven-year old in class. (OK, I couldn't resist -- I listened to their classes!) And she freaken' said "50 mph" as "Fifty meters per hour"!!! Only after how many minutes later did she correct herself. And her comments for Mina simply reads as "Wow. That was amazing Mina!" WAAAAHHHH! MY comments for Mina, on the other hand, specifically states her strong areas of the night's class, a list of new vocabulary and definition, and things to improve. Not to mention my usual "Enjoy the rest of the evening, Mina! -Chris" Huhuhu..am I being too bitter? Must be because I miss Mina, the little girl who puts pretty girly eyelashes on my happy face drawings. I hope her teacher soon realizes what an intelligent girl Mina is.

Yooky
My first student. Ever! Her enrollment only lasted a little over a month, which expired last Wednesday. She's smart and definitely a lot of fun to talk to. She's shared to me a lot about Korea's culture and we've shared a lot of laughter in class for sure! The "Oh, yeah, I just left my co-workers at the restaurant without saying goodbye so I can have English class tonight" moment. The surprising intonation..those things. She's pretty awesome. This time, though, I was able to say my farewells to her, and it helps. =) I'll certainly miss talking to her at 23:00. Hopefully when she enrolls again (when it's not so hectic at work, she says) my 23:00 slot will still be open for her. She asked..but of course we're not allowed to say anything about our schedule to the students..

*sigh* And I said I wouldn't be attached..

And now Den-Den
The one and only Dennis Chan. =) I seriously believe that Den is one of the most warm-hearted people I've ever come across. (And yes, even though I've only been with Team PG for just a little over two months.) His kindness is just so genuine. I definitely won't forget the night at Giligan's where we all laughed so hard for so long our stomachs seriously ached. Haha. THanks to Den's hyperactivity! =D This past week he was giving out some "pamana" stuff from his station. I got a bad-ass orange rubber snale, a scratch paper holder (yes, which came with scratch papers. LOL!), and three Mongol pencils. Hehehe! I will treasure them, of course. But I half jokingly said that he should have given me some of his hyperactive/loud persona. But in all seriousness, people like him are the type that could lighten up a room at any given time. Kinda like the sun -- Dennis, always so bright and happy. =) I'll always remember you whenever I listen to my 3rd Eye Blind CD, drink from my orange coffee mug, or when I hug my white teddy. =) (Because he picked my name out when we had our Christmas exchange gifts. Hehe!) Thanks, Den. I'll never forget the fun times and the "sampal" when I speak in French. Hehe! I'll miss you so. I know you'll do well in Singapore. =)

So there.