“You guys can have your free time,” I said
as I dismissed my roommates after our discussion. This has been a routine for
me and for most teachers who are staying with students at the school - a bit of
activity and lengthy conversation every night.
I have been a room teacher for 4 years
and have met a lot of people. Living with foreigners is like a roller
coaster ride. Anxious but expecting at first, then the bumpy ride comes after.
And when it’s finally over; a mixture of emotions - happiness and sadness
for that matter, take on everything. Then, the ride starts again when you
decide to continue.
I was in my 6th week of
teaching in the institution when I decided to be a room teacher with the
thought of cutting down my transportation costs and other expenses. This was
the only source of income I have since I exhausted my savings in paying for my
school fees in graduate school. My first day as a room teacher wasn’t that
much fun. Without going much into the details, the room ended up having
two teachers, with me sleeping on a student’s bed.
I had three roommates right away. I met
Koo(23) and Dale(18), Sunday evening. The other student, Allen(22), came Monday
morning. They were all accommodating and fun to talk with. However, there's
always what we call the first time and the awkwardness was all over the room.
Aside from the orientation I had, I was overwhelmed by the responsibilities I
have to cover. Allen and Koo told me what I needed to do in the room
including the schedule and rules they made with the teacher before me.
***
“Teacher, do not eat too much, okay?”
Allen said when we were in a queue for dinner.
“Why? I am hungry and look, the food is
delicious” I said with a smile.
“Just.” He answered back smiling.
I was starving and no one could stop me
from eating more. It was only after self-study did I realize what he
meant. There was a box of pizza waiting for us in our discussion room.
“Wow! This is what I am saying. Pizza!”
Koo exclaimed upon seeing what Allen was holding.
“Guys, this is for everyone.”
“Thank you. Ah, cool.” I said
“Brother, thank you,” Dale added.
Allen grabbed the first slice and handed it over to me. For Koreans, it is customary that the person of a higher position or
who is older be the first to eat. This is a sign of politeness. I thanked him and then signaled everyone to eat.
“Oh, teacher, I am planning on going to
Hundred Islands next week,” Allen mentioned.
“Wow, that’s cool. You are really
going to have a blast on your last week huh." I said.
“I want all of you to travel with me since
it is my last trip. We can call other students also. My girlfriend will be
there too.” He added.
“That would be great. I have been there
twice but I can go again.” Koo stated while munching on the last slice of
pizza.
“Alright, I’ll plan and let you know
after,” Allen said.
I was smiling during their conversation
but at the back of my mind, I was thinking about how much the cost would be.
Allen moved out that week but promised to
come back for the details of the trip. The day came when I had to decide whether
to go or not. Since I did not have much for the trip and had to travel to
Manila for a teaching demo, I opted not to go. I asked the two guys to tell
Allen. Indeed, it was a waste not to join them. We could have spent this
time to bond more and have a fun time.
***
The next few weeks were spent mostly on
free talking and discussion but there weren’t many conversations between us
during the last weeks of Koo. I watched him pack and sending day came.
