For the Kunsan University Herald

What did you want to be when you were little? A ballet dancer? A fireman? I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader or an Egyptologist. In a way I have gotten both of my dreams in terms of what I like about each of those jobs. I’ve just had to be flexible about the label of my job. I am a Visiting Professor at Chonnam National University in the Department of English Language and Literature and I am proud to say I’m a little bit of a cheerleader and a little bit of an archeologist.

As a professor I teach English to English majors. I teach Interpersonal Skills and Jobs Skills. My Korean students, despite years of studying English, are often shy – reluctant to use their spoken English ability. In my classroom, on campus, and in my community, one of my skills that I call on everyday is that of a cheerleader – someone who encourages others to win the game. I clap, I yell, I cry as my students journey up and down the basketball court of conversation. I jump, I shout, I stamp my feet to help my students keep their energy high to meet the uncomfortable challenges of spoken English productions. Whether my students win or lose a particular game is always a heart-pumping experience. Knowing my students are always winners because they showed up to the game, made their best effort, and stretched themselves out of their comfort zone is an experience of inspiration that always keeps me coming back to the teaching game no matter how tired or drained I might become. Physically, mentally I might be exhausted, but emotionally I ride an adrenaline high every time I see the “light bulb” go off above a student’s head who has been struggling to share their ideas in English.

The cheerleading aspect of teaching is fun and easy for me, but the archeologist component is difficult and dangerous. Just as my students arrive in my classroom with lots of English studying experience, they also come with lots of resentment against English. Digging into my students’ feelings about English is difficult; many times my students are suspicious of me, a foreigner. Other times it’s dangerous. My students may have had really negative experiences about English – teachers who have yelled at them and embarrassed them in English or perhaps they did not receive scholarship money because they didn’t receive a high enough English exam score. But archeology is a branch of anthropology – the study of man, well . . ., people. I always point out to my students that English is only a tool, just like a farmer uses a plow. Korean society and economy are buffeted by the winds of globalization, making crisis and opportunity for its citizens. Students who have tools such as college degrees, computer skills, language skills (not just English, but Chinese and others), part-time job experience, volunteer experience, and a network of friends, “seniors,” and teachers are equipped to battle any situation and create an opportunity out of it.

So, when you grow up, what do you want to be? Think outside of the box of government official, teacher, or university professor. Be that ballet dancer or fireman. You never know what the label of jobs will be in your future and how you can live your dreams in those occupations.

-Maria misses all of her students that she taught at Kunsan National University (August 2004-August 2006).