By bus from Kunsan to Seoul takes me as much time as going to Gwangju. And only costs me 10,000 won more per trip. Go figure. I popped up to Seoul to see Jae, one of my students from 2002 INTERLINK Language Center program at Valparaiso University in Northwest Indiana. Jae was home for the holiday. He studies mechanical engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. We had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant, shopped the underground mall at the bus terminal and finished with tea on the 10th floor of Shinsaegae Dept Store. It's cool to visit with Jae. He's really open and energetic. He's a little sad to be leaving Seoul as he may not be back for another two years. Jae is one of my heroes. I remember the tough kid who walked into my classroom four years ago and am inspired by the kind, sophisicated guy he's become. Jae has carved his own way in the US education system. Instead of only being willing to attend a "certain" university, Jae forged his path by leaving his Korean university, going to a language center (INTERLINK at Valpo), transferring to Ivy Tech, and then transferring again to PNC (Purdue North Central) - a satellite community college. By transfering to PNC, he was then able transfer to the main campus in West Lafayette to finish at one of the best engineering schools in the country. Rock on, Jae! Best of luck on a busy 2006 for you! 
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