May 9, Cheerleaders

“선생님, 선생님 팬이에요.” Teacher, I’m your fan,

Several fourth grader girls while gathering around me in the hallway during break

“I’ve only had two students who’ve ever reached true native speaker level. I think you could be the third.”

My Busan Korean teacher, once upon a time

“You should try doing a fitness competition.”

My personal trainer, before making me do leg curls until I wanted to cry

“If you do a fitness competition I’ll come watch.”

MJ

“I’m really impressed with your teaching skills.”

Fourth grade homeroom teacher, after unbeknownst to her I had to retool my lesson on the fly

“Wow, she’s so cool.”

Fifth grade students after I told them they can be whatever they want in my class