Third Grade Project

Dionne and I were told that for our third graders' final exam, they were to deliver a three minute personal introduction that they could then use for job or college interviews.  None of them were pleased to hear this news, nor were we excited to deliver it.  We knew it wouldn't be easy for them - it's no easy feat in your native language, but imagine, as a high school senior, writing a deeply personal account of your strengths, weaknesses, character traits and life experiences, in a language with which you may not be the most comfortable.  Yikes.  So, to take things a little closer to home, Dionne and I decided it would only be fair if we did the same thing and delivered ours to them as examples.  Writing this was really challenging, but the more I threw myself in, the more enjoyable it became.  I'm a total sucker for soul searching and sharing what I find:

My strengths are being positive, creative and hardworking.  I always try to look at the good side of a situation and I always put forth my best effort.  One of my weaknesses is that I have trouble saying no to people.  I often end up taking on more work than I should.  But, once I take on that work, I always do my best. 

I love learning new things and challenging myself.  While these things are not easy, I enjoy the challenge they present.  Recreationally, I enjoy cooking, reading and listening to music.  I love to travel, explore and experience new and different things and places.  I think traveling exposes me to things that bring out the best in me.  Problem solving, being out of my comfort zone and trying new things all help build character and make for a more well-rounded life experience, training me to do the same things in my everyday life. 

My dream is to be a pastor in a United Church of Christ church.  My dream will not come true for a long time because in order to become a pastor, I have to go to three years of seminary.  But, since there is no deadline for me to start attending seminary, I want to gain as much life experience as possible, which will help me better understand how to do my job once I do become a pastor.  To prepare myself for seminary, I am taking time exposing myself to many different kinds of people who experience faith in many different ways as well as exploring what my own faith means: what I believe and why I believe what I do. 

My childhood taught me a lot about what is important in life.  I grew up in a caring, supportive, active family who supported each other unconditionally as well as a close-knit circle of friends and mentors who taught me countless life lessons.  My parents have always encouraged me to challenge myself, both academically and through the choices I make.  They are patient with me as I explore where my passions lie and only want what is best for me.  Their varied life experiences have provided me with countless pieces of advice and examples of how to be a genuinely hard worker and good person.

Living in a small town has also been an important part of who I have become.  It has taught me a lot about what is important in life – building a sense of community, building strong relationships and providing a strong sense of support to those around you.  I find that no matter where I go, I crave the same sense of community that Clarence provided me.  When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to leave, and now I can’t wait to go back!

The people with which I surrounded myself and the experiences to which I have been exposed, both special and everyday, have all worked together to get me to where I am today.  I never thought I would have the amazing opportunity to live and teach in Korea at such a special school.  While I don’t see myself doing this for the rest of my life, it is setting me up for the rest of my professional life, teaching me lessons about myself, life, and people that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to learn.

So there you go: what has influenced who I have become in 550 words.  Believe me, I could go on for days.

AND, today has been absolutely fabulous.  I've had a beautiful, special, happily-tearful birthday, with more to come.  Details later, I promise!