But mostly I am grateful for all the growing and learning I did in Korea. A place where the flow of life is non-Western makes one learn not just to survive but also fit in. I may not of hit the pavement learning Korean or jumped into the fashion scene to blend in, but I think I put in my best effort here. I embraced the culture by traveling to many sites around the country, engaged in cultural affairs and exercised respecting their way of life. Even though I'm leaving I know a piece of myself will always be dedicated to Korea and the hard work I spent living and surviving here. With that said I can't help but be grateful for my Korean life this Thanksgiving season.


I came to Korea as an eager 27 year old ready to see the world and explore. I was also full of a lot of ambition. What I encountered when I arrived in Korea were not just a set of challenges but situations where I realized my strengths and weaknesses. Even though I worked with some tough people, been left tired from working 10 classes at a hagwon, I never blamed Korea. I've always known that Korea is the way it is and there isn't much I can do to change it. However, the key was to adapt and fit in to this Korean life.

Who knows, maybe I will return to Korea someday if I really miss this place. Until then I'm going to keep positive and be grateful for coming this far and knowing I could have gone even further.