Mike Stockton's EF (Section #1) class that I enjoy meeting every Thursday from 3-3:50pm. EF stands for "English Foundation" (basic course) but there are some sharp cookies in this class that are retaking the course for a higher grade...

Mike Stockton's EF (English Foundation) Section #2 class that I have the pleasure of teaching English computer lab to every Thursday from 1:30-2:30pm. The "Tell Me More" program focuses mainly on listening/speaking with the use of headsets.

E.G.C. class (section 9) which meets twice a week to learn basic academic writing at the essay level. (10-11:15am Tues/Fri) A great group of people to work with!

E.G.C. 7 (English Grammar & Composition) class which meets twice a week (8:30-9:45am Tues/Fri). These guys rock!

Student Intros #2

-Before I introduce myself, I will explain why I tell you about myself in a form of letter. Because I don't want to introduce myself formally. I think that introducing oneself is a sort of relationship between two people. So I really wish to give my warm-heart through the letter. I think that it is not a just homework but it is the first friendship with you.
-Unusually, I am married student. Most students are not married so I fill like to live in another world by myself in Handong. Lovely honey and son waiting for me, every night and every day. They are my precious treasure.
-Life is not a rehearsal. This is my motto that I can rely on. Yes. Life in living world is just once. Maybe I can do something wrong sometimes and stumble over hardness. But I'm on stage, God given life. I'm laying those down for the joy of the Lord.
-Sometimes I think, "what is love?", when my mother came in my head, I could find the answer.
-My goals of life are knowing god and the purpose of the my life.
-I don't like talking much in front of public even if they are friends. So people possibly thinks about me as a boring person.
-Young sister has entered the An-dong University this year. She has special ability for archery. So she could enter the An-dong University through a student of special ability. I am sure that she will get gold medal in Olympic in closed future. Also it is my sister's dream.
-I like any sports except swimming. Because Long ago I was experienced that almost died because fall in the river. After then I has got to fear the water.
-My favorite of among many novels of murakami haruki in Japan is "Norwegian Wood". My girl friend gave this book to me five years ago for my birthday. When I has received present from girl friend, really happy. But, so sadly, now I don't have girl friend.
-I would help to poor people. Because when I help for poor people, that will get the more pleasure than alone spend money. Although I don't have anything. I am not gonna be a nobody all my life.
-I have big scale body relatively to Korean people. I have not only healthy body but also sound spirit. Also I try to be positive to think everything.
-Frankly, I don't like English. First reason is don't well English. And second reason is to recognize a small and weak nation through learning English. But I must study hard to English. Because English, I really need my dream.
-About my family? Actually, family was not that very good until 2003. Because, there are several kind of problem like unfaithfulness, dishonesty, hurt each other, indifferent. From this bad virtue that mentioned above, atmosphere of my family was getting dark and cold. By 2003, there is no Christian in the house. But after 2003, we all family come to the church and beleive HIM. That is the most dramatic point in my life.
-My hobby is traveling. No one hates traveling, but I like it more than anyone. Especially, journey with alone is my favorite thing. In 2000, I was tripped in Italy, Sicily alone. What is good thing of traveling alone is that there is no one who recognized you. And in foreign country, meeting with Koreans in distant of thousands of Korea is not that very good experience.
-Thoughts on English are very nice. When I traveled foreign country, I supposed to use English and I used it. Until the journey, I never knew about utility of English. But from that period, English is useful to me. Yes, English makes me foreign friend, and could communicate with others. Sometimes we could laugh and sometimes we could talk about serious subject which is choice of lunch, the time we wake up. I could use English more and more in the future. And there is nothing I could do but study hard and hard. Therefore I will talk a lot in the class, and my expectation of this English class is talking a lot and familiar with some other guys in the class. In fact, EGC, ERD class has a reputation that there is no good relationship between the students than EC, EF class. But last semester, I took ERD class that was taught by Prof. Timothy and we class room student made atmosphere good, warm and humorous. Why is it possible in the ERD class? Because few people in the class expressed their opinion voluntarily. So I will express my best in the class. What is my expectation? Talk a lot class. That is my expectation.
-I do not have any other siblings, so I have a small family consisting of just me and my parents. As a child, I remember being very lonely and desperately wanting a sibling to play with. Now that I am older, I realize that there are many advantages to being an only child; however, I still feel that having a sibling would be better than any of the advantages I have as an only child.
-One of my most memorable trips is my back-packing trip to ten European countries. And just last summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer in the Philippines, which are managed by NGO. Besides my fetish for new cultures, I also have an enormous obsession for soccer.
-When I was in the 3rd year of high school, my district Orchestra received first prize in an International Teen Music Festival, held in Montreal, Canada. Following our triumphant victory, we received an invitation to play for the members of Parliament, and had the chance to meet the Prime Minister of Canada. It was, undoubtedly, one of the most memorable moments of my life.
-When I was young, I didn not like my father very much. He is a very quiet person, so as I child, I thought that he did not like me. I remember having forced and unnatural conversations with my father. However, now I know that he is a very warm-hearted person, and consistently prays to God for our family.
-My mother takes care of the family through prayer, full of love and compassion. I always thank God for blessing me with the greatest parents. Although our family does not have enough time to meet together, we always pray for each other, and keep in touch through the phone. Proudly, I can say, that my family is full of love, compassion, and unity, thanks to our Father in heaven.
-I was serving in the Korean Army for 2 years, and I served as a tank driver. In the army, I knew that so many people struggled with their problems, because they did not have anything to rely on. I wanted to tell them about Jesus Christ, who has complete control of their future. Through witnessing other people's struggles, I realized that God also has control over my destiny, and it is not important what my job will be, as long as I am serving Him. God helped me to see that no matter where I am, he uses my humble faith to touch and influence other people for His glory. And now I know that nothing is more important than living for His ultimate purpose.
-I want to be a counselor. I'm going to study psychology in Handong University and I'd like to work for teenagers and church members.
-These days I'm thinking and thinking about what I have to do in my life, but I haven't got the answer yet. When I was young, I wanted to be a missionary, but for a while I wanted to be a politician. I'm still looking for the way to go, but one sure thing is that my final purpose and final goal of my life is to belong to God. And I want to kno what He wants me to do and follow the way He leads me.
-I like to help others. This summer, I went to Uganda in Africa and worked for people there. I want to share the love of God with others, and I want to live my life for God adn His people. I think that's one of my strength. That faith in God makes me live and breath.
-I still can't believe that I'm 23. Because I feel like I'm 20. Time flies.
-When I was a high school student, I had a dream to earn 10,000,000,000won. If I get such a big money, then I would buy the whole apartments. Because I wanted to make a community that loves each other and helps together. I would give an each apartment to the poor who really need a house to live and would give to my relatives and friends for free. Making a humane environment was my dream. But as I have grown, I realize that it is just the ideal. I become face up to reality. So now my dream is to offer the best space in the capacity of an architect. I want to help other people as a designer of God who concern about God's will. That is my way to change the world, and it is my goal.
-I know that State is not the world, but for me it is. Through travel there, I got confidence that I can do everything. Actually living a foreign country by myself was not that much easy. It was so tough time for me. But whenever I got a problem that is because of language, finance and relationship, there was no one to help me except my God. I was sad and I was lonely. I cried out to God everyday. I could only defend on God. It was really hard time. However, I could feel that I was growing and stronger through this experience. And I have believed that God was making me humble and holy through these disciplines.
-When I lived in Michigan, there was a roommate. His name is Mike. He was a university of Michigan student. He was talkative and naughty guy. Sometimes he annoyed me. But I thanked that I got a friend. So I tried to be kind and gentle for him. Whenever he made our room mass up, I cleaned room for myself. Eventually he like me a lot. He applauded me almost everyday. So even if he was still naughty guy, we became a good friend. Whenever I needed a car, he drove me. Now I miss Mike so much. Do you know why I tell you about him? Because you look like Mike. When I first saw you, you were a familiar face and character. So I think that we can be a good friend, can't we?
-I always try to think positive. I believe that my God guides me to the right way every single time. So I can think positive. This positive thinking gives me fresher and various life.
-My name means "To love your neighbor". My father gave me that name because he wanted me to love other people through my life. I love my name and am proud of it.
-In New Zealand, I was study at language school for six months then went to Bible collage. The time I spent in New Zealand is unforgettable in my 20s life. Such experience helped me to broaden my perspectives to see real world. I think going abroad makes people mature and encouraged. I hope that I can travel all around the world before I meet Jesus Christ in heaven!
-Father is a pastor. I was born to as a pastor's daughter. When I was younger, I used to hate being a pastor's daughter because I had to behave properly, study hard. However, as I grown up now I feel that I'm so blessed as a pastor's daughter.
-Nowdays I'm reading "The Screwtape Letter" written by C.S. Lewis who is my favorite author. Actually, life in Handong is so tough and busy. So it is hard to take time to read other books. Anyways, I love reading books.
-I went to Japan during the summer vacation with mission team. That was good experience to me. I had an interview on Japanse radio program. I will never forget that event. Although we were there for 10 days, it was very exciting trip. We found that God loves Japanese people as He does to US!
-I know Hebrew as well. I can read and write the characters. However I cannot speak because I just learnt biblical Hebrew. I think reading Bible with its original language can give us more inspiration about His Word. If I could have a chance to study Greek, I would be working on it everyday. As you see I'm interested in studying foreign languages.
-I want to be an international lawyer. Especially want to work for the abused children all around the world. There are so many children are suffering from poverty, sexual abuse or are being killed in wars. Everyone has the right to be happy. Everyone has the right be be loved. Thus, no one can infringe other's rights. Because the children are not strong enough to protect their legal rights, I want to be a spokeswoman of them. To make this happen, I hope I can work at UNICEF. Many people say that that is impossible to get there, but I believe that if God wants me to do that work He would give me anything that I need. God knows me better than I do.
-Koreans have to learn English but most of Americans learn Korean for fun. As you know, most of the English professors in Handong can't speak Korean even during their long time in Korea.
-My mother devoted her whole life like most Korean mothers. So I pray for her to stop her devotion and to enjoy her life. She prays with her whole heart. I believe that her pray makes me and keeps my family. I thank God for her. My father always said, "It's not important that you became a woman of great intellectual powers. The most important thing is being good person who helps other people and has a kindness for them." He is the best man who loves me in this world. He doesn't believe God. He doesn't go to church, but I think he believes God. I hope that God meets and heals him so that my family can worship God together. My sister is my mentor. She is the best person in my whole life.
-I really love mountains. While climbing it, I can have time to think about what I am, people, and my life. I can feel my creator, God and his creature. On the top of the mountain, power comes up in my heart. Then I can climb down to my place.
-I usually read books about faith. I'm really lazy, but I read them and the bible because they wake me up and help me know more about God. I have a strong and steady faith. I know that I'm weak, but what kinds of trials can't draw me apart from Jesus Christ. I pray and read the bible everyday.
-I have a dream. It is that I help other people and introduce the good news. I wish to help them with clean water. As you know, there are many people who are dying because of dirty water in Africa and in Asia. I wish I would help them give clean water.
-My father doesn't believe God, yet. So I, my mother and my sister pray to God for my father. My mother is a good house keeper. My sister and I could know God through her. She dreamed of Jesus after she bore me. After that, she began to go to church (Thank you, God!:-))
-I didn't know what I can work for my life. I was wondering which I really like to do. I could not find it. After I came to Handong, I found to do. The reason which I had not found my goal was my focus. It was concentrated only me. When I changed my mind and asked to God, I could found what I want to do.
-My parents are persons who have strong creed on honesty and faith. They always emphasized these 2 things to me and my brother during growing. Also they're parents who have been praying for us everyday. I really regard them and their lives with respect.
-Now I want to talk about my dream and goal of my life. Before I start with specific things I want to do, I have talk about God in me because I can not be sure my future without him. In my centre of heart and centre of mind, I always try not to forget a certain thing. That is the fact that I am created for God's glory. Whatever I do, wherever I go are not that important to me. I want to concentrate on how I live for his glory. That is not such an easy thing to remember every daily life. I just ask him to help me to live for his glory. And in this belief, I dream what I want to be and what I want to do.
-After master and PhD course, I want to travel around world. I've looked forward to it since I was young. Luckily, I had privileges to travel many other countries in Asia, African and Europe. I learn a lot of things through travels. I want to see more and experience more.
-As you read my article, you might already have figured out my English skill. Because I'm a Korean native speaker, I cannot speak perfect English. My brain is already organized with Korean structure, not with English grammar. The improvement seems very steady but I know it can be better as hard as I try.
-My parents have taken pastoral duties in church for long. They have wanted to work for region which are has many Buddhists, so they have come to Kyung-nam from Seoul where is their hometown. I really respect my parents because they always sacrifice themselves for other people.
-In the near future, I will be a marketer who has specialized knowledge in India or Japan. I believe that God will make my way and just follow the holly spirit who leads me.
-All my family members are Christians, and attend the Pub-bu church. I thank to God that I'm belong to them. They are most valuable people, who give me courage when I run into difficulty.
-My feeling about English is a fear. I'm afraid to speak and express in English. It's because I don't have enough experiences in speaking English. However I recognized that English is very important in thse days because it's a common language. It's a foundation of the globalization and I know if I'm not good at English, I could loose many important chances in my life. I recognized a problem so I try to improve but it's not an easy work. I try to have affirmative behavior toward everything. I realized when I enjoy working and have a positive mind toward the job, the process and result would be better than negative thinking.
-I take care of babies in the church so the parents can give Sunday service without any distraction.
-Watching the video which my father took it when I was a little girl, I feel like I'm watching a different person.
-After I entered to Handong, my dream was changed. I don't want to be a teacher any more. Instead, I want to be a Christian leader. Frankly speaking, I don't know what I want and what I have to do until now. I am considering my future carefully these days, because I will graduate after 3 semesters. I will think and decide my vision for remain semesters. I would think about what is a Christian leader and what I should do.
-I am considering many things. Among other things, faith is most important to me. I only pray for myself. I seldom read a bible. I feel that I have to lead a religious life.
-So far being in Handong has been a life changing experience. God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends and professors that love and care for the students. My major is Global Management and English. The reason why I chose these majors was because I thought it would help me accomplish my future plans, to become a successful international businessman. By earning lots of money, it has been one of my dreams to help those that are poor and to support missionaries that are serving God abroad. I am also in the Praise Team for the Handong International Church. I have served as a singer in the Praise Team ever since my freshman year.
-When I was six years old, my parents received a calling from God and became missionaries. We then moved from Korea to Indonesia. I have lived there ever since, graduating from elementary, junior-high and high school in Indonesia. I have enjoyed living there for 12 years, treasuring many precious memories and experiences. My parents are still missionaries there, wanting to serve God until He guides them to a different ministry.
-Sharing food has been one of my weaknesses. Koreans tend to share food and drinks during meal or snack time, and for me it has been a little difficult. I had grown up more in a western environment where people didn't share food as much and coming to Korean and suddenly people grabbing food off my plate has been a shock and a silly weakness I think that I could later adjust.
-My father is a workaholic not really because he has so much to do (which he does) but rather because he just loves what he is doing. He received his master's degree in theology at UCLA and became a senior pastor when I was five years old. He started a church in suburban Los Angeles and spent over a decade serving God the best he could with his congregation. My mother stood faithfully by his side throughout all the problems and absences and took care of us as best as anyone could. She is very open and caring and has a very warm atmosphere around her and is liked by most.
-Playing my guitar is a great hobby for me because it allows me to get in touch with God in my own way. I feel closest to God when I am singing praises and playing my guitar because I only know how to play praise songs.
-One serious goal I have since I entered Handong was to make my life more God centered than myself centered. I realized when I pray and when I do things in my free time I am always thinking of myself and not of what God would want me to do.
-In 1998, when my parents decided to move to South Africa to serve as missionaries, it was devastating news for me because I thought that Africa only consisted of wild animals and houses made of manure. We spent a good five years there starting a church and serving the black Africans there to further develop their belief and faith and also bring new children to God. It was a great time and a really good experience that I wouldn't trade for any wordly possession in this world.
-When I arrived in Korea I didn't want to speak English because everyone around me stared at me funny and talked about me behind my back. Now I realize I have a gift that I should use not only for myself, but also to help others.
-I came back to the motherland last spring semester in order to carry out the duty of serving the Korean army. I will be placed in the KATUSA (Korean Augmentation of the U.S. Army) next January.
-One particular kind of music I do not enjoy listening to, unless it is extremely catchy, is Korean pop music. I am really fed up with it not only because it sounds all the same, but also all the artists look the same, they dance the same way, and they all have the same gestures when they are on television.
-I own an electric drum set at home and it will always be my #1 baby regardless of how stunning my girl friend would be.
-Though I am a Christian, it is hard to maintain a righteous, Christ-seeking college life. Especially as a young college student, I am surrounded by many things that tempt me to do what I should not be doing. I just hope God provides me with guidance and the strength to proceed.
-My grandmother is the most important person in my family because the history of Christianity of my family started from her. When she was about 20, she just happened to go to a church and she became to believe in God! God has blessed my family through her.
-I want to do something more precious as a Christian. I am not planning to do a big thing, but just a little thing for the poor. My parents have helped a little kid in Mongolia and they are going to keep supporting him until he finishes his study. I want to help the poor in that kind of way. And I also want to help the missionaries if possible. I don't think I can be a missionary, but I want to be supportive for them by any means.
-I don't think I am a good Christian. I know that it is hard to be a good Christian, but I have to keep praying and reading the Bible until I really find Him. That is because He is the reason we live for. I really have to find Him.
-I hope to be able to write essays that seem to be written by a university student, not a high school or a middle school student like this. I think Prof. Brown will help me to be like that. Of course, I know that it is not him who can improve my English but me, but I think I can improve my writing with his help. I hope I can have a wonderful semester taking this course.
-So, this is some about my-self and I want to stop here or it'll be very long article which make you be bored of reading. What I want to say is "It is very nice to see you as a student and teacher" and I look forward to having faithful time through class. Thank you for reading.