"Shake it Off"

My sincerest apologies for this delayed blog entry. It’s been a tough week. The details are irrelevant at this point, although the saga isn’t over. Due to unfortunate circumstances that were completely out of my control, I have faced a major test of my strength, integrity, and willpower. Let me rephrase that: due to HORRIBLE circumstances…. And to have just moved my whole life across the world, away from all of my family and friends, terrified, jet lagged, and practically broke… At times it felt like more than I could handle.

Luckily, I have always felt that my mom taught be how to be a fighter (as she is a tough fighter herself). And I mean the word “fighter” in the most positive way. I am really not sure what I would do without my parents.  Over many tearful skype sessions with Mom and Bob, they were extremely supportive, sympathetic, and encouraging. Daddy-o would make me laugh and then say, “Alyssa, shake it off.”  J

I read a quote recently that I found so appropriate, “If at first you don't succeed, do it like your mother told you.  ~Author Unknown.  LOL. So funny and yet so true.

Despite facing one of the most tedious, stressful, and upsetting weeks of my life, I am overcome with gratitude for the people I am surrounded by. The Edutainers are absolutely some of the most positive and supportive people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. And on top of that, they are unbelievably talented! I am in constant awe of their creativity, and their acting, singing, and dancing abilities. I wish I could adequately describe everything that the Edutainer department does and how vital they are to the entire existence of Gyeonggi English Village.

Getting to know everyone has been an absolute treat and I have discovered how much I really want to be here.  I love the collaborative process and the quality of the shows here. It has been amazing to see their work so far and it is exhilarating to know that I am now a part of it!

In a couple of weeks we are getting a new Edutainer named Brian. Actually in the course of the next two months, there are 3 new guys joining. It’s crazy that things are already changing (Khristy is leaving in July) and that there will already be some more newbies when I still feel very much a newbie myself!

In the Edutainer office, they have this map on the wall that diagrams where upcoming members are in their tedious work visa process. This picture may not make a lot of sense to those who don’t know the three month long process it takes to get here; which includes an FBI Background check, an state Apostille on your college diploma and your Background check, six documents that are sent to GEV, a Visa Issuance number that is sent to a Korean Consulate…etc. But it is super fun to see who is coming and when they might be arriving here!

I am so overjoyed and relieved that I have put in so much effort to be an Edutainer. It’s great to feel like you not only want, but deserve to be here. <3