The Benefit of Teaching

Is teaching (especially in a foreign country like South Korea) worth it?

I've been thinking about this question for a while now. As much as it seems that my health has suffered and that I've been unhappy at several points this year, I would say my overall experience has been worth it. There's no doubt in my mind that I've helped many people through teaching this year, and that alone makes it all worth it. That alone makes me feel like I've made my little dent in the world, which is what I think life is all about.

Today, I concluded teaching some of my intermediate students that I've taught for 6 months in a row. It's remarkable to listen to them speak with proper grammar. It's amazing that they can understand everything that I ask them. I feel proud. I feel very content with my work as a teacher.

Sometimes I'm very pessimistic about my future and fall into this pit of despair. I feel like I'm working some torturous job with no benefits and only detriments to my well-being. Perhaps I took too much for granted. I don't know what my future holds, but I can see something bright. I guess for me it's hard to notice progress when it's happening right in front of me. Taking a step back now, I feel grateful. I've really developed as a person this year and I'm thankful for the opportunity I've been given.

When people say teaching is rewarding, it really is true. I couldn't feel more rewarded and I've just begun.