:: jotting the lines ::

I got an opportunity to give Mandarin tuition to a Korean student three months ago. Thanks to You-Know-Who.  It never came across my mind that I would have the chance to step into a Korean home although I was always enthusiastic to imagine what if I get to know some Korean friends in Malaysia. Would I end up like the characters in Korean soap drama? heh heh, stop the day dreaming!

My student - Woo Jin. His Chinese literacy level was only 0.5 out of 10 when I assessed him on our first day of tuition. I was worried and asking myself how can I get him out from failing the subject? The parents can’t pay me merely teaching on 1 2 3 right?

See? 22!!! Serious effort needed!!!

I gave one and a half hour crash course to him almost every Monday since end April. As his final examination was approaching, I bet I got more nervous than him. He would get phone call from me, “Woojin, how? Did you study? Did you do the homework I gave you?” until he got quite agitated “Yes, teacher …I did all you that you had asked me.”

Ok, I thought, but still hoping he would get better marks this time.

Today, I was thrilled to read his report card.

 62 now! And GOOD!!!

See, Woo Jin holds his paper with BIG smiles!

But Woo Jin, passing 62% marks is still under my grading standard. I do want to teach you and see you pass with at least 80%  of the total marks. Maybe starting in August, I have to start my distant learning with you during my absence in Malaysia.

Thank you boy for giving me a wonderful time. It was definitely one of the most rewarding and enriching experience to be able to impart leetle of my Mandarin knowledge to the young one.