I really thought that the second week of classes will be better than the first week. I was wrong. I've been crazily busy this week too, and am amazed at how tired I felt every morning I woke up. Take this morning (Friday) for instance. I had a faculty meeting at 8:30 and it took every ounce of self-discipline to get out of bed -- especially since my first class only started at 11:00.
Yesterday (Thursday) was a very busy day. I taught five classes back to back. Even during my lunch break I had to prepare some interview questions to be used with student applications later this year. Directly after my classes ended I had to rush home, change clothes, and rush to an elementary- and middle school music contest where I acted as master of ceremonies. I was supposed to be one of the judges at the event, but was told just the day before that I am replacing the first choice for reasons I thought discriminatory. (They wanted a Caucasian face to be the master of ceremonies, regardless of the fact that the other person, although genetically Asian, is much more Western than I am; I am from Africa after all.) In any case, we decided not to make too much a fuss about the changes in our duties and I went ahead MC-ing the event. After the contest I rushed off to Taekwon-Do because I promised the instructor that I'd teach the classes as he was a little injured two days before -- and I also felt like helping him out a bit as he ran the dojang alone this week, since the chief-instructor's father passed away and so he did not teach this week. Not to complain -- teaching Taekwon-Do is, after all, one of my passions. Nonetheless, it was a 8:30 am till 10:30 pm work day -- not to mention that I only got home around midnight.
I really, truly, honestly hope that every week of this semester will not continue to be as hectic as these last two weeks were.
Regardless, I authentically enjoy my job. I love teaching and cannot imagine too many other things I'd rather be doing. After all, I get paid to read great poetry and listen to good music! The only thing that I really dislike about my job (apart from early morning meetings, of course) is grading papers; and that, I am sad to say, has already started to drizzle in.
The Koreans love a Caucasian face. I think that's why they wanted me to be in their advertisements. Most of the foreign students are non-whites so they chose me.
ReplyDeleteI am also wiped out. I may take a break from taekwondo for at least one day if I'm too tired this week. I had to sit through an all-day series of theology seminars while very tired and having a painful back today.
I do think you have found your niche. I think you belong in martial arts and teaching college.