SEPIC Reunion

Back Together Again;
My 2009 SEPIC Reunion Experience
by Murdock O'Mooney

The first annual SEPIC Reunion of 2009 was a complete success in my opinion. It was great to see all the people that I had orientation with- in that same place almost a year before- and discuss and talk about our experiences teaching in Korea together. I thought the presentations given by teachers were great and drummed up interesting and important dialogs. The discussions allowed the teachers to complain, praise, and share common experiences, while learning and gaining new knowledge and insights about teaching in Korea.
The snow fell on the institute in Asan during our two day stay there, painting the landscape in a beautiful white glaze. Many of the teachers there were from South Africa and had never seen snow before. For them, this experience was especially special. I remember before my presentation a snowball fight broke out, which lightened the mood and reaffirmed our preexisting knowledge that we were indeed in a different country and environment. That night we sang songs in the nora bang and had some drinks to relax.
The following day we had a couple more presentations then made our way to a private collection of historical Korean textiles, arts, and valuables in a museum in Asan. It was a great experience as well. Mr. Gong narrated much of the tour and another snowball fight broke out outside between some SEPICs and some middle-school aged children. I can't really say who won because both sides were wearing their fair share amount of snow. Then we ate a traditional Korean duck lunch at a restaurant and watched the snow fall on the mountains outside as we drank, laughed, and shared stories about Korea.
I left the 2009 SEPIC Reunion with a heightened sense of pride for the SEPIC program, Korea, and for my job here; teaching English. If there is another reunion next year, count me in!