Summer Camps and Celebrity Status

If you've ever wondered what it would really feel like to be a celebrity, just make your way on over to Korea and teach English.  Foreign teachers are randomly asked to pose for a cell phone picture in the streets by teens and adults alike, but the real paparazzi frenzy happens in the midst of  screaming child fans.

Summer Camp season is here. Basically, regular school has ended, and now the lucky students are enrolled in 3-5 day camps, where they eagerly await more English language instruction. Given that many of these students live below the poverty line, have grueling scholastic schedules and little time for fun- these camps are an opportunity for us teachers to show them that English can be their friend! Games, activities and of course, a little lesson action paves the way for language learning.

This weeks camp, I have elementary students, from grades 3 through 6. Its been so refreshing to teach the little ones, whose eagerness and enthusiasm make it a great joy to teach. It's a 360 turn around from my middle school students who'd rather sleep away the class and/or just stare at themselves in their pocket mirrors.

Once the camp is over and closing ceremonies have ended... pandemonium erupts. The students leap from their seats and begin taking cell phone snap shots like paparazzi pros. One after another, they push, shove and elbow their way through to get as many pics as possible of their Foreign teachers who taught them.  I'll be honest, I'm not particularly photogenic and after the 60th snap you're pretty much done. Having figured, the photo-shoot session was over the four of us foreign teachers made our way out of the auditorium and were headed home. Outside, we were bombarded with the crowds of kids waiting for us. They shouted and waved, and called out our names. We had no idea what was going on! I know I am a pretty good teacher, but this was way out of anything I've ever experienced.

The kids swarmed us with paper and pens, and insisted we give them our autographs. We just kinda went with it. As we signed, the photo shoot continued, one after another. I'm not too sure what the significance is of having my signature is- I doubt it can be sold for any money. Perhaps, they are just so proud to have had an opportunity to learn with us? I'll never really know.

What I can tell you, is that being a celebrity is exhausting. The first autograph is thrilling and you can't help but feel your head swell a tad-- but after 30 minutes of signing your name away... you just want to run.