Hardin, a surprising 4th place.

In my three months here in South Korea, I've received two articles of mail. The first, a letter from Alyssa Gaalema and the second, a card with two re-gifted Cds, from AnJew-We. And none from the rest of you...

In retribution for their gifts I've scribbled a letter to each of them. Now they have to suffer through my ugly handwriting and pur spellin. In the letters I wrote about all the things I miss from 'home.' And that got me thinking...

When I was deciding to come to Korea I knew it would be an emotionally trying experience. I've never really lived outside of the nation of Texas and I've always been able to go wherever I wanted. If I was needing needing a Camp Peniel fix I could just hop in my car and head to Marble Falls. (Camp being in my top three list of things I miss the most). When building myself up for my year here I knew it would be hard to not see my Miss Berkley and her 'spacial' brother (my #1). And physically I knew going without Rudy's pork loin would drain my strength (#3). Naturally, I also knew I would miss my family but I was prepared to miss them so not seeing them isn't as hard because i was predisposed to that struggle.

What has surprised me is how much I miss Hardin. I knew I would miss Mrs. Keys, the Führer of the Social Studies department, and my fellow Social Studies subordinates... I did not realize how much I would miss all of Hardin. For the past two years, the teachers at Hardin High School were my family. And I know that sounds gay but it is true. I have never had so many loving, encouraging, tolerant, patient, forgiving mothers and girlfriends. (Shout-out Mrs. Rao, Carr, and Veach!)
My last year at Hardin was particularly awesome. Even though we lost the immortal Ms. Croft and were stuck with Jonsey, it all worked out aight. I no longer was driving the bus before and after school. I was more confident as a teacher. And we had TWO conferences! I mean a conference and a ultimate period. Just like Camp Peniel and the SFA rock wall, I genuinely enjoyed the people I worked with. Even Mrs. Cisneros was tolerable. And when Via-Tore up wore deodorant and stayed away from the tuna I could suffer through her presence.



But I am not only grateful for my Social Studies, aka the "Department of the Millennium." The entire staff I sincerely like. From Mrs. Betty rockin' up-and-down the halls to Ricky in the bus barn or "Mean Scott" in the Cafeteria; even scary, sweaty Coach Jones threatening a sexual harassment lawsuit, and Charlie allowing me to live adjacent to his mother practically for free... everyone was so... amicable.

I don't know of many schools where the Superintendent would pretend to fire a timid, scrawny first-year teacher in order to play along with a pathetic bald man's prank. Or a vice principal that would allow that same sad, lonely bald man to write explicit Valo-grams to him and other innocent staff. And Mrs. Marberries, not even my mother would have been such a great first-principal. How many bosses would invite you to stay with them when you were being threatened by a psychotic, over-weight redneck? Everyone was so open and welcoming. And I am truly grateful.

No work place is perfect but I 100% took for granted the family I had at Hardin. I have so many memories. Memories my dreams remind me of here in Korea. Like when I had a private slumber-party in the teachers lounge and I think I literally scared the tee-tee out of Mrs. Thornton when she bolted open the door to my safehouseat 4am. That awkward yet delightful tickling strategy from Mr. Mealer while competing at ultimate-football. And the toothpick Slutter infamous trying to shield a poor student's eyes from a urinating Cisneros. And our NYC trip when Keys left the maps in Hardin and tried to blame me... "Good times."
I love each one of the teachers and staff members at Hardin High School/Cafeteria/ Admin office. Except the tech people. I never got them to unblock google images. And I hold grudges really well... (I'm just JK-ing Mrs. Muldrow)

But I not only miss the teachers, it is hard and awkward to describe how empty a part of my heart feels because I am not there for the students. I feel extremely guilty that I will not be there to see my first class of students graduate. I feel like I am betraying them in some way. But I know I will never forget them. (Except oh-whats-his-name... you know the tall one). That class of students are pivotal and significant in my life as an educator. I want to contact them and ask what their plans will be after May but stings from "To catch a Predator" with Chris Hansen flash through my mind... But if any of you Hardin graduates have learned to read and stumble upon this blog, know that you are important to me and I sincerely do care about you and your future.
(Also, I will not forget when Mrs. Koan gave me permission to "beat Carson's ass" if he ever acted up...)

And my freshmen last year... What can I say? I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to take that Geography postition. I had a hard time teaching that subject. I was completely retarded for essentially agreeing to a second 'first-year' of teaching. But I am happy I did. I have been bugging Mrs. Jones and Allen through the facebook checking up on them. Even the kids I didn't like, I still miss them. I don't think students understand how important and consuming they are to their teachers. Especially single losers who have nothing else to do with their lives but go to work during the day and watch Netflix movies at night... My students last year brought me so much joy (and also some not-so-pleasant feelings too). They aren't quite human yet but they are on their way and it is encouraging. I know there is so much life and opportunity out there for all of them and I wholeheartedly pray that they find the person God wants them to be. The funny things is I know they don't give three shakes about me or what I think but those kids are often on my mind.
And my precious SHIP mates. I miss them. Such a diverse and precious mix of chillins.

I am glad to be here in Korea and I am learning a lot but I just want to say that I love and humbly miss all my former co-workers and students at Hardin.
In .love.
Mr. Powers