We have officially been told not to return to campus for the rest of the semester. I am concerned since there is no way in the near future for me to come and get my stuff from my dorm. However, during this pandemic, I am not complaining, since I would rather be at home and be safe. It is quite scary to hear the number of deaths and the economic impact this virus is causing. However, in times like these, it is important to remain positive and ensure that you and your loved ones are self-isolating and only leave when you absolutely have to. If we think about the vulnerable people around us, such as the elderly, and how by staying inside can help them out, it makes quarantining not so bad.
I bring this up because I have been told this nonstop by my parents, for these past weeks. Koreans, I have learned, are very health conscious. In Korea, people are advised to go to the hospital for virtually anything. As a result, in times of illness and such, Koreans are quick to administer treatment or refer you to treatment. Therefore, I have been keeping up to date with this whole coronavirus situation through my parents and my own research. My own research is primarily America focused, while their research is focused on what is happening in South Korea. I have learned that a pharmaceutical company in Korea has been able to create an efficient testing kit for the coronavirus and is being sought out by other countries. Coincidentally, I am taking a course on molecular virology, so it is extremely relevant during this time. So, I am able to relay the information I learn in class to my parents. However, I cannot explain in English terms, so I am forced to explain a difficult concept like virology to my parents in the Korean language. This required some prior research regarding the vocabulary I would use, but I found that I was able to successfully talk about the subject matter with my family and relay the information that I was taught in my class.
In addition, regarding my Korean learning process, I am limited to the things I am able to do except for the normal routine that I do regularly, which consists of talking with my family, talking to Jimin, and watching Korean entertainment programs. However, I believe this is arguably the best form of practice since I am constantly speaking with two native Korean speakers, my parents, who are able to teach and correct my Korean. So, though I am unable to access materials I would normally be able to back at school, I gained another amazing resource. Looking forward, I want to challenge myself by applying a passion of mine and try to learn Korean/ Korean culture along with it. Though I learn a lot regarding Korean culture through my parents and entertainment programs, this is an opportunity I can take now that I am home. This challenge is regarding cooking Korean dishes at home. I always had a passion for cooking, so now that I am home, I am able to practice it. So, on my next biweekly journal, I will talk about how I did regarding this challenge.
Comments