Double Holiday

Today is Children's Day! Not only do I get a day off, but these kids who are constantly busting their butts studying and commuting from school to their Hagwon  to violin, taekwondo, math academy, etc finally get a day to do whatever they want. I have yet to comment on a typical day of a Korean child, but I feel today is appropriate.  A lot of my students have insanely long days. They wake up early in the morning to attend their normal school. After this, many (when I say many I mean most) continue on to some type of academy or activity. In South Korea, this academy is called a Hagwon. This means a private after school academy that focuses on subjects such as English, grammar, science, math, social studies arts and music. There may be other subjects, but these tend to be more common. Students do not receive grades at their Hagwon, or at least at mine. I can't speak for all of Korea. However, they of course are often tested on what they are learning. In reality it doesn't matter how they do at their Hagwon, it has no real effect on getting accepted into university. Now, since Hagwon's are businesses if the student is not performing well this looks bad on the Hagwon and they may loose business because of this. Don't worry, Hagwon's don't let their student's look bad. It's bad for business. Continuing on topic---after a child is done with their normal school around 3pm they attend a Hagwon or an activity (violin and taekwondo are the most common) for a few hours. Basically, what I am trying to point out is it is very common for a six year old to attend school all day until 2pm or 3pm and than after attending their Hagwon and activity of choice they are not home until 6pm or later...much later. Children's Day is an opportunity for children to relax, not sit in a classroom, spend time with their family and enjoy being a kid again.

It is also Cinco de Mayo today also known as the 5th of May!! Thought to be the Mexican Independence Day, but this is untrue. The holiday celebrates an unlikely win against the French at the Battle of Puebla. This holiday is mostly celebrated in Puebla and in the United States of America. In the U.S, it's a day to celebrate Mexican American heritage much like St. Patrick's Day is used to celebrate being Irish American.

I can only do so much in living Korea, but I'm personally celebrating this holiday by cooking Mexican food and drinking tequila.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!!