On Wednesday evening, my Korean student and I had a conversation about a few things. When I asked how her week was, she replied that it had been chaotic. It was her daughter’s first week at a new school, and there were many things she was unaware of because the school hadn’t provided enough information. She mentioned some of the challenges she faced, like the school bus system, drop-off student routines, and school lunches.
Fortunately, her daughter has a classmate who lives next door, a family from the Dominican Republic. However, she was hoping to connect with another Korean parent. She admitted that she hates change.
This led us into a discussion about the role of change in life. For one thing, life would be incredibly dull if everything stayed the same day in and day out. Looking back, it’s often the colorful, memorable experiences that stand out. She agreed that her past week had been anything but boring.
Second, we talked about how much of life’s challenges come down to attitude. Change often disrupts familiar routines and requires adjusting to new ones, which can feel daunting. Yet, if you see it as an opportunity, it will take on a different meaning. We don’t often get a chance to experience something entirely new, so it can be seen as a chance for growth and learning.
Third, we touched on the idea of "survival of the fittest." Sometimes the fittest are those most adaptable to change. From an evolutionary perspective, perhaps it’s beneficial to quickly adapt to new environments, like a new school and its routines.
Lastly, we discussed how not having many Korean parents at her daughter’s new school could be an advantage. It might push her to step outside her comfort zone and engage more with English speakers, which could be an important opportunity for growth.
A Chinese saying 船到桥头自然直 (Chuán dào qiáo tóu zìrán zhí) means "When the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten itself out." It reflects the idea that even when facing uncertainty or challenges, like adapting to a new school or environment, things will eventually work out fine. This saying highlights adopting a mindset of resilience and adaptability.
The second topic we discussed was the presidential debate from Tuesday. She’s hoping for a Harris victory. Personally, I vote for whoever will end wars and bring peace to the world. I mentioned that Harris is very smart, but Hillary Clinton is even more experienced. Whether Harris wins might depend on whether the country is ready for a female head of state, especially given that she faces the dual challenges of being both female and a person of color.
In the end, our conversation circled back to the idea that change, while often uncomfortable, is an essential part of life. Whether it's adjusting to a new school or navigating societal shifts, our ability to adapt determines not only how well we survive but how much we thrive in the process. As the saying goes, "船到桥头自然直"—one way or another, things have a way of working themselves out when you take them one step at a time. With the right mindset, even the most chaotic weeks can offer valuable lessons for growth.
By the way, happy birthday to me! I gave myself a haircut to mark the journey I’ve been on and the strength I’ve gained along the way. Here’s to another year of health and joy, shared with all of you!