Korea & Me (A Life Journey: 2006-2024)
Korea & Me
(A Life Journey: 2006-2024)
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| cecepgaos.com |
Since 2006, my footsteps have been linked to Korea in various life journeys and valuable experiences. Every moment has become part of a long and meaningful journey.
2006: The Beginning of the Journey
In 2006, when I first entered the workforce, I took on two roles at once. Besides being a teacher at SD Puri Artha (Puri Artha Elementary School) Karawang, I was also an English instructor at CEL (Center for English Learning) Karawang. In my role as an instructor at CEL, I had teaching assignments at various companies. One of the most memorable experiences was when an R&D manager at PT Samwoo, named Mr. Baek, wanted to learn English and Indonesian privately. The lesson was scheduled every afternoon after Asr prayer time, around four o'clock. Although the daily schedule has been forgotten, the memories of teaching and interacting with Mr. Baek still linger.
The year 2018 brought new challenges for me. I was given the mandate to prepare the process of establishing SMP Puri Artha (Puri Artha Junior High School) Karawang as well as becoming its principal. One of the programs that I designed with the team was the Overseas Program, with Korea as the main destination. However, various obstacles, especially in the financial aspect, hindered the realization of this program. Nevertheless, the spirit to bring Puri Artha Junior High School students and teachers to Korea remains alive.
2024: APEX Workshop in Jakarta
In August 2024, an amazing opportunity came my way. I had the opportunity to learn together with 40 educators from Indonesia and 5 educators from Korea in APEX (ALCoB Program for Educators' Exchange) 2024 held at the Intercontinental Hotel Jakarta on August 11-16, 2024. This activity enriched my knowledge, especially, about digital learning and Korean culture. One of the most valuable experiences was sharing a room with a senior educator from Korea, Ahn Bong-Seon, a senior teacher from Chinchang Elementary School. I often call him Hyung Ahn, which means older brother in Korean, as a form of closeness and being with him during the workshop added to my understanding of Korean education and culture.
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| With Hyung Ahn |
2024: APEC School Leadership Program in Seoul
In the same year, October 2024, I had the opportunity to represent Indonesia in the APEC School Leadership Program (ASLP) 2024. The event was held at the President Hotel, Seoul, South Korea, on October 21-25, 2024 with the theme “School Leadership Development for Materializing Education Innovation in the APEC Region, Focusing on Interconnected and Inclusive Education Leadership.” The program was attended by 45 school leaders from 14 APEC member economies.
I gained many new experiences and insights in this program. One of my treasured memories was meeting Hong Seonhee, or Ms. Sunny, a principal from Incheon Wanjeong Elementary School. To this day, we still communicate via WhatsApp to share experiences and updates about ourselves and our families. I often call her Noona, which means older sister in Korean, as a form of closeness.
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| With Noona Sunny |
From 2006 to 2024, I have left my mark on this long journey with Korea. From the first interaction with Mr. Baek, the dream of bringing Puri Artha Junior High School to Korea, to the valuable experiences in APEX Workshop and APEC School Leadership Program, all of them form a valuable life journey. Korea is not just a destination country, but has become part of an inspiring and ever-evolving life story. Hopefully, unrealized dreams can be realized soon, and other experiences can be created again to color my life journey in the future. Aamiin yaa Rabbal 'Alamiin.
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