David Kim

I had this kid, David Kim, in my forth grade class. David was from Korea and his English was OK. He wore white slippers with rockets to class everyday. Needless to say, he was the target for endless teasing. Too be fair, I made fun of (back me up Heidi) everyone. But I had some very special mocking for David. I would repeat things he said in a "funny" accent and make rocket noises when he glided across the floor. He was only at West Elementary School for one year and part of his experience was me making slanted eyes (SORRY! I WAS IN FORTH GRADE) and telling him that my friends thought he was really cute.

I am not sure where David Kim is now but my dirty mocking has come back to haunt me. My students were awful this week. Even when I got angry a barrage of student imitations followed. "HAJIMA," I yelled with a stern look on my face. "Hahaha, teacha HAJIMA," they would reply without complying to my Korean command,"Don't do that." Even my "Hi" in the hallway STILL GETS LAUGHS.

Sure I get stared down, prodded and poked every time I leave my apartment but after eight months at my school, I would hope my presence be ordinary. Nope. My signature is still requested and my anyeong haseyo "joke" NEVER GETS OLD.

David Kim...wherever you are...I'm sorry.