An ignored issue.

Although I do not desire this post to have a negative or depressing undertone, I really felt compelled to write an entry about the special needs students here in Korea. Pride is a burden and barrier for the Korean people, especially when it comes to the children. Parents do not always acknowledge that their children are not perfect and seem to require constant excellence, even from those who are unable to produce it. One of the biggest examples that I have found of this has been with students who clearly suffer from Autism or Asperger's. Although I very obviously have about 6 or 7 students with these diseases, they are not all accompanied by a para-professional to English class. In fact, there is not even a special education center at my school. However, my school is not neglectful, but typical. That is simply how the education system functions in South Korea. While some students do receive special attention or are accompanied by an aid, many are not. This has really peeked my interest and touched my heart as well. So, as I so often do with events that affect me, I wrote a little something about this. I would simply and plainly consider this a glance in to my perspective on the Autistic/Asperger's children in my classroom..

I see you sitting there in a world that’s all your own.

I watch as you laugh at nothing,

as you smile at your own thoughts.

You trace the letter A until it shades from gray to black.

You skip B, D, O, P and Q.

I desire to ask you why, but refrain, knowing that maybe

the round letters scare you.

I am as unsure as you are.

The kids around you stare.

They do not see why they write essays while you write only your name.

Do not pay them attention.

They are too young to understand.

Other teachers proclaim how sad they are for you,

as if they understand.

But when I look at them, I don’t believe they do.

And in your eyes I see so much more than they do.

I see your joy over a simple pink marker.

I see how angry a dull pencil makes you.

I see that you don’t see yourself in our world,

but one inside your head that makes much more sense.

A world that you understand.

A world that is full of only the good and none of the bad.

And that is a world that none of us will ever understand.