2018 JB LIFE! Magazine Spring.

Resident Spotlight
LB: What are some of the biggest changes that you’ve seen
in Jeonju since you first arrived?
LB: As Korea continues to evolve rapidly, what would you like
to see happen in the future?
AB: Well, we’re sitting in Shinsigaji right now, and this whole
area didn’t exist! From the river to Jeonju University was
rice fields, with a twisty-turny one lane road. To now see
all these huge buildings…it’s so completely different. And
Jeonju University campus is also totally different, with lots
and lots of construction….there’s always something new.
I think Korea is very focused on “new”. They like change.
LB: Definitely. How do you think Korea has changed for the
better since you first arrived?
AB: I’ve seen more openness to difference. When I first
came, I never saw a single physically challenged person in
public. Then two years after
I arrived, Korea hosted the
World Cup. They had to be able
to accommodate tourists who
had physical challenges, and
I think that opened the doors.
I started to see more people
out and about who were not
what we might think of as
typical (and this is a good
thing!). I also know Korea has changed very rapidly compared
to other countries. They were the first country to go from
being aid-receiving to aid-giving, helping other countries. I
sometimes wonder how older Koreans feel about everything,
because it’s been such a huge change.
LB: Do you feel like the pace of change in Korea has been greater
than the pace of change in Canada, where you’re from?
AB: Yes. When I left Canada in 2000, I had one friend with a
cell phone in Canada. And I came here and within a week,
I had a cell phone because everyone had cell phones. The
speed at which technology changes here…everyone is always
getting the newest, latest, best device. It’s really amazing.
We get to experience
actual Korean life – and
it’s a pretty good one.
AB: I would love for more of our students to have a chance to
travel, because I believe travel has the ability to open your eyes.
When I first went to the university, it was rare to have a student
who had ever left Korea. But now, I would say a good third of
my students have been outside the country. So I think there’s a
little more openness and awareness of the world. I’d like to see
that continue to grow. I also hope Koreans can see the beauty
of their own country and continue to be more respectful and
encouraging of individual differences, gifts, and talents. Korea
has so much to share with the world, and I hope Koreans don’t
feel that they have to fit the mold of other countries. I’d like to
see celebration of different definitions of success. Obviously,
none of my students got into Seoul National University, but
that doesn’t mean they can’t be
successful.
LB: Yes – there are so many good
things going on in Jeollabuk-do,
too, and good education
happening at our universities as
well. How do you think English
education has changed in the
last 18 years?
AB: I’m rarely now the first foreigner that a student has met.
But I remember one student who started at JJU in 2003. At
that time, we ran an optional two-week English immersion
camp for incoming first-year students. The first day I met
her, she ended up crying because she was so nervous about
meeting and talking with foreigners. She said she was one
of the best English students at her high school in Jangsu, but
this experience was so stressful that it brought her to tears.
That doesn’t happen anymore. I think that’s a good thing! I
think students having access to real interactions in English
is really important.
LB: What advice would you give to someone who has just
moved to Jeonju?
AB: Learn Korean! The first thing you should do is learn to read,
because once you can read, you’ll realize how many words are
actually from English. Get on social media and find people with
22 Jeonbuk Life! Magazine / Spring 2018 • Issue 10