about Mogwon

Mogwon is the author of this blog, me, Megan, a semi-recent graduate from James Madison University's special education program. Really?... Really? Is that how I seriously define myself? Not how I want to. Partially out of anxiety over potentially not getting a teaching job back at home, but mostly from perfect timing, I checked out of my home state and flew half way across the world to Daejeon, South Korea to teach English in the city's public school for students who are blind or have low vision. August of 2009 had the best window for me to skidaddle out of Virginia because I had just finished school, I wasn't tied down by a job, and I was basically homeless as my college apartment lease ended (that thieving pit in a college town), and I wasn't keen on just moving back home. No offense, mom and dad, but I know you felt the same way!


At the root, I came to Korea on a whim. After an afternoon of vague research, I turned to my boyfriend and said, "Let's go to Korea!" His reply? "Sure." 


Thanks to my SPED degree, I was asked to teach in the Daejeon Public School for the Blind (or 대전맹학교- Daejeon mang-hakkyo). And really, even with all the up and down days, I love it here. It's been a great professional experience so far in this school, and an eye opening, humbling, and courage cultivating life experience. I wouldn't have it any other way. Well, except the fact that I'd trade the apartment I'm living in now for something newer, and more bug resistant. I've been dreading summer season with Korea's monster mosquitoes since I smashed the last one back in October. Waking up with what looks like a massive break out but is really the remnants of a blood sucker's feast is horrifying.  


Okay, so besides all the why I came to Korea blahblah, what else is there about me? Who really cares? Fashion is my hidden passion, with cooking a narrow second. I have a weakness for Lady Gaga (I mean, who doesn't), Kpop is growing on me, and I already wonder what life will be like without daily kimchi. My first thought every morning when my alarm goes off is "I can't wait until tonight when I can go back to bed." No lie, and yes, I know; totally pathetic. I'm addicted to hoodies, shoes, and apparently shiny key chains and phone charms. Who am I kidding? I've gone out of my way to check out something shiny on the ground, only to find it's a potato chip bag. I'm a wannabe photographer, chef, and fashion forward risk taker- when really, the jeans and hoodie are just SO comfy!  


I've got some friends, my family, and my beloved little dog who are back at home, representing home for me, and I miss them every day (I also occasionally Facebook stalk you! hahaha), and this place is mostly for them to follow my spelunking here and wherever else I may go. So if you're one among them- cheers! Eat Qdoba and trashy American Chinese food for me! Make a drink with Malibu mango rum and think of me! Just don't tell me when you shop at any of those stores you know I love but CAN'T freaking have for a year, or tell me when you get to shop with ease at Target... or how you got there by your car. I will pout like a real Korean girl if you do. In the meantime, let your brain go numb and spicy here with all the Kpop, kimchi, and occasional noraebang.