560 Days in Korea

I have officially past my year and a half mark of living in Korea. While I always knew it would be a possibility to stay longer than my initial contacted one year, I didn't really think I would. When I resigned for the additional seven months, I was set that it would be my last seven months in Korea. Now here I am 25 days away from what I thought would be my last day here and I now have an additional six months which will bring me to a full two years in Korea.

Part of me is sad that I won't be leaving in 25 days. My last day of work would have been on my birthday, I'd be finishing out the end of the school year, I'd be packing my best friend's apartment as well as mine, crying together. It would be such a perfect ending, you could tie a ribbon on top.

Part of me is relieved and excited. There is so much more I want to see and do here and I still have time. I don't have to worry about lugging suitcases to the airport in the cold winter. Let's be honest, everything is more exciting and manageable on a warm sunny day.

What was one of my motivations to stay?

Back in September, I created the opportunity of going fun diving here in Korea. I had just received my open water certification and was eager to continue developing my skills and keep everything fresh in my mind for when I'd be going back to Malaysia over Christmas to dive again. I searched and spoke to several companies and finally picked one that was the most friendly and willing to give me information. I went fun diving the last weekend in September with Deep Blue Quest. It was a fun weekend, I met some interesting people and most importantly I was back in the water diving. On the way to the ocean I spoke with Russ (owner of Deep Blue Quest) of my desire to continue working my way up through the different PADI certifications and potentially becoming a Divemaster. He told me about the internship program that he runs and it was in that moment that I messaged one of my best friends "I feel like I can see my dreams possibly turning to reality." After that weekend, I knew that Russ believed in me and my dream. One month later I started my diving internship.

Descending in the East Sea on one of the dives during my first tour with DBQ

Myself and dive buddy Gerald 

Last weekend in September and the weather is still wonderful 

Since then, I have been training with Russ, working on my dive skills, learning how to run a dive shop, interacting with customers and getting more hands on. I'm loving every moment. There are definitely days where I doubt my ability and question whether others think that I have what it takes to do this, but I know it all takes practice and as a good friend reminds me "You are killing it, regardless of whether or not someone else is giving you the validation you deserve." 

Having dinner with Russ and fellow intern

During this tour, I earned my advanced open water certification

When we go to the ocean we go through a dive resort called Aqua Gallery, the owner pictured here warming me up and Mr. Yoon whom I also dive with. Diving is incredible because although I can't really communicate with Mr. Yoon on the surface, we speak the same language underwater. 

I also received my Emergency First Response and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications. Here I am months later demonstrating and practicing how to revive Johnny using an AED during another EFR course. 

So here I am, still in Korea, pursuing my dream. I have no idea where I will be six months from now but I'm pursuing what makes me happy.

Take the plunge. Follow your dreams. Do something that scares you. 

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