Treasures Lost and Treasures Found

March 12, it’s Friday for us in Daejeon. I think we’re finally getting on a normal sleep/wake schedule – at least half of us. I caught Doug on the computer about 3:00 this morning, but he was soon tucked back in to our ”sleep comfort” bed.


ALWAYS BE PREPARED would be a good motto when staying in Korea. Although we had been up for several hours, we were not yet dressed when there was a persistent knock at our door. Despite the fact that we kept saying, “Coming, coming!”, the knock grew louder. I escaped to the bathroom, while a disheveled Doug opened the door. In came a stranger to “check the room”. Apparently our screen door was broken (we hadn’t noticed) and he had come to fix it. He left shortly thereafter, only to return again with 3 others to fix the broken screen door. While two of them stood in the doorway, the other two worked on the door. When they were finished - they left as quickly as they’d come!

Our “Treasure Discovered” was the fact that with a $12.00 a month fee, we can call any phone in the world on Skype – unlimited minutes!!! We are very excited and have already made several calls.

Our “Treasure Lost” turned out to be the duffle that never made it to Korea. Unfortunately, when it was delivered this afternoon, IT WAS THE WRONG SUITCASE!!!! The piece that was delivered wasn’t even remotely like the one we’ve lost. They said they’d work on it. Mmmmm.

Along with the wrong luggage, Mr. Kwon brought a wastepaper basket, two cups, and two glasses. We’re making progress. This morning I drank tea out of a bowl, tonight – a cup!

A few initial observations: Life here as a college student is very, very different. In most cases, parents have spent a lifetime saving money so their son or daughter can attend school. Consequently, being successful is of utmost importance. The university does its part to ensure that success. In the handbook there is a lengthy section on “General Regulations For Dormitory life” Here are a few: TVs are forbidden in the dorms. Visitors are not permitted in dorm rooms and no phones or music after midnight “for the consideration of other students”. If you wish to have a visitor, you must get permission from the “Assistant Dormitory Director” and the visit must take place in the designated visiting area. With the exception of “moving in/out day, you may be evicted if you are found with a non resident in the building.” Students are asked to “cooperate as we may conduct a roll call at times”. As far as we can tell, nothing goes up on the walls. Your dorm room is not a place to make personal statements. The hallways have no decorations of any kind. All of this goes along with the Korean on community as opposed to self.

We also discovered a “speaker” on the wall above our bed. We’re guessing it’s used for important messages. In the handbook, students are told “not to manipulate the speaker”. I’m hoping ours is turned off – a voice out of the blue would be quite the wake up call!

There are “merit points” that may be given by the Director of Residential Life to designate “model Residents”. Model residents will be given priority in receiving a room for the following semester. And I quote: The Director of Resident Life may, on the recommendation of the Supervisor of Residential Life, award a Guiding Star in culture, knowledge/skill in a social field, or English and or also for exemplary behavior towards the community and its members. There is, of course, criteria for merit points. There are 10 of them. “Practicing water and power saving on a daily basis” is number 6. Helping the establishment of public order by reporting actions against the dormitory rules is number10.

If there are merit points, it stands to reason there are “demerit points” as well. There are 34 of them. For various reasons, here are several of our favorites: Number 10 – “Action of growing the pet”, (You read it right) number 27, “Failing to keep the room clean and orderly”, number 20, “Delivery with dishes is prohibited”, number 18, “Posting fliers and posters without permission, and/or unauthorized distribution of printed items, unauthorized usage of locks or hammering,” number 23, “Wearing shoes in the room,” number 24, “Going out of the room with the lights, PC, or air conditioner turned on”, and finally, number 25, “Resident cannot come back to the dormitory while dead drunk!”

I didn’t list all, but there are a number of rules that have to do with the environment and saving energy.