Wood, wallpaper, and the smell of drying glue isn’t the most welcoming presence on my first day of school, not as a student, but as a teacher. Maybe accepting the first teaching job that came my way wasn’t the best idea, especially since I’ve never heard of this school before. I cautiously approached the principal’s office, and avoided the floor boards that look like they might give way under my weight.

“Oh, you’re here,” a plump man said behind his graying mustache. Supposing this is the principal, I’ll assume the photo on the school website was taken many years ago when his face didn’t look quite as aged. “Mr.… Do? Do Kyungsoo. That’s an interesting name.”

“Yes, Principal Kim. I’m the new teacher?” I tried to remove the nervousness in my voice. This room looks so outdated… actually the school looks completely outdated; this chair looks like it would collapse if I touched it.

“Yes, yes. Here is your attendance book and calendar.” He smiled and waved me away.

But I can’t just accept this, my conscience won’t let me, “Sir, if I may, I have a few questions for you.”

“Throw them at me.”

“Okay. So I was wondering why you didn’t even look at my resume when I applied? I don’t mean to be rude, but isn’t it a bit reckless to not only hire someone with no prior teaching experience, but to hire someone of my age? I just turned 20 not too long ago.”

“Are you saying you’re not qualified? Why would you apply if you didn’t think you could do it?” he challenged.