Issue 2

Townsend Chronicles

It may be a long way from her home to Tucson, Arizona, but in Korean student Jin Hui’s words, Townsend will never be far from her memory. “I’ll never forget the days in your school,” she wrote on the last day of her visit. Then, she returned to her home, the island often described as a “lush, floating forest” off the coast of South Korea.

Seventeen students and two adult educators from the small island community of Ulleung Do spent two weeks visiting the Townsend community and attending classes on campus. Students were paired up with 17 Townsend student Ambassadors, who escorted them from class to class, gave them hints about coping with the choices at the snack bar, and accompanied them on field trips throughout the Tucson area.

The visit began with a formal breakfast on the morning of January 5, 2009, with a guest list that included the mayor’s wife, several Tucson area political leaders, representatives from the Korean government, and TUSD officers. Townsend students were amazed to discover that their Korean counterparts shared many of their own interests, ranging from soccer to pizza to texting. While Townsend students sampled sushi, students from Ulleung Do came face to face with javelina at the Desert Museum. The visit was an unforgettable opportunity to connect in ways that will be remembered far longer than emails, phone calls, and instant messages.

The students ended their visit with a school assembly, where there were multiple exchanges of photos, dances, and bouquets of flowers. There were unexpected tears shed by Korean and Townsend students alike, and promises to stay in touch and to “try to come visit!” Townsend’s international focus was further enhanced by the exchange and by the greater understanding achieved by spending time with people from a distant culture and land.

2120 N. Beverly

Tucson, AZ 85712

520-232-7900

http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/townsend

 January 2009

to Ulleung Do, South Korea

Barbara Kohl, Principal

…international focus-global citizens…