Sometimes people ask, "What would you do if you had $10 million?" My answer is: "Pretty much the same things now, except that I would do them first class."
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So it is with TNKR (now FSI). If we had more money, then we would be doing the same things, except that we would do them first class. Hire staff, get a bigger office. and other things that would make us a more stable organization.
February 21, 2017 was another reminder about our lack of space. As one of our staffers said, "Wow, there are people everywhere!"
Unfortunately, they also don't believe in whispering, which was a problem with a small space, three classes simultaneously, phone calls, media, guests, staff. With so much chaos, the only reason I didn't leave is because I'm the co-director.
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Yes, we do serious work, but we can also have fun, as TNKR Special Ambassador Eunhee Park demonstrates.
Studying in the kitchen area, I thought they would have trouble concentrating, but it almost seemed we didn't exist as Eunmi and Arrooj studied despite all of the people and noise going on around them. It is cute, but it does make me wonder if they will return. Studying in the subway or on the city bus might be quieter.
Writing time! Dave is focused on helping Cherie improve her writing ability.
Dave hit the ground running, then took off flying! He is a tutor, fundraiser, donor, and he is now focused on helping us with strategy and outreach.
Am I an invisible man? They were focused, working, and studying, it seemed I wasn't there. Almost all of them said they are shy.
Eunhee studying on her before her tutor arrived. People are everywhere at TNKR, even on computer screens.
Eunhee studying with camera shy Kaina. Kaina joined us recently, but she tutors at the office even though she knows I will be taking photos.
TNKR Special Ambassador Cherie Yang studying with her coach, Hannah. This was definitely the loudest room in the entire building.
Youngmin helping out in yet another way, this time tutoring a basic level. It helps that he only uses English, despite his incredible translation skills.
Invisible no more!
Chansook is one of the few South Koreans studying in TNKR. She brings us gifts very often to share with staff and refugees in TNKR. She is always cheering us on and has also pledged to try to introduce us to South Koreans who can help us.
Super Special Ambassador Cherie Yang. She has been studying so hard during the winter break that we should charge her room and board. She always brightens up the office, so I guess we can also save money by turning off the lights when she visits!
Where would TNKR be without National Director Eunkoo Lee? Let's see... we would be behind on the rent, electricity off, unorganized with students and tutors meeting at the wrong places, as a start!
People are everywhere at TNKR, and I'm always ready to jump into the middle of the action!
TNKR Special Ambassador Ken Eom introduced two colleagues to us.
So many people hide when it is time to take a photo. But not this lady!
In addition to all of this activity, Eunhee Lee and I also slipped out for a meeting with the mayor of Mapo. 2017-02-21 Leaving the TNKR cave to meet the Mayor of Mapo-gu (caseylartigue.blogspot.com)
