I was on a Skype call a few days ago with a researcher, she asked me if I had taken a survey among refugees to find out if they like TNKR (now FSI). My response: We have a long waiting list of refugees eager to join us. That was enough evidence for me.
She asked if the refugees like studying at our center. My response: We are trying to keep up with the demand. Unlike many organizations that must chase and remind refugees about (well-funded) workshops and seminars, refugees studying with us not only answer our messages, but often remind us about meetings and classes.
I suppose that my answers are based on reality, not theory or research methods.
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There's a very funny story behind this. TNKR (now FSI) volunteer donor and fundraiser Daniel Cashmar donated a toaster to the organization. There's a very funny story behind this, but only he can tell it.
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Eunkoo and I went out during the day for a pre-interview that later turned into an appearance on "On My Way to Meet You."
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Cherie Yang stopped by the office to practice a speech. To make it more life-like, I became a human podium for her.
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Eunkoo and I went out for another meeting with a big organization. We introduced them to Ken Eom. He ended up giving a speech at their conference about a month later.
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Hwang In-Cheol dropped by the office to talk about his upcoming activities. He’s talking with Youngmin Kwon, project manager of the Bring My Father Home team.
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Park Eunhee had two tutoring sessions in the same day.
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Boumjun Bae joined TNKR officially as a student, thanks to Minkyung for teaching him even though he isn't a North Korean refugee.
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TNKR tutor, coach, fundraiser, donor and event organizer Peter Daley dropped by to talk about our upcoming English speech contest.
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Josh Glenn dropped by to donate some books.
Our organization has been based on action, not just words. Of course, words are necessary, but we make sure that action is connected to them in some way.