Sometimes it is difficult for me to comprehend that I have fans. TNKR is not a glamorous organization and our approach is unorthodox. As the architect and main enforcer of our unorthodox approach, I expect to get the usual jacket-pulling and whining from people who are more focused on what others do rather than their own lives. Why should we have fans and appear to be glamorous?
* We expect volunteers to work and even get them involved in fundraising. Many resist, but thankfully enough have joined so TNKR has been able to grow.
* North Korean refugees hoping to find friends and lovers through us surely must get disappointed when they learn that we expect them to study.
* Volunteers hoping to find friends and lovers through us similarly must be disappointed when they learn that we mean it when we say no socializing and that we truly expect them to take tutoring sessions seriously.
* Some South Koreans must get disappointed when they learn we have an English-only approach and that TNKR isn't set up for them to get a North Korean friend as part of a unification effort.
I really want to ask people sometimes: Do you think I want to use my Harvard degree in education to be your wingman, matchmaker, or social club leader?
Despite that and many other limitations, TNKR (and I) still have fans! But we make it clear that we have things to do. We hold many meetings and activities, at times it seems endless. Then I post a few photos on Facebook, and some people think it is glamorous!
In addition to those many activities that day, I also joined a conference at HUFS: