THOUGHTS of THE TIMES
Working in Jeju
I have been working with the Inter-Islands Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum secretariat of the Jeju Tourism Organization as a dispatching officer for four months.
My first day on the job was Aug. 8, 2016. I remember walking in very nervously and taking a seat. I glanced around and saw my expression was mirrored in my coworkers’ faces. My working section and all other members of the Jeju Tourism Organization welcomed me warmly and I remember leaving with a smile on my face, happy that I landed one of my dream jobs. The first week was very informative.
When I arrived there, I got very excited. First, I was excited because it was my first time in a foreign country, and second because I was going to live something really new in my life. As the dispatching officer my main task was to facilitate the communication and coordination between the two regions — Jeju and Sri Langa — which have totally different cultures, for the success of the 20th ITOP Forum which was held in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. I had to accomplish a very hard task. But during this situation I didn’t feel any incompatibility, because of the full support and encouragement of my coworkers in the Jeju Tourism Organization. It’s not just work experience; it is a life experience which will be never forgotten.
Not only did I facilitate communication between Jeju and Sri Lanka, I participated in so many international events and helped them become familiar with international experiences. Week by week, time flew by. Before I knew it, it was the last day of my job at Jeju Tourism Organization.
All in all, this opportunity has taught me many beneficial things — to always have an open mind and be willing to work in any type of work environment. To be willing to adapt to fit in a new work place; and to always be respectful and kind to all. What I have learned in the span of four months will always be a big part of my growing up.
I lived in Jeju for four months, admiring the blue sky, the clouds, the wind, the people and all other aspects of the island. I would like to be here again with these friendly people and lie down on the grass, listen to the wind, kiss the flowers and watch the leaves moving.
My mother country is Sri Lana. But now I have two mother countries. Korea is my mother country too. The Jeju Tourism Organization is not just a working place to me. It gave me so many things and so much meaning to me, my life and my spirit. Thank you so much Jeju and Jeju Tourism Organization which helped me to make one of my dreams come true.
Once again, I would like to thank the honorable governor of Southern Province, Dr. Hemakumara Nanayakkara, and Jeju Tourism Organization for giving me this valuable opportunity.