Welcome back to my blog. This week's update is one I never anticipated having to write.
As many of you know, I have been diligently preparing for the TOPIK exam, set for July 14th. However, life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. This past week, I experienced a profound loss that has shifted my focus entirely.
On the evening of Friday, July 12th, I received a phone call that shattered my world. It was from the sister of one of my best friends, delivering the devastating news that my friend had suddenly passed away. The shock and grief were immediate and overwhelming. She was not just a friend; she was like a sister to me, someone who had been a significant part of my life for many years.
Upon hearing the news, I knew I had to be there for her family and to say my last goodbye. Without hesitation, I booked the earliest flight home for the next morning. The hours that followed were a blur of packing and making quick arrangements. Early Saturday morning, I boarded the flight back home, filled with sorrow and disbelief.
The funeral was held on Sunday, July 14th, the same day I was supposed to take the TOPIK exam. Instead of sitting in an exam room, I was standing beside my friend's family, mourning the loss of someone so dear to us. It was an incredibly difficult day, but being there to support her family and share in the collective grief was essential.
I stayed home for about 10 days, grieving spent some time with my family. During this period, my studies were the furthest thing from my mind. My priority was to be present for those who needed me and to allow myself the space to grieve and heal. My friend’s sudden passing has been a significant blow, and it has taken a toll on my emotional well-being. At the same time, I had been conducting my online classes.
After everything, I returned to Korea. The decision to cancel my TOPIK exam was difficult, but it was necessary. My emotional state was not conducive to taking a high-stakes exam, and I needed to prioritize my mental health.
Life is unpredictable, and moments like these remind us of the fragility of our plans. My friend’s sudden passing has taught me the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones. While my focus had been on my studies, this experience has put everything into perspective.
I am incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from my students, friends, and family during this time. Your messages of comfort and understanding have been a source of strength. To those who reached out, thank you for your kindness and compassion.
While this has been an incredibly challenging period, I am determined to get back on track with my studies once I feel ready. My goal remains to take the TOPIK exam and continue improving my Korean proficiency. For now, I am giving myself the space to grieve and heal.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as I navigate through this difficult time. Life has its ups and downs, and while this has been one of the most painful experiences, it has also reinforced the importance of community, support, and resilience. I will keep you updated on my journey and my plans to resume my studies.
Stay tuned for future updates, and thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
**As a Korean language tutor from Malaysia, achieving and maintaining a TOPIK 6 level is definitely important for me. Not only does it help me stay updated with the exam format and content, but it also allows me to provide the best guidance to my students. Many students and people often ask me why I retake the exam every time. I do this to ensure that the exam format remains consistent and to stay updated with any changes. This helps me provide the best guidance to my students.
In Memory of My Friend: This post is dedicated to my dear friend, whose presence will be forever missed. Thank you for the memories and the friendship. You will always be in my heart.
Comments