Today I was talking to one of my first grade girls during class and she informed me that on December 21st she is going to Seoul to get double-eyelid surgery. Yes, she is getting plastic surgery as a Christmas present from her parents. She is 16 years old.
I guess I shouldn't be so surprised by this because I am well-aware of the role of plastic surgery in Korea. I knew about it before I came, and I've already had many conversations with students about it. However, I don't think I'll ever really get used to hearing my students talk so nonchalantly about this stuff. It's just not ever going to be ok for me.
Also, I was told today that I have a "small head", high nose, and big eyes. These are all considered desirable things in Korea. Of course, all I could do was laugh because ok sure, maybe my nose is "high" but it's huge, and not desirable in any way by American beauty standards.
I love all my girl students, but I just don't know what to do with these conversations sometimes.
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