Sara came to Gwangu in August 2008. She grew up in Billings, Montana, and prior to coming here she completed degrees in elementary education and Spanish.

Rather than teach in the United States where she worried her newfound skills and abilities would be stifled, however, Sara decided instead to come to Asia and found herself taking up a teaching post in China. She spent a year teaching there and then moved to Korea where she has lived and taught for two additional years.

“I truly enjoy living in Korea and it has been my home for the past two years,” Sara said during an interview last week.

“My first year was spent at two all-boys middle schools, and what an adventure that was! Surprisingly, I really, really liked it. During my second year I became an online teacher. It proved to be a very rewarding experience and I'm glad that I was able to do it too.

“But during the time I’ve spent here I’ve come closer and closer to discovering exactly what it is that I am passionate about,” Sara revealed, “and ultimately, my passion isn’t English education but health education – specifically HIV prevention and nutrition.

“I’ve decided that come September I will begin to work towards a master’s degree in public health.”

Long-term Gwangju resident Michael Simning – owner of the First Alleyway and radio personality at GFN 98.7 FM – said he’s not sure that Gwangju expats realize what they’ll be losing when Sara leaves the city:

“Sara has done so, so much for the expat community here. It’s really quite incredible.

“Not only does she facilitate Book Club, but she has also organized several successful bake and book sales to raise funds for a local girls’ orphanage.

“She has helped organize a fundraiser for Andrea Hildebrand and Trevor Homeniuk’s Environmental Awareness Education Program, and I think that for a while she had a group getting together to cook and enjoy foreign food together also.  She might have even had a third group getting together to play football every once in a while!

“Wherever Sara goes she encourages community amongst others. She will be really sorely missed, and we all wish her the best of luck.”

Sara wants everyone to know that despite her departure, however, the Gwangju Book Club isn’t coming to an end altogether - it is simply turning over a new leaf.

“I’m pleased that Emily Reesor will be taking over in the fall and I have complete faith that she will maintain Book Club’s original focus but keep it flexible and relevant too.

“As for the other events I helped organize,” Sara said with a modest smile, “I’m sure that new and fresh people will step up with new and fresh ideas and that they will organize gatherings, events, and fundraisers too.

“There's such a positive sense of community here in Gwangju. It's something that I will really, truly miss.”