I was stationed in camp La Jeune North Carolina from 1983-86. I then got orders to Okinawa Japan. I was there for a year and went on an operation to South Korea. Prior to joining the Corps I was irresponsible and undisciplined so it had a tremendous impact on my life. The tough training gave me a fresh outlook, my drill instructors referred to that as "mind conditioning" and "character building". I enjoyed my tour in the U.S. Marine Corps and to date I believe those months were the most pivotal of my life-I can honestly say that I am the person that I am today due to the great spirit of the Corps.

         I separated from the Corps in 1987 and started studying at a Jr. college. Soon after I transferred to a four year school and in 1992 graduated with a BA in Business Administration. We were in a deep recession when I graduated so I sold all my belongings and went to Europe.

          I wanted to live in Spain but I enjoyed Prague, Czech Republic so much I stayed for 1.5 years. I started teaching English at an institute and after some training and experience I got a job at a high school.

          During my free time I traveled Europe from Romania to Spain. I did much of my traveling alone on an old Czech motorcycle. I carried a book called The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. It is a historical account of WW II but I also used it as a tour guide that really brought to reality my interest in the subject. 

          In 1994 I returned to the States  and found that the economic outlook had not improved so I sought another overseas position.

          Shortly thereafter, I got a teaching position in Pusan, South Korea. Koreans call it the land of the morning calm. During my three years of teaching there I found myself teaching TOEIC in night classes in universities along with conversational English.

         While there I was fortunate to have met a young woman that was mysterious and shy. It all started when I was riding my motorcycle through a traditional Korean market place and I saw Gyoung walking. I was somewhat acquainted with her so I slowed and jokingly asked her if she wanted a ride. To my surprise she said yes. To make a long story short her name is now Gyoung Pearston, my wife. It has been over twelve years now and she has really changed.  Her English has improved greatly and she is currently working at the Lincoln City Library.

          Late in 1997 Gyoung and I decided to return to the USA so that I could pursue the MA-TESOL degree at California State University-Los Angeles. We both had part-time jobs and struggled through that year. I took double loads so that I may graduate earlier. During that year I completed the TESOL program and started a second MA in Computer Education and Technology Leadership. 

          In the summer of 1998 I thought that I should start looking ahead and make the necessary plans to go abroad again. I have long since been interested in the middle east so I sent some resumes to that region. I sent most to the UAE as I thought it would be more conducive to my lifestyle. I eventually got a teaching position at the Higher Colleges of Technology-Dubai Women's College in the United Arab Emirates. I taught both ESL and computer application courses.

          After returning from the UAE I went back to finish the computer degree that I had started earlier. I really enjoy teaching computers so I have decided to change career direction and be a computer teacher. Computers have been my passion for several years so I want to bring my enthusiasm for them into the classroom.

          We are presently living in Lincoln Nebraska. We moved here so that we could I could pursue our educational goals but have since put them on hold. We spend our time working, playing with our son Kai and maintaining our rental property. Gyoung and I have found a home here in Lincoln and expect to stay here to raise a family.

          I spent a total of 6 years abroad teaching EFL and computers. In my journey overseas I taught in three countries and during that time I traveled to nearly 30 countries. Though I hope to return to teach overseas someday I am very happy to be in Lincoln and I am looking forward to what the future holds. 

Don Pearston

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