What Brings Me to Teaching
Twenty years ago, I arrived in this country with only two goals in mind--I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and learn a new language. Soon after, I would return home and become a doctor, or at least that is what I thought. But life does not always go as we plan. As I continued to navigate and struggle in an inequitable, failing educational system, my career goals started to shift slowly. I began to understand that access to an equitable and valuable education, apart from being an unalienable right of every individual, was a way to keeps us away from the possible dangerous social problems and the key that opens doors to success.
As I continued my studies in a four-year institution, I obtained a job as a tutor at my former high school. My plans to return to my homeland were put on hold. It was here that my career goals became defined. I saw myself working with students whose struggles were no different than mine had been. They were ESL students. I was sympathetic to their impotence to communicate and navigate in a world completely alien to them. I understood their struggles—I had been in their shoes. But I also had students who faced different struggles than those brought by a language barrier. However, these students also had a fear of failure or felt misunderstood. For some of them, a reaching hand was sufficient. Others needed to hear that I was there to help them go through this. I now understood the importance of developing a good relationship with the students and how important was to assure them that they can accomplish anything.
For most of these students, their eagerness to become successful seemed to be truncated by their living circumstances, lack of support from their parents, and teachers. It was vital for me to let them know that someone who had been in their shoes was attending college and that it was possible to pursue one’s dreams despite the difficulties presented. Most importantly, I wanted them to understand that they had the same opportunities as everyone else. That it may require more effort, and that amid all the obstacles their goals could be accomplished. It was then that I realized the significant impact positive role models have on students’ success. What brought me into teaching was the obligation I felt to become that role model for all students, especially for those who lack support and face immense struggles.
Twenty years ago, I arrived in this country with only two goals in mind--I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and learn a new language. Soon after, I would return home and become a doctor, or at least that is what I thought. But life does not always go as we plan. As I continued to navigate and struggle in an inequitable, failing educational system, my career goals started to shift slowly. I began to understand that access to an equitable and valuable education, apart from being an unalienable right of every individual, was a way to keeps us away from the possible dangerous social problems and the key that opens doors to success.
As I continued my studies in a four-year institution, I obtained a job as a tutor at my former high school. My plans to return to my homeland were put on hold. It was here that my career goals became defined. I saw myself working with students whose struggles were no different than mine had been. They were ESL students. I was sympathetic to their impotence to communicate and navigate in a world completely alien to them. I understood their struggles—I had been in their shoes. But I also had students who faced different struggles than those brought by a language barrier. However, these students also had a fear of failure or felt misunderstood. For some of them, a reaching hand was sufficient. Others needed to hear that I was there to help them go through this. I now understood the importance of developing a good relationship with the students and how important was to assure them that they can accomplish anything.
For most of these students, their eagerness to become successful seemed to be truncated by their living circumstances, lack of support from their parents, and teachers. It was vital for me to let them know that someone who had been in their shoes was attending college and that it was possible to pursue one’s dreams despite the difficulties presented. Most importantly, I wanted them to understand that they had the same opportunities as everyone else. That it may require more effort, and that amid all the obstacles their goals could be accomplished. It was then that I realized the significant impact positive role models have on students’ success. What brought me into teaching was the obligation I felt to become that role model for all students, especially for those who lack support and face immense struggles. 
Your experience in overcoming the difficulties of communicating and navigating a new country will be such a boon to your students. What you shared reminds me of a immigrant I knew who was working as an paraprofessional in an ESL classroom while she took classes because her background in education did not transfer. From the little I know, reciprocity between states is difficult enough and even more of a headache for those coming from a different country. This is a shame because, like you, she adds great support to students similar to her and a needed diversity to the school as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. What's interesting is that your experience makes me feel very resonant, because I am also one of the ESL students. Indeed, it is not easy for a student to be in a completely strange city. In this case, the student needs encouragement and recognition otherwise he/she will feel frustrate and sense of helpless. So I agree with you that you want to establish a good relationship with the students and I think you must be a good role model.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who's first (and only) language is English, this is a very intersting perspective for me to read. I think most people think that the hardest thing for someone from another country to do is to learn English, but that is just the tip of the iceburg in terms of what it means to survive in a new country and understand a foreign culture. I think it is very brave of you to make the decision to stay in this country when your previous goal was to go back. Also, I think that even students who are not in ELS will greatly benefit from you being their teacher, as you come from a place of trying to reform the current education system and wanting to connect to each individual student, especially those who may be struggling.
ReplyDeleteIts one thing to learn a new language and trying to make something of yourself, its another to try and motivate others with the same challenge. Its wonderful that you found the time and effort to go out of your way to help others steer them in the right direction. Then considered to teach with a sense of obligation to the job, it must have been a sentimental experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I think your story will be great for motivating your students. Especially those with a situation similar to yours. It is awesome that you are so dedicated to help steer them in the right direction!
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