Before moving to Mongolia to teach English at a university, I never imagined myself becoming a full-time teacher. Looking back, teaching has quietly been part of my life for a long time. Before college, I worked for several years at a preschool. In college, I taught in many different ways, including as a drawing and painting teaching assistant, a writing tutor and a ski instructor.
Each role taught me something new. Standing before a class is humbling. A teacher doesn’t just need knowledge, but also patience, creativity and the ability to explain big ideas in ways that make sense to different learners. Teaching isn’t about knowing everything, it's about meeting people where they are and helping them grow.
I love being an educator because it allows me to give back. Many teachers believed in me, challenged me and helped me see the world anew. Although I have taught many students, I have been a student even longer, learning from classrooms, mentors and experiences that have shaped who I am.
Coming to Mongolia has reminded me just how powerful education can be. Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door or at the borders of one country. Studying and teaching in another place has helped me grow more confident, curious and open-minded.
