I remember my first meeting with the college counselor at my high school. He looked at my file for what felt like hours and told me with authority that my first choice school, was a “reach plus,” and advised me to set my sights much, much lower. I was devastated.

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As a non-traditional learner, school didn’t come naturally to me and my test scores were not the best representation of my intelligence or academic abilities. But I knew I was smart and that I would do well in college, I just needed a chance. 

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Luckily, I had a teacher in high school who saw my potential. With her guidance and support, I was able to convey my strengths through my essay and application materials and was accepted to my “reach plus” college. 

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It was there where I encountered many more people who believed in me. I discovered my love of writing, learning, and travel. I learned that I had a voice and I could use writing to express my truest thoughts, opinions, and wonderings. I studied abroad and my eyes were opened to the world. 

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After college, I became an English language teacher and spent fourteen years working with students from all over the world, as well as traveling to over twenty countries. I developed a writing program for adult defectors from North Korea and advised high school students in China. I tutored children, teens, and adults in Spain and led middle school students on exchange programs to Peru. I taught literacy and social justice to Latinx adults. I trained teachers in South Korea and built a scholarship program for university students from Saudi Arabia.

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My career and life path have been non-linear and at times, confusing. Again and again, though, my experience has taught me that every person has a unique gift to offer the world. The more we draw that out in each other, the more successful we can be, not only in school, but in life. This has become my mission.