Human behavior has always been something I like to analyze and observe. I have always felt that the way people speak to you, treat you, and interact with you is greatly influenced by how they were raised back home, what they are taught religiously, and their cultural and traditional beliefs. I have always believed that these traits in people are majorly responsible of the people we become. So, I thought to myself, “How great it would be to actually travel the world and become an English teacher, to learn more about my fascination of human behavior…” This very thought is the reason I am now an ESL teacher in a beautiful city called Suzhou in China.

The journey has been both nerve wrecking and exhilarating, but I couldn’t have asked for more because this move has brought about many good changes in my life. Unfortunately as humans, change makes us uncomfortable, but we never realize that though change is uncomfortable it helps us to become better people and an improved version of ourselves. I have certainly changed for the better as I have become more of a patient, independent, and hardworking individual. Initially, I had a fear of using an e-bike or a bicycle for transport, so I would peacefully request a DiDi (a car) to fetch me and take me to work. BUT NOW, I have learned to wake up early, maneuver through crazily buzzing, e-bike traffic and happily ride my bicycle to work. I’m really proud of myself, especially because it’s these little things that make me realize I am ACTUALLY adapting in China.

Currently, I am a primary school ESL teacher teaching grades four to six in Suzhou Korean School, and I have thus far enjoyed every part of it. Including, the noise at the beginning and end of lessons, the many questions birthed by curiosity, the positive energy students possess, correcting my own mistakes from every encounter with my learners, being their peacemaker when they land in groups they don’t want to be in for activities, and more.

To be honest, in this very moment, I have no intention of changing schools because I found a friendly community of teachers, a warm-welcoming school principal, and an environment I can be myself in.

Lastly, it would personally feel wrong if I didn’t express my gratitude to God for my agency, MGTS(now called TLD). TLD has been nothing but kind to me. They are the reason I scored an interview with my current school, and the reason I trusted the school’s working environment due to their transparency. They answered every question I had with no hesitation, and ensured I had a smooth journey from South Africa to Shanghai’s Pudong International airport. Not only did it end there, but the agency made sure I had a personal driver pick me up from the airport, a stay at a beautiful hotel, assistance with setting up my bank card, residence and work permit, my medicals, etc. If I had a thousand ways to say thank you I would.