No. Really.
As a child, I wanted to be a doctor. Then I realized I faint when I smell anything hospitals-related. I studied International Relations, then worked for a nano-composites company, did some social projects, and slaved away at a university. This was where the boss made me teach (I was actually in charge of an international cooperation unit — a purely administrative position). In hindsight, I didn't mind doing it. But it ended up being just one more excuse to be unhappy with my job at the time.
At one point I realized I needed a change. And I quit.
I used tutoring as a way to earn money while I explored my career options. A temporary gig, I thought. However, quite surprisingly - I grew to love it and ended up pursuing further education in psychology and education.
I didn't want my lessons to be generic. So it took some time to figure out which aspects I enjoyed, what I wanted to get rid of, what needed to be developed and changed.
And here we are today.
🫰🏼 I am building my lessons the way both my students and I want to;
🫰🏼 I aim to create a friendly atmosphere and community - it's important for me;
🫰🏼 Textbooks are not a part of our conversation — instead, we discuss authentic articles, real conversations, unadapted videos.
Is that difficult? It sure is sometimes: my students jokingly (I hope) call some tasks "torture". I even used to call myself CRUCIO teacher (iykyk). But we all enjoy every second of it.
This is what I am happy to be doing every day.
And I think that translates into the lessons.