A retrospective look at Mondays as a language instructor
As I sit here, reminiscing about the past year, a profound sense of nostalgia envelops me. It's hard to believe that only ten months ago, my Mondays looked entirely different. To encapsulate the essence of those transformative times, I've stitched together a video that portrays my typical Monday as a Filipino language instructor in a French public institution. Though it does not seem much, to me, it's a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the many lessons it presents.
Teaching was never a path I had envisioned for myself. Growing up, I dreamt of exploring various career possibilities, but fate had a different plan in store. Despite my initial reservations, I discovered an innate talent and passion for guiding others through the intricacies of language. In the Philippines, I thrived as a French professor, channeling my fascination for the language to my students.
However, life can often take unforeseen turns, and I found myself needing to leave my home country. As a foreigner in France, it became apparent that staying within the same industry would be challenging. I had to broaden my horizons, expand my skill set, and venture into new territories. This led me to become an online program coordinator for a prestigious business school, an opportunity that I quickly grew to love.
For a year, I embraced my role as an online program coordinator, immersing myself in a different aspect of education. It was a period of growth, personal development, and adaptation to a new work environment. Yet, just when I thought my path had settled, another opportunity arose—an invitation to return to teaching.
With doubts, excitement and curiosity, I accepted the chance to rekindle my love for language instruction. The ensuing year taught me valuable lessons about the evolution of my career choices and the ever-changing nature of life. The clips stitched together in this two-minute video serve as an emotional testimony to my journey.
The mundane footage of a gloomy Monday encapsulates the joy and challenges of returning to a passion I had once left behind. It captures moments of discovery, connection, and self-realization. Through this lens, you'll witness the resilience required to adapt to a new location, lifestyle, and teaching environment. But beyond that, you'll also glimpse the subtle realizations that unfolded within me—the profound understanding that life is an enigma, and we never truly know where it will lead us.
Now, as I find myself on the precipice of yet another transition, I have decided to, once again uproot (somehow) and move on to a new adventure. I will be returning to my role as an online program coordinator. The experiences of the past year have taught me that our careers, like life itself, are ever-evolving. They are not rigid paths carved in stone but dynamic movements that require us to adapt, grow, and explore new avenues.
As I bid farewell to my temporary job as a Filipino language instructor, I carry with me a whole package of skill set in resilience and resourcefulness, countless lessons, and an unwavering spirit of curiosity. Life has proven time and again that its twists and turns can lead to unexpected joys and revelations.
To me, this video serves as a reminder that no matter how uncertain the future may seem, embracing change and following your passions can illuminate the most extraordinary paths.
Everybody knows living abroad is filled with challenges and discoveries. It's not always easy, especially forming deep connections in a new place, but I've come to appreciate the little moments and the friendships that grow over time. So, let me tell you about the first half of 2024.