Here’s to the start…

This week marks the start of a new semester for the university where I teach ESL. One of my absolute favorite things about being a teacher is the moment I get to meet a new cohort of students.

There’s so much promise in that moment.

I get to take a look at the curious, excited, and positively scared faces of these new students, and I get to believe the best about the potential that stands before me.

Many of our students have come to study English in the States because they understand English can unlock doors for them professionally. Others come for a grand foreign adventure. Still others come because mom and dad have not-so-gently pushed them onto the world’s stage.

For whatever reason they stand before me, I try to see the unique skills, personalities, and callings each one brings to our campus. I love that moment.

The question I ask myself continually is, “What am I going to do with that potential?” I have world-shapers in my classes: future politicians, mothers, fathers, engineers, lawyers. And I don’t want to let that group down.

Here’s to the start of another great semester and the unique individuals standing before us.

Andrea