They say LanguageSitter teachers like to talk, so writing a self-introduction shouldn’t be a problem. Limiting one, however, is. Joking aside, if I had to describe myself in one word, it would probably be ‘curious’. In addition to being an ailurophile (a fancy word for a cat fancier – did I mention I love puns?), I am also an inquisitive person. However, when it comes to learning languages, curiosity doesn’t kill the cat. This curiosity has been with me since childhood.

I learned to write when I was only four years old, and my first words were in English. My parents enrolled my twin sister and me in an English class after noticing our fascination with the language, sparked by watching cartoons in English and then speaking to each other in it. That moment marked my entrance into an anglophile world, and I have stayed there ever since. My love for English deepened with every song I heard, every movie I watched, and every book I read. This passion led me to obtain a Master’s degree in Anglo-American Literature, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in American Studies.

Teaching Since 2013

My professional career has been shaped by teaching. I have been teaching English at various levels since 2013. My youngest student was only three years old, and my oldest was sixty-six. Despite the considerable age gap, I have always strived to pass on the excitement and enthusiasm I feel for the language. The proudest moment of my career has been instilling a love for the language in my students. Hearing positive experiences from them enriches my world. Teaching is truly a rewarding profession, and I am grateful to be a part of it.

The English language has also opened doors to the world for me. I have travelled to more than forty countries so far, and I worked as an English teacher in China for four years. Interestingly, in Chinese culture, the number four is considered unlucky because its pronunciation resembles that of the word ‘death’. For me, however, it symbolised the birth of a new, once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a teacher, it’s easy to forget what it’s like to be on the other side – the learner rather than the teacher. My experience in China reminded me of this and helped me grow both as a teacher and a person.

Passionate and Creative

Aside from being a cat mum and a globe-trotter, I enjoy reading, painting, and dressing up for Halloween. I like to express my creativity through costumes, slipping into a different role each time. I love all animals, even snakes. I was born in the Chinese year of the snake, and although we aren’t exactly kindred spirits, they seem to be fond of me too.

I think the above sums me up quite nicely, so I’ll end with some food for thought. Hopefully, the following words by Khalil Gibran will inspire you too: “The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.

Cheers!
Majda 🙂

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