Interviewer: Anna, thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us. Let’s start from the beginning. How did your passion for English first begin?

Anna: It actually started back in primary school. My mom signed me up for English classes in a group, and I remember feeling really nervous. But once I began to understand even a little of another language, I was hooked! I loved the feeling of connecting with a new way of thinking and communicating, and my excitement for learning kept me going, even though my English level was basic.

Interviewer: Were there any challenges during those early years that you remember?

Anna: Yes, definitely. I went through several teachers over the years, and not all of them had teaching styles that matched my learning style. One teacher, for example, got really upset because I wrote English words using Russian letters. She refused to continue teaching me, and that was embarrassing. She apologized after that, nonetheless I changed the teacher. I was in secondary school then, but I didn’t think my mistakes  were such a big deal. I was there to learn, after all! Another teacher actually dragged me by the hair because I didn’t want to join a discussion group. That was a very inappropriate experience, but despite all that, I didn’t let it stop me. I was still motivated and wanted an encouraging environment where I could thrive.

Interviewer: That’s a lot to go through as a young learner! How did you eventually find the right support?

Anna: I eventually switched to a private tutor, and that made a huge difference. The lessons were more challenging and interesting, and it felt like my English really began to improve. I also took matters into my own hands; I practiced a lot on my own time, taking TOEIC tests online and translating words I didn’t know. It was actually fun for me! I used all kinds of techniques to improve my accent and make it sound more natural. I also talked to as many foreigners as possible, even though in my small town of 15,000 people, foreigners were pretty rare! I just loved communicating with people from other cultures, learning about their backgrounds, and connecting through language.

Interviewer: That’s impressive! So, when did you decide to take English studies further?

Anna: After secondary school, I wanted to study something like management or business, but my family couldn’t afford those programs. Fortunately, I received a talent scholarship to study English and French, which allowed me to continue my passion without the financial burden. Even though my university’s main language was French, English remained my main focus.

Interviewer: And you’ve traveled quite a bit since then! Tell us about your career after university.

Anna: Yes, I graduated in 2015 with my bachelor’s degree in English and French, and then I began working at training centers and international kindergartens. I’ve worked in Shanghai, Moscow, and Hanoi, which has been incredible. These experiences allowed me to meet students from different backgrounds and understand their unique learning needs.

Interviewer: And now, you’re teaching online?

Anna: Yes! I currently teach Chinese and Russian students online, which has given me the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere. I’m grateful for the journey and the chance to support students who are on their own learning paths. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m always eager to keep growing as a teacher.

Interviewer: Anna, thank you for sharing your story. You’ve shown that passion and perseverance really do make a difference.

Anna: Thank you! I hope my story can inspire others to keep learning, no matter the challenges.