I have a civil engineering degree. I used to project-manage high-rises in big U.S. cities. Worked on some of the highest-profile fashion shows, organized exclusive events abroad.
For a long time I thought teaching English was small. Kind of low, if you know what I mean.
Then I sat with Korean adults again. English isn't my first language either, so I know the room they're in. I know which parts actually matter when a job or a promotion is on the line.
In the video, I talk about my background and what changed my perspective on coaching English. The shift happened when I started working with Korean professionals again and remembered what it felt like to learn a language while your career depends on it.
There's nothing like the face when it clicks. They get the job. They get the promotion. They finally see themselves getting it.
I'm not embarrassed to be an English coach anymore.
Sometimes the work that feels "small" is the work that makes the biggest difference. The impact isn't in the title. It's in the moment someone realizes they can do something they thought was out of reach.
Teaching English turned out to be one of those things. Because when someone finally speaks up in a meeting, nails an interview, or lands the role they've been working toward, that's not small at all.
Just like how making my kids talk to servers at restaurants builds their confidence one interaction at a time, coaching English builds someone's professional confidence one conversation at a time.
If you're holding back from something because it doesn't look impressive on paper, reconsider. The real measure is in what it does for the people you're helping.
