Why did you want to become a teacher?

I've wanted to be a teacher ever since I gave up my dream of becoming a ballerina equestrian at roughly age 8. I love working with people and being part of a community of learners. 

What is your first memory from school?

Kindergarten: thinking nap time was a waste of my time, being jealous of a classmate's very cool Lisa Frank backpack, and learning to read books about Doll and Tig.

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

Laughter, fun, and being surprised by student insights. I love analysing a text for the umpteenth time and hearing new things about it from students with fresh perspectives.

If I walked into your classroom on a typical afternoon, what would I see going on?

Lots of discussion between groups of students and the whole class; Looking at texts that students come across in their daily lives with an eye toward analysis and seeing the old in a new light.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

Ulysses by James Joyce and the Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hilary Mantel for length

Anything by Chimamanda Adichie, Tana French, and Margaret Atwood for entertainment

Ernest Hemingway, F.Scott Fitzgerald, and Edith Wharton for the beauty of the writing.

Basically, enough books that I'll be able to build a raft!

What is the hardest thing about being a teacher?

Saying goodbye to so many wonderful students every year. I know they are moving on in their lives and it is the nature of the job, but it's still sad to see them go.

What inspires you?

Family, friends, colleagues, students,  seeing people challenge themselves and reach their potential.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Finishing my second graduate degree while working, completing my yoga teacher training, and growing a baby.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

They're always surprised to hear about my childhood since it's so far removed from our day-to-day lives in HK: a Kansas farm straight from the black-and-white scenes in The Wizard of Oz.