I have aspired to be a teacher since I was in Middle School. In 7th grade, I had a new French teacher who magically made me eager to answer questions and excel in the subject, even though I had no prior knowledge. Recognising my enthusiasm, my new teacher kindly offered to help me prepare for the French Olympiad after school. I was deeply impressed by the dedication and generosity shown. This experience ignited my desire to become a teacher and foster a love for learning in students, creating magic for others just like some of my teachers did for me.

As I grew older, I realised that learning is not merely a matter of chance or magic but requires hard work, perseverance, self-confidence, empathy, resilience, and discipline – from both teachers and students. After winning several first and second prizes in national and international French and English competitions in Romania, I decided to pursue my graduate studies in England. I graduated from the University of Leeds with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and French in 2019. As part of my degree, I spent a year abroad in China (2016 – 2017), where I taught English in private schools to students aged 3 – 18. In 2017, I also spent a university term in France teaching English to IT professionals employed by Air France. In 2018 – 2019, I had the privilege of teaching French in a primary school in Leeds, UK.

In 2023, I completed a Master by Research at the University of Leeds, where I carried out a research project on the ‘Representation of China and the Chinese in French literature of the 19th century’. I produced a 30,000-word thesis based on my findings, under the expert guidance of two co-supervisors. In September 2023, I embarked on a one-year journey to become a qualified teacher in the UK, supported by a scholarship awarded by the British Council. My Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland (2024) has provided me with a deeper understanding of teaching practices, educational research, and theory. I achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by teaching Modern Languages in secondary schools, and occasionally in primary and nursery settings as well.

At Avenor College, my goal is to cultivate an environment where all students can progress academically, emotionally, and socially, regardless of their backgrounds and needs. My strengths as a teacher include forming positive relationships with students and working patiently with them to ensure their academic and personal growth. I consistently promote a growth mindset in my classroom and use gentle behaviour management techniques. I love teaching because I learn something from my students every day, and it is a profession that demands constant reflection and self-improvement. 

In addition to exploring and being continually captivated by the “magical” processes of pedagogy and metacognition that equip students and teachers with the essential tools to become well-rounded individuals, I enjoy reading, spending quality time with family and friends, and travelling to discover new cultures and perspectives.