My name is Estella Chen and I'm from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Just graduated from high school recently and now I'm pursuing my interests in International Relations in college.
A couple of years ago, during my first year of high school, a close friend introduced me to an organization that would forever change how I see the world. It was called Paper Airplanes. I visited their website out of curiosity, and little did I know, this encounter would shape a significant part of my life.
Becoming a Tutor at Paper Airplanes was more than just an opportunity; it was an exciting journey into connecting with people from different cultures. It was like discovering the threads that tie us all together in this diverse world. As I started with Paper Airplanes, a thought often crossed my mind – how could I share all the knowledge I wanted with my students in the limited time we had? But I was mistaken.
While teaching, I realized that empowerment goes beyond sharing knowledge; it's about building a real connection that crosses borders. And you know what I found out? Each of us has the ability to uplift others through simple gestures. This discovery became a foundation of my experience, motivating me to take bigger steps on my own path.
Time zones tried to be a challenge, but we found a way to overcome it. Amid these challenges, I remember a conversation with a remarkable female student as we worked on a sentence worksheet. We talked about gender stereotypes and discrimination, realizing that we all share a common truth: our struggles might be different, but our collective spirit unites us. It reminded me that as girls, we stand together, no matter where we come from, sharing our experiences.
If I could speak to all my students together, I'd want to thank you. Teaching isn't just about sharing knowledge; it's an exchange that brings hope and happiness. Your curiosity and determination show me why educators find joy in teaching. And those simple "How are you?" messages mean a lot. They show your care, reminding me that even on tough days, we're not alone.
To my students, just like the paper airplanes you create with love, you have the power to make a difference, individually and together. Every step you take, every connection you make, contributes to positive change.