Teacher Interview: Ms. Castaway!

I interviewed one of our new English teachers, Ms.Castaway.

Q. What made you choose to teach English?
I grew up in a multicultural community where many people were learning English as a second language. I saw friends and classmates struggle with English, and I started tutoring them whenever I had free time. Through those experiences, I discovered how much I enjoyed helping others learn and began to develop a genuine love for teaching. When I got to college, I was like everyone else and unsure of what to major in. I kept thinking about the people in my community and my experiences tutoring them. That eventually led me to pursue English Linguistics as my major! There I could explore the English language while also being able to have a career teaching it too!

Q. If you could travel to any book setting or literature for a week, where would you go?
If I could travel to any book setting I would want to go to a world like The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Basically, in the afterlife you meet 5 people who were somehow greatly impacted by you. It may be in a big or seemingly small way, but your life was the catalyst for their change. It makes me wonder who could be my 5 people I might meet if I lived in this world.

Q. What is something that people might find surprising or unexpected about you?
I think something unexpected about me is that I am training to do a marathon! I really enjoy endurance sports, so I am really into long distance running!

Q. What kind of student were you in your own English classes?
I was a very introverted student in my English class. English class was my favorite subject, but it was hard for me to participate and talk because I was too shy. However, thanks to the teacher’s help I eventually came out of my shell.

Q. If you could give one piece of honest advice to every student here, what would it be?
Cherish the people around you, whether they’re your friends or family. One day, when you look back, you want to remember the happy memories you made with them, not the things you regret.

Q. If you weren’t a teacher today, what career would you have picked instead?
If I weren’t a teacher, I think I would have wanted to dabble into a career within the same area like becoming a writer. I love to read horror short stories and books, so I think writing horror stories would be pretty fun!

Q. Do you have a book recommendation for teenagers?
If you want a book that makes you question everything, I recommend Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. If you like sci-fi fantasy with some magic, then I recommend The Will of the Many by James Islington.

There you have it! Some fun tips and words of wisdom from one of our newest teachers. Stay tuned for more!