Question: What do you like to do in your leisure time?

Answer: I don’t have much free time lately because I have switched departments. But there is nothing better for me than travelling. Visiting new places helps clear my head and see things from a different perspective, puts everything into a new perspective, as well as reminds me that there is a whole big world out there.

Q: How does teaching Economics and Government compare with teaching English?

A: Many have asked me this question, and I have to confess it is hard for me to answer. It is like comparing apples and oranges—I like them both in a different way. I have always found anything and everything to do with language, any language, fascinating. Language gives insight into how people think and perceive reality, their fears and inspirations. So my love for the language remains a life-long affair. I have also always enjoyed history. At the same time, I just wanted to learn new things.

Q: Would you like to return back to teaching English?

A: Maybe, one day. For now I am content with what I have.

Q: What is your favorite movie and why?

A: Another difficult question. There are many great movies. One of them that I don’t mind watching over and over is “Stardust”. For one, it is simply a beautifully made film. It’s optimistic and has the ideas that I value and subscribe to in life—like the one that what we do, our jobs, are only a small part of who we really are. The idea that life is a journey that has the power to completely transform us, hopefully for the better, but only if we are willing and unafraid, open to that idea. This is an idealist in me speaking.

Q: Would you prefer to remain teaching in the United States or would you want to move to another country and teach there?

A: I would love to have an opportunity to live and teach in a different country. I am not dismissing the possibility of that happening in the future.

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: Forgive the cliché, but I think being a teacher is one of the best ways to give back to the community. Once upon a time, I decided that while I try to figure out the meaning of life and find what makes me happy, I could be doing something useful in the meantime; and I became a teacher. I have also been very lucky to have had a lot of wonderful teachers myself, so I guess they are partially responsible for my choice. Not to mention the summer vacation that teachers get.

Q: Do you plan on pursuing a new career in the future?

A: I have a dozen other careers I wouldn’t mind trying out. Sadly, you can’t have it all. Then again, no one can really see into the future.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?

A: Teaching is never boring; teachers remain scholars their entire lives, and I love learning. Being around young people who are full of hopes and aspirations, untainted by the world, idealistic and confident they can change the world is truly rewarding and inspirational in itself.

Q: Do you have a role model, and if you do, why is he/she your role model?

A: My role models are people who have the courage to be true to themselves; who are ready to defend those treated unjustly; who are compassionate and humble; who have an open mind and remain kind and positive in the face of life challenges.

Q: Did you have a different career aspiration during your childhood?

A: When I was about five years old, I wanted to become an Air Force pilot!