Why did you choose to work for OCE?
Browsing through Craigslist, I saw an ad for One Coin English that changed my life forever. In the Ad, there was a picture of the teachers with such genuine smiles, I was so intrigued and decided to apply. While doing the Skype interview with the recruiter, a person who I just met, I truly felt that I was talking with a lifelong friend. The way she treated me, laughed at my jokes, and her warmness made me aware that I was applying for something special. At first, I decided to work for One Coin English in order to cover my expenses, I didn’t have a lot of teaching experience but I still wanted to challenge myself. My initial motivation was just money, but the more I worked, the more I interacted with the other teachers, staff and the more I climbed the ladder of the company, the more I fell in love with this company and its beautiful principles. Principles of honoring people who work hard and smartly, the principles of creating a great work environment, and last but not least, the belief that nonnative speakers with different personalities can teach English and make a difference in people’s lives. In conclusion, I decided to work here because we are not only an English school, we also supply the idea of globalization to our wonderful students. We’re not only teachers but rather ambassadors of the world, and it is our duty to show the students the bigger picture of the world, One Coin English stands for these principles and that is why I decided to devote myself to this company.
What do you think is special about OCE?
One Coin English is not only an English conversation school but also an idea, a belief that it is possible to help Japanese people learn English for a great price while also providing perspectives from different countries. In addition, the working conditions are magnificent, never in my 23 years of age have I felt more loved, respected and appreciated than while working in OCE. The staff and teachers are not just coworkers and the students are not only clients, we are all part of this great family. Growing up in Venezuela, I was taught the value of loving your family and that family always comes first. I think OCE is very special, not only because of our fun way of teaching or our amazingly enjoyable events, but also the beauty of working with people that I consider my family and that I truly love and respect.
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I decided to become a teacher because I love helping people grow, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing your amazing students accomplish their goals and becoming better English speakers. In addition, I love the synergy that the classroom brings, because not only am I teaching English to my students, but I also learn new things every day. I really value learning about my students lives, personalities, dreams, aspirations, goals and passions. Not only do I love teaching but I love making people happy and enjoy their time while at the same time making their dreams come true. As a teacher, I believe that a dream or goal is the key to live a happy life. Unhappiness comes from not dreaming or not being confident. And then the person who is brave and true looks at their obstacles squarely in the face, and accomplish their goals. It is because they work with sufficient passion, to push out fear of their minds. I not only like to teach English, but also teach my students to dream, to never give up and to conquer their life goals, just like my father taught me.
When did you make a difference in a student’s life?
One of my students was going through very difficult times when she started taking my group lessons, she was one of the very first students I taught. She was going through a rough divorce, trying to raise her daughter and also having trouble with her job. When the lessons started she seemed very sad and shy but as the lesson progressed, I managed to make her laugh with my jokes and her smile gradually changed. Each and every week I saw my struggling student making friends, learning English, having a lot of fun at the class and improving her health. I knew she was struggling so I made my absolute priority to make my classroom a sort of safe haven for her, a place where she could feel welcomed and loved by everyone. One day during the class, we were talking about our favorite days of the week and why. Obviously, everyone said Saturday or Sunday because they don’t work those days. At that time, she told me that her favorite day was the day she had classes with me because it is the only day she could enjoy herself and forget about her troubles. She said every week, my class gave her energy to get over her divorce and to live a better life for her and her daughter. That is a beautiful moment I will always treasure.