Teaching has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I spent countless hours helping my mom in her first-grade classroom. Watching her work with young learners instilled in me a deep respect for the role of educators and a natural ease with children. From being a summer camp counselor to a trusted babysitter, I have always enjoyed working with kids and creating opportunities for them to learn and grow.
Over the years, the idea of becoming a teacher crossed my mind many times. While life initially took me down a different path, I stayed closely connected to education through volunteering extensively in my daughters’ schools. I believe in the importance of supporting teachers and the impact of creating a nurturing environment for students.
In my daughters’ elementary schools, I took on many roles to support classrooms and educators. I ran reading and vocabulary stations in a kindergarten class, provided one-on-one reading coaching to third-grade students, planned class parties, chaperoned field trips, and proctored tests. Recognizing a need for better communication with families at one school, I partnered with the principal to create and distribute a school newsletter, ensuring parents stayed informed and engaged.
As a leader in the JC Sawyer Elementary PTO, I organized events like talent shows and fall fairs, further fostering a sense of community within the school. These experiences strengthened my appreciation for the challenges and rewards of teaching and confirmed my desire to contribute more directly to students’ learning journeys.
Drawing on my experiences living in Japan and immersing myself in its language and culture, I created interactive lessons on Japanese traditions and customs for elementary classrooms, sparking curiosity and appreciation for global perspectives among young students. I also led a hands-on workshop on Japanese culture at a senior Girl Scout leadership conference, blending engaging activities with educational insights to inspire participants and broaden their cultural horizons.
Now, as I hope to transition into the classroom, I bring with me not only a love for art and creativity but also years of firsthand experience in working with children, supporting educators, and understanding the vital role that schools play in shaping young minds.
KMG Design 