International Tutors' Magazine June 2019 | Page 17

JUNE 2019 Dilan Dalkiran: I can't believe how time just flew by! It's been nearly two years since I started my journey at EdUHK. I'm so grateful for all the precious connections I have made with both staff and students. I have learned a lot about Asian culture and Hong Kong, which opened a whole new world for me. I also reflect on those students that I remember walking in at the beginning of the year totally shy and scared to make mistakes, and now are much more comfortable expressing themselves in English. Witnessing so much growth has been really priceless. I hope they will continue visiting our centre and mingling with students and ITs as much as they can. It's been a fruitful year, and now I'm ready for my next challenge! Gabriel Franchi: Hey friends! As our academic year comes to an end, I want to thank everyone who took part in my incredible journey at EdUHK. I feel extremely grateful for all the joyful moments we’ve shared in our workshops, club meetings, and hall events. I’ve lived this year very intensely, made incredible friends (shout out to BFFs Got Talent and my Debate students!) and challenged myself to learn and grow as a person. I couldn’t have done it without you and the amazing ideas we’ve shared. Hong Kong will always have a special place in my heart and so will the memories of this year as an IT. Thanks a lot for everything and we’ll certainly meet again! <3 Juho Valtonen: I have spent two truly special and memorable years working at EdUHK. I've learned a lot from our students and really enjoyed helping them learn more about Finland and other countries and of course improve their English. Seeing this improvement over time is the best reward and feedback a teacher can have. I also enjoyed organizing events together with my fellow ITs, like TEDxEdUHK and the World Safari. I learned a lot more about Hong Kong this year and have especially connected to the rich food culture (the “numb and spicy” Sichuan Mala cuisine is my favorite), which I will miss back home in Finland! I wish you all great success in your life wherever your path takes you and I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon! Noga Zaborowski: I want to thank everyone I’ve met at EdUHK for providing a supportive environment for me not only as an English teacher, but also as a newcomer to Hong Kong. I’ve learned so much about Hong Kong, Asia, and even myself, just by talking to and interacting with so many people here. The little connections I’ve made by learning one new Hong Kong tradition, laughing with the canteen cooks as they knew I was about to ask for “do di faahn mgoi!”, or helping a student understand and master one small concept - these little moments, in the end, made any struggles of teaching or culture shock worth it. So, thank you EdUHK. It’s been an experience I won’t forget. Joi gin! 17