In Touch with the Future by Yuting

In Touch with the Future by Yuting - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

Twenty years from now, the world will look to new leaders, innovative musicians, and unifiers who will shape our global society. These future change makers are today's students, learning and growing in classrooms across the world. They are poised to inherit the world, steering it towards unprecedented progress and unity. This reality elevates the role of educators to something beyond mere teaching; it's about nurturing the potential in each child to become a beacon of change and innovation. As teachers, we are not just imparting knowledge; we are shaping the minds that will one day lead, create, and unify.

My teaching journey began in my freshman year of high school with the Music Volunteer Club. Our mission was simple yet profound: to traverse to local elementary schools and share the melodies of the piano, violin, and ukulele with eager young minds. As I prepared for this endeavor, senior members of the club meticulously guided me, embedding in me the virtues of patience and attentiveness—indispensable traits for any mentor guiding the young. Unlike high schoolers, younger children readily express their appreciation. The first time I heard, “Teacher knows so much about piano,” delight and warmth surged through me. As I shared my knowledge with these young students, they rewarded me with direct and pure admiration, reminding me of the genuineness often lost in adulthood.

When the world paused in the grip of Covid-19, my journey as a teacher persisted, undeterred.I continued as an online tutor for Care Mission USA, aiding bilingual students. Utilizing my own bilingual heritage, I was able to forge a deeper connection with the community I served, bridging gaps in understanding and culture. Working with these students helped alleviate the monotony of lockdown. Their wild imaginations and quirky, yet innocent questions, trained my brain to think creatively. Through this experience, I honed my problem-solving and communication skills.

As the world gradually reopened its doors, I embarked on a new chapter of my teaching odyssey, this time in rural Taiwan. At a summer camp, the students' enthusiasm and curiosity about English inspired me to delve deeper into teaching the language. Although I was their leader, the connection we formed was humbling. Their eagerness to learn a language not their own, despite limited resources, was inspiring. Witnessing this, I realized the profound impact of our sessions. It was more than just language skills being imparted – it was the planting of a linguistic seed, one that held the promise of blossoming into lifelong learning and connection.

Teaching is immensely rewarding, as I guide children towards their own successes while benefiting myself through the journey. In this case, the true measure of contribution transcends quantifiable metrics. It lies instead in the sincerity and purpose behind each effort we make. When our actions are fueled by positive intentions and aspirations, the contribution’s impact is already profound. This belief underpins my approach to teaching; every step taken with a genuine desire to uplift and inspire is, in itself, a meaningful and lasting contribution to the tapestry of their lives and mine.