From an early age, Louisiana native Linda Nguyen had a burning passion to travel the world. As a young girl, she found it intriguing to learn about different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. It comes as no surprise then, that when her search for teaching positions abroad began Nguyen came across House of Knowledge International School and Kindergarten (HoK Quanfa Campus). The Year 1 teacher has now been in Beijing for two months and says she found HoK’s philosophy and core values similar to her own personality and teaching style. “I thought it was a perfect fit for me,” she says. Nguyen shares more about herself with beijingkids.
What’s was your favorite subject when you were a student?
Reading, writing, math, and science were my favorite subjects in school. My mind was full of curiosity. I had a very vivid imagination. My train of thought was always outside of the box. I could not get enough of exploring the unknown. It was so exciting to discover and learn new things.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? What other career options did you explore before teaching?
As a child growing up and having to respond to ‘what do I want to be when I grow up’ was a very difficult question for me to answer. It was so fascinating to gain insight about everything and everyone. I would ask infinite amount of questions. I thrive on challenges. Being spontaneous and coming up with innovative ideas, leading my friends on “Linda’s Adventures!”; it was all about what new findings will we gather this time. When I turned 14, I finally could sum up everything in one word what I wanted to be when I grew up. It was to be a teacher. Ever since, I have built my career to become a well-rounded teacher.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I believe every student has a sense of curiosity, imagination, and creativity within themselves. I am determined to keep that alive in every child. I always take into consideration that every student has their own learning style and aptitude. I incorporate a variety of instructional strategies when I teach a lesson. I believe learning should be fun. One of my main goals is for the student to build a connection from what they are learning in class to themselves and the real world. There is a lot of critical, creative, and bold thinking through exploration, questioning, and problem solving. The students express themselves via small and/or whole group discussions. I serve as mentor and a facilitator in the classroom. I think it is equally important they learn responsibility, accountability, and are able to reflect on their own work.
What was your favorite book growing up? What are you currently reading?
I absolutely loved reading Amelia Bedelia and The Baby-Sitters Club series’. I just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love written by Elizabeth Gilbert. I am about to start reading The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku.
How do you like to relax on the weekends?
I really love playing soccer! I enjoy playing high impact sports. It is always fun to go out with my friends to different social places. Shopping and spa days are also included on the list of things I like to do on the weekends. Those are just to name a few among all of the active leisurely things I do on my own time.
Where do you like to go on holiday?
You can find my anywhere on this Earth where they have soft, sandy beaches with clear blue water.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I collect quotes.
What’s currently on your playlist?
Colbie Caillat is on repeat on my IPod.
What’s do you find most rewarding about teaching?
My loyalty, caring heart, and positive attitude shine through when I am at work. The students sense this aura of mine. I get the impression my students know I will do anything to help them succeed.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”- Mark Van Doren
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”- Albert Einstein
