Tag: writing

books, favorites

A Belated Reading Month Tribute to the Stories That Shaped Me

November slipped past me so quickly that I didn’t even get the chance to post anything for National Reading Month. One morning, I found myself staring at my empty draft folder thinking, “Well… that’s another deadline I missed.” Still, a late post feels better than skipping it entirely—especially when it’s about something that has shaped me since I was a kid. My love for reading … Continue reading A Belated Reading Month Tribute to the Stories That Shaped Me

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ESSAYS, friendship, realization

It’s OK When People Unfollow You in Real Life

Not everyone will stay — and that’s something the heart learns the hard way. A few days ago, I saw a TikTok post from Rica Peralejo where she talked about friends who had cut her off — and how she’s learned to be okay with it. What she said really hit me, so I decided to write this. Twelve years ago, I suffered a stroke … Continue reading It’s OK When People Unfollow You in Real Life

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health, parenting

How to Spot When Your Child Is Doomscrolling—and What to Do About It

These days, it feels like bad news is everywhere. One quick scroll through social media, and you’re hit with headlines about disasters, conflicts, and every crisis imaginable. As adults, we know how heavy that can feel. Now imagine kids—still figuring out how the world works—absorbing all that negativity. It’s no wonder many of them are falling into a habit called doomscrolling. If you haven’t heard … Continue reading How to Spot When Your Child Is Doomscrolling—and What to Do About It

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ESL, work from home

Confident Teaching: Simple Ways to Beat Nervousness in ESL Classes

“Why am I so nervous? They’re just students.” I whispered that to myself before logging into my first online ESL class two years ago. My hands were clammy, my heart was racing, and for a second, I considered pretending my internet went down. If you’ve been there, trust me—you’re not alone. Teaching English to foreign learners sounds exciting, but the reality can feel intimidating at … Continue reading Confident Teaching: Simple Ways to Beat Nervousness in ESL Classes

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ESL, work from home

15 Everyday English Idioms Every ESL Student Should Know

I love using idioms! I remember a student once asked, “Teacher, what does break the ice mean? Are we talking about ice cubes here?” I laughed, then paused—how do you explain something that doesn’t mean what it says? Expressions like this pop up everywhere—in casual chats, movies, and even work emails. But for many ESL students, idioms can feel like a secret club where everyone … Continue reading 15 Everyday English Idioms Every ESL Student Should Know

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ESL, work from home

Must-Watch English Shows for ESL Learners: Tutor-Approved Picks

Back when I was still learning English, I didn’t have fancy apps or online classes. What I had were my aunt’s Betamax and VHS tapes—movies she brought home from her job in the Middle East. I must’ve watched Mrs. Doubtfire a hundred times. Not because I planned to “study” it, but because it made me laugh. And somewhere between the jokes and the drama, I … Continue reading Must-Watch English Shows for ESL Learners: Tutor-Approved Picks

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avm, recovery

One Day at a Time: How I Reclaimed My Life After a Stroke

Some people say life can change in a second. For me, that second came while I was getting ready for work—on a regular Monday morning, October 21, 2013. Just two weeks after my 34th birthday. I’ve actually written a separate blog post that walks through exactly what happened that day, but to sum it up: I had a stroke caused by an AVM. I ended … Continue reading One Day at a Time: How I Reclaimed My Life After a Stroke

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