How I Became an English Tutor

Hi there! My name is Zeenath. I have been an online English teacher for more than 3 and a half years.

I never actually planned to become a teacher. I actually wanted to be a psychologist, counsellor or therapist as I majored in Psychology at university.

It was back in the middle of 2022. My country, Sri Lanka was facing a terrible economic problem. I was still a university student and as soon as inflation hit, tuition fees increased as well. I needed a way to pay for university classes and found Engoo tutors (DMM Eikaiwa) online.

I applied, even though I had no prior teaching experience. I had to do a demo English lesson, in front of an interviewer. I did the interview - and absolutely failed the first time.

I redid the interview, despite being very afraid I might not pass.

I passed.

I was ecstatic. But also very, very nervous. I had never taught a single class before. What if I wasn't good enough? I thought.

And I wasn't very good at first, in all honesty. I remember my first class and my first student very well. We had a nervous but friendly conversation. I gradually got used to teaching. It came so easily later on. I continued teaching English even after I graduated university.

I got more students. In fact, I got regulars. I have students who have been with me from the very beginning. It has been more than three years now. I cannot imagine not having the usual English lessons with my students.

What started off as a way to pay through university became my job and one of the best ways to connect with people from other countries. My students have taught me much about Japanese culture as well as seasons, food, traditions etc.

It was not a very exciting story, but I hope everyone understands that sometimes, good things come to us, even when we are not expecting it.

if you ever want to come in for a chat, I would love to teach and get to know more about my students!

Also, stay tuned for my next post. The next one will be about how skydiving changed my perspective on life!