I Have Experienced So Much Growth
August 26, 2022
Jovanni Hill has been serving daily as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy since March 2022.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your educational background, and where you see yourself in a few years with your career.
My name is Jovanni Hill, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. I graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in film/media and a minor in African American studies in 2020.
While finishing my last semester of college, I discovered my passion for teaching. Since graduating, I’ve been on a journey to become an ESL teacher.
I took a TESOL course as well as a graduate course in Approaches to Teaching English As a Foreign/Second Language from my alma mater. After feeling well informed on how to teach, I started my hunt for a job as an ESL teacher.
I created a LinkedIn account and found the opportunity with Outreach360. God has allowed me to keep working with Outreach360 as I further my career as an English teacher.
I had been searching for a job for months and was worried that, once I found one, I would have to stop doing Outreach360. Thankfully, I was blessed with a job that allows me to continue my service with Outreach360. As I progress in my career, I want to stay teaching with Outreach360 for as long as I can.
What made you decide to serve with Outreach360?
I wanted a chance to actually put my teaching skills to use. I was also captivated by the opportunity because it was helping and making an impact on students in other countries. It gave me a new perspective on the importance of teaching and serving others.
Also, I have Mexican heritage, and I have always been interested in Spanish and Latin American countries and cultures. This was a chance for me to connect and learn more about them.
What did you hope to gain from serving as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher?
I hoped to gain teaching experience, but I gained so much more.
What have you gained so far?
In addition to teaching experience, I have gained leadership and collaborative experience. I have gained great friendships with other teachers, patience, happiness, and fulfillment.
What has made you decide to further your impact?
I decided to further my impact because this opportunity has given me so much happiness and fulfillment.
The students and teachers have really changed my life and showed me that teaching is my purpose. Every day is a gift, and I always leave class feeling good that I am making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Do you think this is a good opportunity for people thinking of becoming teachers, or even for new teachers? If so, why?
This is the perfect opportunity for people thinking of becoming a teacher because the organization is friendly, helpful, and equips you with everything you need to be successful.
We have time to reflect on our experiences and performance during leadership meetings, which helps us become better teachers.
There is a lot to manage while teaching a class, but Outreach360 and its students make it an easy and fun experience.
Share a few favorite moments or ah-ha moments from your service.
New moments are created every day.
One of my favorite moments was when one of my students understood the lesson so well that he messaged me saying “easy peasy lemon squeezy.”
I told the class what he said, and they agreed. So, I taught them all this phrase, and we kept saying it over and over and laughing until they got it. In the future, when a lesson is too easy, and I need to make it more challenging, they will tell me “Teacher Jovanni, this is easy peasy lemon squeezy!”
It is also nice how they are so excited to see us every day. They greet us with energy and kindness. My siblings tell me they know class has started when they hear a bunch of kids shouting “Good afternoon teachers! How are you?”
Another favorite moment was when I was explaining an unfamiliar word to the students. One of the students understood and was able to help the other students grasp the meaning. It is so nice to see them teach what they have learned because it means they really understand the lessons.
I also love when we play games at the beginning of class, and the students are able to interact with each other. As the students learn more and more, they are able to lead the games.
The class gets to a point where they might not even need the teachers to do certain things. It’s amazing to see their growth and confidence increase.
How do you inspire and empower Outreach360 students?
I inspire and empower Outreach360 students by being sympathetic, patient, and encouraging. I want to be a role model for them, but also a friend.
I teach them to be confident in their abilities and always praise them. Even if they are confused, I tell them it’s okay, and we work through it together. Nothing is impossible for them, and I want them to reach their full potential.
How does Outreach360 inspire and empower you?
I am inspired every day by my students and fellow teachers. I learn new ideas and see different perspectives that help me to be a better teacher and a better person outside of the classroom. Their gratitude pushes me to do more because I can feel the impact I am making on them, which I was not aware of.
This opportunity is so much more than just teaching. It is making lifelong connections, learning about new cultures, and impacting people from all around the world.
If someone was considering volunteering with Outreach360, what would you tell them?
Do it! Volunteering with Outreach360 is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I have experienced so much growth professionally and personally.
This is a rewarding experience that will teach you a lot about yourself and remind you how important serving others is. You will be excited to see your students every day. Sometimes I even miss my students on the weekend and can’t wait for Monday to come.
Share a message for Outreach360 students.
Students of Outreach360, you all are so incredible, smart, gifted, and kind.
You all give hope for the future. You have inspired me and given me a joy that can’t compare to anything else.
Keep learning, be yourself, believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone belittle you. You can do anything you put your mind to.
Share a teaching tip/strategy that has worked well with Outreach360 students.
A teaching tip is to be energetic and get to know students as individuals. Making individual connections with each student makes the learning experience more enjoyable and meaningful for them. They will engage with the content better, and they will want to learn more and more to communicate with us.
If there is anything else you'd like to share, please do!
Thank you to the students, my co-teachers, and to Coco and Adie. Your support has given me the courage to keep going. I feel so happy and thankful to have met you.
I appreciate Outreach360 and its mission to inspire and empower people to reach their full potential and give back by expanding educational, leadership, and service opportunities.
Support Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.
Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.
Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.
Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.
Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.
Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!
Written by Jovanni Hill in collaboration with Outreach360. Jovanni has been serving daily as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy since March 2022.
