Outreach360 Has Left A Meaningful Mark On Me
August 4, 2022
Tifani Hikmanisa Bahtiar (Teacher Tipan) lives in Indonesia and served as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy from September 2021 - February 2022. She recently returned to further her impact with Outreach360 while on a break from graduate school.
Why did you choose to further your impact with Outreach360?
I had actually been planning to come back to teach with Outreach360 for a while, but since I had a full university schedule, I had to wait for a break from school. I decided to utilize this break to teach again since I’ve missed it so much.
Outreach360 has left a meaningful mark on me. Even though my position here is as a “teacher,” I’m actually the one who learns a lot from my fellow teachers and the students.
You previously shared with us that you taught yourself English. When did you start to learn English and how?
I started to teach myself English when I was in middle school. I learned English mostly through music, movies, and social media (Facebook). I always had a notebook where I would put down words and then look up their meanings in my native language. I practiced the pronunciation through what I heard in the music. When I liked a conversation that I heard in a movie, I would take a picture or screenshot of the captions, so I could practice later on.
What are you studying at university?
I am taking English Language Studies focusing on Linguistics.
⏰ Due to your time zone, serving with Outreach360 is a big commitment. What time do you wake up daily when you are teaching?
I always wake up around 3 AM, 45 minutes before the class starts, because sometimes I eat before class.😅
How does it feel to come back?
It feels amazing, especially knowing that most of the students that I used to teach still remember me! 😍
What changes do you see in the students?
A lot! I was surprised that we’re able to communicate in English now! It’s wonderful knowing that the students have learned a lot in a few months. I’m really so proud of them. 👏🏽
Any other changes?
I also noticed the number of teachers is increasing, which is amazing! I’m so glad.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
It is a pleasure to be part of Outreach360. I am really grateful for everything and for this amazing opportunity. I admire the diversity at Outreach360 and the welcoming people. Basically, I appreciate Outreach360, its purpose, and its people.
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Written by Tifani Hikmanisa Bahtiar in collaboration with Outreach360. Tifani served as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy from September 2021 - February 2022 and recently returned while on break from graduate school to further her impact.
