From ESL student to teacher: Rider senior uses early experiences to connect with students

Sei-Jung (Jackie) Oh knew she wanted to be a teacher since third grade. At 9 years old, she and her family immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea. Entering a new classroom and feeling out of place, Oh was comforted by her English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. In addition to expanding her English skills, they also helped her feel more at home in an unfamiliar place.

"I was not used to being in a new school or country. My mom was an English teacher so I knew a little bit, but there was still a language barrier," she says. "I was really inspired by my teachers and how they could help others."

Whether it is the new student in class, one with a learning disability or one who is struggling to learn English and keep up with the class, Oh wants to be a source of positivity in their lives.

"A lot of the time, these kids are misunderstood and don't feel like they belong. They may feel like society or certain events are bringing them down. I'm able to connect with these students because I understand first-hand what it feels like to think you're different than others," she says.

Oh is graduating with a double major in elementary education and sociology, a minor in special education, a minor in social work, a certificate in ESL and a certificate in bilingual education — all with a 3.85 GPA. She participated in five different student teaching experiences, including a full semester teaching in a third-grade classroom and in a resource room for grades three to five. Oh also earned a certificate for excellence in ESL education from the College of Education and Human Services for her standout work.

She strives to be a well-versed teacher and wants to understand other factors that may affect a student inside and outside the classroom. Oh completed a social work internship with Eden Autism where she visited students with autism spectrum disorder.

"The internship really helped influence my teaching style because I was able to see what a student's background could be like," she says.

Oh further merged her interests in education, sociology and social work when writing her honors thesis. It focused on prevention programs in schools to prevent bullying, a growing issue for educators to combat.

"I'm the type of teacher that doesn't usually eat alone at lunch. If I see a student having social or emotional issues, I'll reach out to them and invite them to sit with me during lunch," Oh says. "I'm able to talk with them on a more personal level and show them there's someone to talk to. I want to be that helping hand during difficult times."