Ms Kim is one of the many new students who started working at Cardozo this year, however, Cardozo is not a new place for her. Photo submitted by Ms. Kim.
Cardozo has welcomed over 20+ new staff members this school year, growing our family and community. One of the “new” hires here to the teaching squad is ENL teacher Ms. Kim; only, she’s not really new. Ms. Kim, who teaches Algebra 2 and Physics, was a student at Cardozo herself several years ago.
Starting again as a teacher here is new for her, but the environment is very much the same. Although she now has a fresh start as an educator, she feels at home at Cardozo. Ms. Kim was working as an assistant principal in Manhattan before coming back to her alma mater. For the ENL teacher, Cardozo brings back memories that other people and places can’t replicate. For Ms. Kim, coming back evokes nostalgia.
“Returning here feels like coming full circle, it was always a dream of mine to give back to the community that shaped who I am,” she said.
Ms. Kim shared that teaching was always her passion. “Since I was very young, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Teaching has always felt like my calling,” she explained. “It’s the path that gives me purpose, energy, and joy.”
Her passion for teaching can be seen in the way that she approaches her students in the classroom. As an ENL teacher, Ms. Kim sees students struggle a lot with self-esteem. “A challenge students face is believing in themselves, especially when learning a new language,” she said. “I’ve seen students doubt their abilities, but with encouragement, the right support, and practice, they can achieve more than ever imagined.”
In her classes, Ms. Kim is determined to help students be successful and make their lives better during these imperative years. Students who don’t speak English as their first language can face difficulties with believing in themselves, but as an ENL teacher, she knows how to help them succeed.
“My plan is to keep setting high goals, celebrating small victories, and reminding my students that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re stepping stones toward growth,” she explained.
People who have spent their entire lives speaking English probably wouldn’t find it to be a hard language to learn. However, when you are someone who is raised speaking another language, it can be stressful and frankly, very difficult, to learn the English language. However, with the right resources and teachers, learning a new language isn’t as hard. Ms. Kim understands that each student is different and comes with a different set of skills and also challenges.
“What worries me is making sure every student feels truly seen and supported, because I know each student has a unique story and voice,” she explained. However, she also knows that in the end, students will come out of school with a unique skillset. “I look forward to watching my students grow confident and see their multilingual skills as superpowers,” she said. Not only does Ms. Kim see speaking multiple languages as a superpower, but being understanding and having the patience and care for every student in different ways is something she also encompasses.
As the year goes on, Ms. Kim will have more opportunities to change and impact different students. Not only has she changed lives already, but she will continue to help students master the English language and become strong and confident students. Surrounded by people who care for her, and in the same building she once stood as a student, Cardozo is excited to welcome Ms. Kim back.