The Classroom Conversation That Changed My Life
7 years ago when decided to explore the unknown world, it was during a very pivotal moment in my life.
TL;DR
A year after graduating with my doctor of management in Global Leadership, I faced unemployment and depression.
I settled for teaching ESL at a community college, which unexpectedly became a life-changing experience.
Inspired by my international students' encouragement and support, I backpacked through Europe, visiting 12 countries and 14 cities.
Shortly after I moved to China.
Long Version
A year earlier, I’d graduated with my doctorate from Colorado Technical University and was humbled to be the student commencement speaker for both the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies.
Things looked promising despite having ended the relationship with my long-term beau at the time.
Immediately after graduation, I was offered an adjunct professor position at a popular HBCU (Historically Black College & University) in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was excited.
Then, the offer fell through. 💔
Not only was I jobless but I became hopeless.
Overqualified in education. Under-qualified in experience.
Depression hit hard.
I felt like something was missing. Surely, there had to be more to life than this, right?
While I tried to figure out life, I settled for a job teaching ESL at the local community college.
Little did I know that settling would turn into the greatest pivot of my life.
Every morning for the first 10 minutes of class, we had, “Dr. Campbell’s Convo Cafe” which was basically a chance for everyone to practice speaking in English without fear of making mistakes.
It was a hit.
Everyone loved it. Students volunteered to bring in coffee from their respective countries (Ethiopia, Egypt, Colombia, Kenya, Spain, Vietnam, Italy, France, Mali to name a few).
We had homemade breakfast trinkets made with love.
It was really rewarding to hear them all speaking to each other in imperfect English with confidence.
They didn’t need to worry about being judged or made fun of for their mistakes because I fostered an environment that felt safe, providing corrections later in our class lecture.
One day during the convo cafe, my only student from Sweden and I were chatting about my desire to travel. She asked why was I afraid to leave. I shared how it wasn’t fear of leaving; I was ready to explore other countries. But, I was very attached and loyal to my church family and all the responsibilities I held. I didn’t know how they would take the news.
I was pretty sure that I would’ve been talked out of leaving and it caused me anxiety just thinking about it.
As we continued to talk about traveling, more students joined our conversation and it really left an impression on me.
The next week, during a class break, I asked a few students where I should visit in Europe.
You would’ve thought I was offering honey to bees by the way they quickly ran to my desk!
Every person from Europe told me that I had to visit their country - with the exception of my student from Türkiye. She politely informed me that she didn’t think I would be too safe as a backpacker there (in 2017).
By the end of the week, I’d had a full (but flexible) European itinerary of countries recommended to visit.
It was their friendship, authentic love and guidance that supported my desire to backpack through Europe for 6 weeks - experiencing 12 countries and 14 cities! - and, ultimately, the big move to China.
Friend, for almost 2 years, I felt the pull towards discovering more outside of the U.S. before I ever made the leap.
But when I did, I didn’t just leap; I soared.
Towards the end of the semester, I gave my 2 weeks notice and started preparing to go to the first country on the list - Spain.
On the last day of class, I walked into the room and almost broke into tears.
The students had transformed the entire room by decorating it for a going away party.
They brought special dishes from home that they cooked. They showered me with flowers, gifts, and priceless mementos that I have carried around with me through more than 30 countries.
I knew nothing about backpacking, hiking, or country hopping and they knew this.
My students surprised me with everything I would need to go abroad.
Needless to say, every one of them truly changed my life. 🥹
Now, 7 years later, I continue to remember the love, kindness and support shown to me.
Because of these amazingly beautiful souls, I've become the global citizen that I desired to be.
One with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and the true power of human connection.
And 7 years later, I still love them all.
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Dr. CK 💋
This is amazing!!! I am literally sitting under my "settled" job, which 12 years ago was my "dream job" 😂😂 but man, when I say the works and work that is occurring because of it, is such a blessing
Another great text, thank you for sharing! I recognized myself in the part where you "settled" for teaching which changed your life -- I "settled" for teaching 20 years ago and I still love it :)