I got to teach the kids how to used English more naturally. As an English learner myself, I struggled a lot when it came it using English on a daily basis. What we learned from textbooks were writing languages. We weren’t taught to have a natural conversations with native speakers, making the interactions sometimes awkward and pull down our confidence, which is one of the most important things in learning to be fluent a language. After my three-month course, the kids were a lot more confident in speaking, as they know so much more in slangs, casual ways of talking, and more importantly social conventions in English speaking countries. I also let them interact with lots of my friends from the US.
What I wish was different
I wish I had a more intensive training couse for the students. I did give out lots of homework while I was away for a short research course during the summer, but I wished I had all three-month with them. Also, I designed all the course materials, so some were not appropriate as they weren’t on the same level with my students’. I would select and design materials more carefully if I am to have this course again.
Advice
If you have never tried to have teaching experience, my advice is that you should at least once in your life. You would learn how hard, frustrated (and sometimes exhausted) to be in a teaching position. It will make you appreciate your Professors so much more. Also, teaching is a great way to revisit your knowledge and have a deeper understanding of any materials. And if you like kids as much as I do, then you should definitely work with them. If not, you could always help the adults in exploring a new thing!
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Garden
June - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I leraned a lof about entrepreneurship.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more time after summer to grow the business.
Advice
Keep an expence journal to keep track of profits and business needs.
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DJ
September 2014 • Boise, ID
What I liked
Traveling, playing new genres at new venues. I saved up money all year to be able to take the summer off (besides djing) because I was completely burned out. I went to 5 music festivals in California, Utah, and Canada.
What I wish was different
That I worked a little more but the break from work and school was vital. My laptop broke at the start of summer so I didn’t get to produce music like was my goal. I didn’t get my new one until school started again because insurance process was slow.
Advice
If you ever are in a position to save and take time off to heal yourself or travel; do it! You will learn a lot about yourself and the world and everyone needs a break.
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Nanny
June - August 2019 • Hilliard, OH
What I liked
It was a nice relaxing job that gave me experience working with kids
What I wish was different
Very long hours and not much to do
Advice
Try everything even if you aren’t sure if you’ll like it
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ACT Tutor
June 2019 • Encinitas, CA
What I liked
Freedom of making my own schedule. Helping students is fulfilling.
What I wish was different
Structure of the meetings. Start marketing efforts earlier.
Advice
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Volunteer
June - August 2019 • Kingston, Saint Andrew
What I liked
The opportunity to help people from my hometown
What I wish was different
I had a longer time to work with them
Advice
If you love it, you won’t have any problems
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Baby Sitter
May 2019 • Escondido, CA
What I liked
Working with kids
What I wish was different
That I worked more
Advice
Enjoy your time with them
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Ministerial Intern
January 2012 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
There are a lot of people on the streets of Atlanta, who need help... Or at least a kind word and a smile.
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Yard care
July - August 2019 • Shreveport, LA
What I liked
I loved the flexibility
What I wish was different
Advice
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Research
July - August 2019 • Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga
What I liked
All the different wildlife. It was an eye opening experience
What I wish was different
Advice
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Private Tutor
September 2018 • Tucson, AZ
What I liked
I liked that I could set my own hours, and of course I enjoy teaching.
What I wish was different
There really isn't anything that I wish was different; it was ideal for my circumstances.
Advice
The biggest piece of advice I would share about jobs like private tutoring is to evaluate what your time and expertise are worth, and be firm about it; don't sell yourself short.
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Nanny
May 2015 - August 2019 • Austin, TX
What I liked
Coming up with activities to do with the child, including hiking trips, LARP-style adventures, treasure hunts, dance routines, arts and crafts, science experiments, volunteer work, swimming, and museum trips.
What I wish was different
More communication from parents
Advice
Pre-plan the day's activities, as well as a backup for weather, the kid's disinterest, missing supplies, etc. Also be enthusiastic!
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BBQ
June - August 2019 • Spearfish, SD
What I liked
Making BBQ
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
It was fun and food trucks get very hot.
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Nanny
May 2019 • Livingston, NJ
What I liked
I worked with children which was great because I wish to become a pediatric nurse!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Landscape Architect
May - August 2019 • Guilford, CT
What I liked
I loved the flexibility of my schedule as well as the opportunity to work with my hands
What I wish was different
I would have liked a little more stability. When there was rain or nothing to do I had no work.
Advice
It's hard work that you really need to be up to. There are hot days and heavy loads. To succeed you need to market yourself well and prove you are capable of handling the job.
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Nanny
May - July 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Regular hours, close proximity to home, gained childcare experience
What I wish was different
More experience applicable to my interests
Advice
Its great for earning money and if you want flexible hours. Make sure to choose a family with common interests.
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CEO
May - August 2019 • Tualatin, OR
What I liked
Autonomy and a great learning experience
What I wish was different
It is difficult to run your own business. In some ways, it would have been easier to just get a job
Advice
I think everyone should try to run their own business at some point. It's a great way to learn about what you like and don't like.
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Carpenter
February - July 2018 • Athens, GA
What I liked
Freedom and fulfillment of building things
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Drink lots of water when working in hot climates for extended periods of time
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Physical Therapist Aide
April - September 2019 • Twin Falls, ID
What I liked
The people I worked with both coworkers and clients
What I wish was different
The pay
Advice
Love others in their difficult times and they will be happier.
