Akiko Ota, Ed.D.

Director, English Language Learning Center
Governors State University 

What inspired you to work in this field?
The students’ smiles, especially when they learn something new, and seeing them gain more confidence as time goes on while they are studying English as a second language. 

What are the challenges you've faced?
A challenge I have faced was that some people judged me as not being credible to teach TESOL. People also judged my appearance and my origin. However, it has always been the matter of time for them to see what I can offer the students. I became a role model as a non-native English speaker who achieved professional proficiency and has helped the students achieve their goals. 

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I would like to keep being a role model for any English language learners and to motivate them to achieve their goals learning and using English effectively.  If I can do it, anyone can. 

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
Students often say “I don’t have time” for anything outside the classroom. However, a lot of great learning and other opportunities came to me as I enjoyed the detours of life. Going out to coffee shops, parks, restaurants, events, etc. Joining a club and meeting new friends are great opportunities for learning which comes from those non-academic experiences. So, don’t miss such incredible opportunities!