Throughout this certification program, I experienced many moments that were truly meaningful and impactful for me, both personally and professionally. Each activity, workshop, and interaction contributed in different ways to my growth as a teacher and as a human being. Choosing only ten moments was not easy because every experience left me with valuable lessons, memories, and reflections. However, I decided to focus on the moments that I connected with the most — the ones that made me reflect deeply, helped me bond with others, challenged me, or reminded me of the importance of empathy, communication, and community in education. The following experiences represent some of the moments that had the greatest impact on me throughout this journey.
1. Teaching Game
One of the first moments that became truly meaningful to me was the teaching game. At the beginning, we did not know we were going to be divided into groups and immediately step into the role of teachers. That surprise made the experience exciting and engaging from the very start. What I enjoyed the most was that it did not feel like a traditional lesson; instead, it was interactive, dynamic, and fun. Through this activity, I realized that teaching does not always need to follow a rigid structure to be effective. Looking back, I now understand that from the very beginning the program was already showing us that learning can happen through enjoyment, participation, and connection. This activity reminded me that when students are actively involved and having fun, learning becomes more meaningful and memorable.
2. Puzzle Activity
Another meaningful moment was the puzzle activity. We worked in groups and had specific spaces assigned to us: one area that no one could touch and another where only certain members could place pieces. In addition, we had to complete the task quietly, without speaking. At first, the challenge seemed difficult, but as the activity progressed, I realized how much communication can happen without words. Through gestures, eye contact, patience, and teamwork, we were still able to understand and support each other. This experience was important to me because it demonstrated that communication goes far beyond speaking. It also reminded me that collaboration, empathy, and observation are essential parts of both teaching and learning. Besides being enjoyable, the activity taught me the value of nonverbal communication and teamwork in the classroom.
3. Korean and Hawaiian Sample Lesson
The Korean and Hawaiian sample lesson was one of the most challenging experiences for me, especially because I usually struggle at the beginning when learning a new language. At first, I felt stressed and unsure of myself, since everything sounded unfamiliar and difficult to understand. However, despite those feelings, this activity became very meaningful to me. It helped me experience what many language learners feel when they are exposed to something completely new, which allowed me to develop more empathy as a teacher. At the same time, this lesson brought us closer together as a group. It was from this experience that “mahalo” became something memorable for all of us, and I feel it was one of the first moments where we truly started bonding and building a sense of community. Looking back, I appreciate how this activity combined challenge, learning, and connection all at once.
4. My Life in Numbers
Another meaningful activity for me was My Life in Numbers. I really enjoyed this community-building activity because it allowed us to get to know each other on a deeper and more personal level. In this activity, we had to write down a number that was important to us, while our partner had to guess the reason behind that number. What I liked most was how something as simple as a number could open the door to meaningful conversations, memories, and personal stories. This activity reminded me that learning environments become stronger when people feel seen, heard, and connected. It also showed me the importance of creating opportunities for students to share parts of themselves, since building relationships and trust can have a positive impact on the learning process.
5. Play and Acting
The play and acting activity was one of the most enjoyable and memorable moments for me during this experience. I really liked this lesson because it was fun, interactive, and naturally brought everyone closer together. I especially remember watching Miss Orly and Miss Yisel acting so well that, for a moment, we completely forgot we were even in a class. We became so immersed in the activity that it felt real and exciting. That experience showed me how powerful engagement can be in a learning environment. Through laughter, creativity, and participation, the class became a space where we connected naturally with one another. This activity reminded me that learning does not always happen through traditional methods; sometimes the moments we enjoy the most are also the ones that teach us and unite us the most.
6. Learners’ Posters
Creating the learners’ posters was a very meaningful experience for me because it allowed me to focus on one of my learners and truly get to know them beyond the classroom. Through this activity, I was able to learn more about who they were as a person, not only as a student. It reminded me that learners are human beings with emotions, experiences, personalities, and stories that influence the way they learn and behave in class. For me, this activity created a deeper sense of connection and understanding with my learner. It demonstrated the importance of seeing students holistically and recognizing that building relationships is an essential part of teaching. This experience helped me reflect on how meaningful it is when teachers take the time to know and understand their students.
7. Love Letter Feedback
The love letter feedback activity was especially meaningful because it was our first formal experience receiving feedback during the program. What I appreciated the most was the way our trainers introduced it. Instead of immediately focusing on corrections or areas for improvement, they first gave us celebrations, positive comments, and “flowers.” That approach made the experience feel supportive rather than intimidating. For me, it was a very thoughtful and caring way to begin the feedback process because it communicated that we were all growing and learning together. It showed me that feedback can be constructive while still being encouraging and human. This moment helped me understand the importance of creating safe and positive environments when giving feedback, something I would also like to apply in my own teaching practice.
8. Golden Rule Creation
Creating our golden rules for feedback was another meaningful moment during this experience. We worked within our teaching groups to establish the guidelines we wanted to follow when giving feedback to one another. For me, this activity was important because it reminded us that we were building a supportive community, almost like a family, where respect, kindness, and trust were essential. At the same time, it emphasized the importance of being open to receiving feedback as part of our growth process. I appreciated how this activity encouraged us to reflect not only on what we say to others, but also how we say it. It showed me that effective feedback should come from a place of care, empathy, and genuine support.
9. Nonviolent Communication Workshop
The nonviolent communication workshop was one of my favorite experiences throughout the program. During the workshop, we explored different emotions and feelings, and I found myself relating to many of them in a very personal way. What made this experience especially meaningful for me was that it focused deeply on the human side of teaching and learning. It reminded me that before being teachers or learners, we are human beings who deserve understanding, empathy, and care. I loved the idea that communication should not simply be about correcting or instructing others, but about finding respectful, meaningful, and compassionate ways to connect with people. This workshop helped me reflect on the importance of emotional awareness and the impact that our words and tone can have on others, especially in educational settings.
10. "Closing" speech and Karlan’s Souvenirs
One of the most emotional and meaningful moments was the one we had on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. Especially Karlan’s speech and the souvenirs she prepared for us. I was deeply touched by the way she expressed how she and the trainers felt about us being the first cohort of the certification program. The symbolism she connected to the paperclip made the message even more special and memorable. I connected with her speech on a very personal level because it felt reflective, caring, and embracing. It made me realize how much love, dedication, and emotional investment had been part of this journey, not only from us as participants but also from the trainers. This moment reminded me that this certification was much more than an academic experience; it was a journey of growth, connection, and belonging that left a meaningful impact on me.
