March Featured Person: Maila Rito
I first met Maila, or Mai as most people call her, 15 years ago when I was teaching in Thailand. At the time, she was an afterschool teacher at another school. Even then, her passion for education and her desire…
Jaz Beyond Teaching
Simplicity in Learning, Living, and Exploring
Jaz Beyond Teaching
Simplicity in Learning, Living, and Exploring
Blog
Here, I share stories, insights, and reflections drawn from my diverse teaching experiences across the globe. From navigating expat life to embracing mindfulness and simplicity, each post aims to inspire and connect with fellow educators and curious minds. Join me every Sunday for new entries, and feel free to explore the “Beyond Words” section, where I invite you to share your own creative expressions. Let’s journey together through the art of learning and living!
Mein Deutsch ist kaputt! Real Struggle of Learning German
Learning German has been quite an adventure, to say the least. Back in early 2019, while still in the UAE, I was planning to find a job in Germany. Many schools required at least a B1 certification, so I looked…
Pedagogical Day: Mindfulness, Resilience, and Unexpected Laughs
A little over a week ago, we had our Pedagogical Day, where we were offered different workshop groups – mostly in German. which included a three-part workshop. Since my German skills are still a work in progress, I naturally chose…
A battle of cough, confusion, and essential oils
Winter in Germany isn’t over yet, and neither is the battle against cold-season illnesses! The lingering chilly weather has been the perfect setup for my never-ending flu, fever, and – worst of all – this incredibly stubborn cough that just…
February Featured Person: Mila Castro Blasco
I met Sister Mila in the same place where I met our last month’s featured person, Sister Ces. They were in the same ward, and I was assigned there as a missionary. At that time, she was still single and…
Valentine’s Day: A Love Story Hijacked by Capitalism
Maybe this message is a little late – after all, Valentine’s Day has come and gone. But history is a fact, and data never lies. So even if the heart-shaped chocolates are now on clearance, the conversation about this holiday…
There Is Another Way: How Eckhart Tolle’s Perspective Shifted My Mindset
Back in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, an old colleague of mine talked about a book regarding mindfulness. I was intrigued by the topic, as I had often heard and seen the term “mindfulness” on various platforms. She lent me…
January Featured Person: Ces Marvilla Anama
When I first met Sister Cecille – Ces, as she’s known by most – it was back in the San Nicolas Ward in the Ilocos Norte region, Philippines. I was just starting my mission in the area, and I quickly…
My Graduation Adventure
The past few weeks were filled with excitement and preparation for a significant milestone in my life: my graduation from the University of East London. Last Wednesday, my husband and I flew from Germany to London to attend this long-awaited…
Year 2025: A New Chapter
A new year always feels like opening a crisp notebook, full of possibilities. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and dream about what’s ahead. For me, stepping into 2025 feels especially meaningful after the time I took to recharge in…