It is my pleasure to introduce you to 2017-2018 LTS MA student Alexis Busso!
Alexis at the Great Wall of China.
Hi Alexis! Please tell the world a little bit about yourself:
Hello, my name is Alexis and I am in the current cohort for the LTS Master’s program. I was born in Cambodia but grew up in Bandon with my 4 sisters, who like me, are all adopted. I left this tiny town to begin my undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon 4 years ago, where I did my B.A. in International Studies and Spanish. It was through this program that I was exposed to my first abroad experience. In the summer of my sophomore year, I did an internship abroad in Beijing, China and that Fall, I studied abroad in Queretaro, Mexico. Since then, I have traveled to various countries in Europe, taught English in Colombia, did research in Russia, and most recently, I just got back from Chile. I feel very fortunate for the ranging international experiences that I have had the opportunity to experience. I hope to be able to return to my home country, Cambodia, after the completion of this program next summer. During my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, doing yoga, cooking and reading.
Alexis with her Family
Have you been enjoying the LTS program so far?
Yes! The LTS program has been such a wonderful experience for me. The reason I decided to stay at U of O for another year and pursue an M.A. is because it encompasses my love of traveling and teaching. I have met some of the most passionate and intellectual scholars. My favorite aspect of the program is the tight-knit community of my cohort and professors. Most of our professors wear many hats and are involved in other departments. They are constantly informing us of teaching and professional development opportunities. Through their support and guidance, they have motivated me to excel in my courses and ignited my curiosity for the foundation of my M.A. project. More to be revealed about that later…
Alexis in the Amazon Rain Forest
What are you hoping to learn/gain from the program?
From this program, I am hoping to gain a ticket to anywhere in the world and be able to pursue a career that I love and enjoy. I hope to implement the knowledge that I gained from lesson planning and classroom management to theoretical frameworks and research on cognitive development. Furthermore, I hope to gain lasting relationships with my colleagues and professors.
And I know you are a GE (graduate employee) at the American English Institute this term, how has that experience been?
Alexis in Greece
My GE position at AEI has been incredibly inspiring and enjoyable. Currently, I teach a listening skills class for level 5 international students. The entire curriculum for the Intensive English Program (IEP) at the American English Institute has been redesigned and implemented just this year. Thus, everything has been a learning experience. Prior to this position, I had never taught a class that was focused on one particular skill of language learning. Listening, is said to be the second hardest area to learn after speaking. I am overwhelmingly grateful for the wonderful program, staff, and my students for this experience that will shape my teaching for years to come. This GE position reaffirms why I started this program and inspires me for what’s to come.
Any final thoughts?
Don’t be afraid to experience the things that scare you or make you feel uncomfortable. It is during these moments, that we learn and grow the most.