Why I Love Teaching at Fei Tian: A Journey of Mutual Growth and Discovery

Teaching has always been a passion of mine, but nothing could have prepared me for the profound impact that Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and Fei Tian College have had on both my professional and personal growth. Having taught in various schools across Caracas, Venezuela and the United States, I’ve experienced a wide range of educational environments. However, there’s something special about Fei Tian that sets it apart—a sense of community and a focus on principles that resonate deeply with me: truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of teaching here is the way students approach their education and personal growth. Early in my time at this school, I encountered a situation that truly opened my eyes to the depth of character these students possess. I had to meet with a student from one of my Academy music classes to discuss her homework and general performance in class. As a teacher, giving constructive feedback is part of the job, but I found myself feeling a bit apprehensive about how to approach it. I wanted to ensure that the conversation would be supportive and helpful rather than critical.

To my surprise, the student responded in a way that I had never experienced before. Instead of making excuses or feeling defensive, she began to reflect inwardly, searching for any feelings or attitudes that might be hindering her progress. She openly admitted that she had been feeling lazy and recognized that this was something she needed to overcome to succeed. Her honesty and self-awareness were not only impressive but also incredibly inspiring.

What was even more remarkable was the transformation that followed. After our conversation, the student took her newly found self-awareness and applied it across all her classes—not just the music subjects but her academics as well. She began to approach her work with renewed energy and focus, and it wasn’t long before her efforts paid off. Not only did she improve in the areas we discussed, but she also started excelling in all her subjects, earning very good grades. Watching her grow and achieve her potential was one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career.

This moment was a turning point for me. It made me realize that teaching at Fei Tian isn’t just about imparting knowledge—it’s about mutual growth. The students here don’t just learn from us; they teach us as well. Through their actions, they help us work on our own hearts and emotions, encouraging us to become better educators and, more importantly, better people.

This approach to education, whereby students are encouraged to look within and teachers are inspired to do the same, is something I had never experienced before. It’s a powerful reminder that education is not a one-way street. It’s a collaborative journey through which both teachers and students grow together, constantly striving to embody the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

Every day, I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community. This school has shown me that education is not just about academic achievement; it’s about nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. And in this environment, we are all students, learning from one another and becoming the best versions of ourselves.