Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Gibson.
Hi Cynthia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My whole life I’ve been a teacher. My mom tells me I started “teaching” my stuffed animals when I was only 2. For years I taught high school English, but then I found my true passion–teaching English to adults from other countries (also known as ESL or ESOL). I’ve taught in multiple states and 3 countries. A few years ago I quit a job I absolutely loved working for Atlanta Public Schools to volunteer full-time with a nonprofit. I moved to Peru and planned on living there indefinitely to teach English to mostly Venezuelan refugees–people who quickly because like family to me.
I’d only been there a few months when the pandemic hit. That changed everything–globally, but also for me personally. Our organization needed all the support possible, so when a previous student asked if I could teach her online, I quickly accepted. I had no idea then that I would start my own company teaching English online–or how much I would absolutely fall in love with this new life direction! Teaching online has allowed me to continue volunteering but also work and meet students from all over the world. I recently moved back to Atlanta and am so glad to be home.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I like to tell people that I went to school to be a teacher–not an entrepreneur or business owner. And if anyone would have told me I’d have a large following on Instagram, I would have said…um, Instagram? What is that exactly? 🙂
I did a full pivot from having a traditional classroom to working online, making daily content for social media, and running a business. I still have no idea what I’m doing, but I’ve learned to get back up when a project falls flat, to ask for help sooner vs. later, and–most importantly–to enjoy the ride.
I absolutely love what I do and have an incredible privilege to support students from all over the world. This makes all the challenges worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I absolutely love what I do. Teaching English isn’t really even about English but about the opportunity to empower people to use their voice to connect with others, to take risks, and to build a confidence in their ability to connect and share from their own experiences. So yes, I teach English to adults from other countries, but I think a better job description is that every day I have the gift of getting to know some of the most incredible people–and helping them also believe they are incredible and express themselves freely, no matter the language.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In my industry, it’s easy to fly solo–but it’s not effective. It’s always best to network and to partner with others who can share ideas and also provide mutually beneficial opportunities. When I’m considering network possibilities, I look for people who can support my business goals and also who can benefit from my experience, what I offer, etc.
Finding a mentor is similar. Although I had 20 years of teaching experience when I started my own business, I needed a mentor to help me navigate the brand new world of being an entrepreneur. After 3 years, I still need mentors. I’ve consistently looked for mentors I can trust and who have a similar energy to my own. There should be a connection that is deeper than simply goals on a paper. In short, we are always better when we work together.
Pricing:
- $37 for 50 minute classes
- See languageunite.com for information regarding private classes.
- See https://englishuniteacademy.getlearnworlds.com/ for information regarding online courses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://englishuniteacademy.getlearnworlds.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishunitetutoring/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-AXncT_IYEnZKs1rj8WvPw
- Other: languageunite.com
Image Credits
The picture of me at my desk (with one student on the computer) is credited to Paige Gradishar Photography.
