As I reflect on my time teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) during my gap year, I am filled with gratitude for the experience and the many lessons it imparted. At the time, I was exploring the possibilities of a career with my Spanish major, and I never could have anticipated how much this experience would shape not just my academic path but also my personal growth. Teaching ESL was one of those rare opportunities that transcended the classroom; it became a window into understanding the world in new ways and connecting with people whose stories were often hidden behind language barriers.

I taught ESL to adult immigrants in Washington, D.C.—my hometown, a city rich in diversity and home to so many individuals pursuing their dreams in a foreign land. Most of my students spoke Spanish, which created an unexpected sense of connection for me. As a Catholic, I found a deeper bond with my students through our shared faith. Many of them were also Catholic, and I quickly realized that this shared foundation—both culturally and spiritually—was a powerful way to connect with them on a level beyond just language. It wasn’t just about teaching them English; it was about understanding the values that shaped their lives and finding common ground in our daily routines.

In the classroom, one of the most meaningful moments came each day before class, when we would say a prayer together. While the lessons were important, it was this prayer time that built a deep level of respect between me and my students, many of whom were older than I was. Coming into a classroom filled with adults who had years of life experience, I knew I had to earn their respect in ways that went beyond traditional teacher-student dynamics. Saying a prayer together before starting our lessons was not only a way to center ourselves but also a moment that showed my students that I valued the same things they did—family, faith, and perseverance. Our shared prayer helped break down barriers and created a sense of unity in the room. It was a powerful, unspoken acknowledgment that while I may have been their teacher, I was also someone who understood and respected their faith and their struggles.

What struck me the most about teaching ESL was how much I learned from my students. They were not just learning a language—they were learning to navigate a new life in a country that was often unwelcoming, and in many cases, deeply unfamiliar. Teaching them English was both humbling and inspiring. Many of my students were juggling multiple jobs, raising families, and striving to build a better future—all while learning a language that didn’t come easily to them. But as we prayed together each day, I could see their perseverance. They were determined not only to learn English, but to make life better for themselves and their families. This spirit of resilience was something I admired deeply, and it helped me grow as an individual, as I saw the power of faith and determination in the face of adversity.

The respect that my older students showed me wasn’t something I took for granted. Our shared faith was a bridge that allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level. It gave me a sense of humility and grounded me in a way that helped me become a better teacher. When we prayed together, it wasn’t just a religious ritual—it was a moment of mutual respect, of recognizing that we were all trying to find our way in a world that didn’t always make room for us. In return, their respect for me, as both their teacher and a fellow Catholic, motivated me to work harder to support them and to create an environment where they felt valued and understood.

This experience solidified my desire to pursue a career where I could help people connect across cultures and language barriers. My time teaching ESL not only reinforced my commitment to working in education but also deepened my understanding of the power of language in building community. It taught me that, as much as we can teach through books, the most meaningful connections come when we meet people where they are—spiritually, emotionally, and culturally. It wasn’t just about teaching vocabulary or grammar; it was about creating a space where my students felt respected and empowered to share their stories, their struggles, and their dreams.

In many ways, teaching ESL was more than just a gap-year job—it was a life-changing experience. It showed me the power of prayer, faith, and empathy in the classroom and how these elements can transcend the challenges of language and culture. As I continue my studies and explore my future career, I carry with me the lessons learned from those daily moments of prayer and connection with my students. Their courage, resilience, and faith continue to inspire me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have shared in their journey.

Ultimately, teaching ESL wasn’t just a job—it was an experience that reshaped the way I think about language, education, and community. It reminded me that, at the heart of teaching, we must always approach our students with humility, respect, and an open heart. It helped me understand that through faith, language, and shared experiences, we can bridge divides and build lasting connections, one prayer and one word at a time.