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.