A Teacher, Mom, Traveler, and Lifelong Learner (Introductory Post)

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Hello, Hive! I'm Kathrine L. Gawaran.

Hi, everyone!

My name is Kathrine L. Gawaran, but you can simply call me Kath. I'm excited (and honestly a little nervous) to write my very first post here on Hive.

I'm a teacher by profession, but that's only one part of who I am. I'm also an online ESL teacher, a mother of four amazing kids, a traveler whenever time and budget allow, and the sole breadwinner of my family. Life hasn't been easy, and if I were to describe my journey in one sentence, I'd say it's been a rollercoaster ride full of ups, downs, unexpected turns, and lessons that have made me stronger.

I've been teaching Grade 10 Science for the past 15 years, and I can honestly say that no two school years have ever been the same. Every batch of students has taught me something new—not only about science but also about patience, resilience, and the importance of believing in young people. Seeing my students grow and eventually pursue their dreams is one of the reasons I continue to love what I do.

In 2017, I decided to explore another opportunity and became an online ESL teacher, teaching English to Chinese students. At first, it was simply a way to earn extra income. As the sole breadwinner of my family, I knew I had to find ways to provide a better future for my four children. Looking back, becoming an ESL teacher was one of the best decisions I ever made. It not only helped me support my family but also gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful students from another culture and continue growing as an educator.

Being the family's only, provider hasn't been easy. There were days when I taught in school, spent hours preparing lessons, and then taught online classes late into the night. There were moments when I questioned myself, felt exhausted, and wondered if I was doing enough. But every sacrifice became worthwhile whenever I saw my children smiling or reaching another milestone. They are my biggest motivation and the reason I continue to work hard every single day.

Whenever I get the chance to take a break from work, I love to travel. It doesn't have to be somewhere luxurious. I simply enjoy discovering new places, appreciating nature, trying local food, and creating memories with the people I love. Traveling reminds me that life is more than work—it is also about experiencing the beauty of the world, learning from different cultures, and making time for the things that make our hearts happy.

So, why am I here on Hive?

I joined Hive because I wanted a space where I could share my story beyond the classroom. I want to write about my experiences as a teacher, my journey as an online educator, my travel adventures, the realities of motherhood, and the challenges and blessings of being the sole breadwinner of my family. More than anything, I hope that by sharing both my struggles and victories, I can inspire someone who may be going through a difficult season in life. If my story reminds even one person not to give up, then I know this journey will be worthwhile.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to @antonette and @chinito for onboarding me to Hive and introducing me to this amazing community. Thank you for welcoming me and for giving me the opportunity to be part of a platform where people can freely share their stories, learn from one another, and support each other's growth. Your encouragement gave me the confidence to take this first step, and I truly appreciate it.

As I begin this new chapter, I look forward to connecting with people from different parts of the world, learning from your experiences, and sharing mine as well. I hope you'll get to know not only the teacher in me but also the traveler, the mother, and the woman behind every lesson, every journey, and every challenge.

Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I'm grateful to be here, and I can't wait to share more stories with all of you.

Here's to new beginnings, meaningful friendships, and a journey of learning together.

See you in my next post! Photos are mine and are edited by Canva.

Love,

Kathrine L. Gawaran (Kath)