Robelyn Kimbatoy

They say, “it is never too late to learn the language” which i strongly agree with. As an English teacher back in the Philippines, I can say it is really challenging to meet learners of different nationalities with various cultural backgrounds and diverse learning styles. However, I always had that passion of helping someone learn a language because I believe it means helping someone achieve a dream or even helping someone survive in a new environment. I was a learner of the English language since I was young and because of my love for language learning, I took a Bachelor of Science in Education major in English and graduated Cum Laude in the year 2013. After graduating, I spent the following 3 years teaching the English language to both foreign and non-foreign students. In 2016, I came to Korea through the employment system for factory workers and worked hard for long 5 and a half years. During those years, almost every single night, I always took time to study the Korean language for me to be able to survive in my workplace. That desire to survive became my drive but I grew to love learning more, not only about the language but including the culture, people, and life in Korea. In 2020, I got my certificates in completing the Korean Immigration and Integration Program(KIIP) and passing the exam for residency. Also in the same year, I got my license as Legal Interpreter for English to Korean and vice versa. Finally, in February 2022, I passed level 6 of the Test of Proficiency in Korean(TOPIK). With all about what I have achieved, why and how I was able to acquire knowledge of the Korean language and culture, I will end with this: Language may not be a reflection of one’s intelligence or success but is a powerful tool to get you where you want to be. I hope that this can inspire some of you to pursue your passion for achieving something not only in your Korean dream(K Dream) but in your lives as a whole.