Hey everyone!

I’m so excited to share that as of today… I’m officially TEFL certified! 🎉 This is a massive step toward a dream I’ve been chasing for a long time, and I couldn't be happier to make it official finally.

For anyone wondering, TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It’s a certification that allows you to teach English in countries where it’s not the native language — like Japan, where I’ll be heading! The course covers everything from lesson planning and classroom management to grammar breakdowns, student engagement, and cultural sensitivity. It was challenging, but I learned much and feel way more confident about stepping into a classroom abroad.

Initially, I had planned to make the big move to Japan in October 2025. But sometimes, life has a way of reshuffling things. All the available spots for fall filled up faster than expected, so I’ve now been bumped to a Spring 2026 departure.

At first, I was disappointed. I’d mentally marked my calendar for fall and was ready to go. But after thinking about it, I realized this change might be a blessing in disguise. Spring is when the school year begins in Japan, so instead of arriving mid-year, I’ll get to start fresh with everyone else — new school, new students, new routines. It feels more natural and probably less chaotic than jumping into something already in motion.

People often ask me: Why Japan? Why are they out of all places?

The short version? I’ve always been drawn to Japanese culture — the deep-rooted traditions, the beauty in everyday simplicity, the language, and of course… the food. 🍱🍜🍣

As someone who went to school for culinary arts, I know that food isn’t just something I love — it’s a massive part of who I am. Japan has one of the world's most fascinating and diverse food cultures, and I want to experience it beyond just reading about it or watching videos online. I want to live it. I want to explore local markets, try regional specialties, understand the craft behind dishes like ramen or wagashi, and learn how food connects with Japanese culture, history, and daily life.

This journey isn’t just about teaching English — it’s also about personal growth, immersion, and discovery. I can’t wait to experience everything firsthand and take in every flavor, tradition, and story Japan offers.

Even though I’ve got a bit more time before I go, I’m just as excited — maybe even more now. Getting TEFL certified made everything feel real. There’s still a lot to do: final paperwork, placement details, visa stuff, and the emotional prep of moving across the world. But I’m ready. This has been a dream for years, and it’s finally taking shape.

Thank you to everyone cheering me on — your support means the world. I’ll keep sharing updates as things progress, and once I’m there, I hope you’ll stick around to follow along on this new adventure. Teaching, learning, growing, exploring — Japan, I’m coming for you. ❤️