Melissa’s experience as an international educator in the U.S. is a heartfelt narrative of adaptation, cultural exchange, and professional evolution. From embracing new traditions to building connections with her students and community, Melissa’s story as an elementary teacher in North Dakota reflects the meaningful impact of teaching across cultures!
Settling into her new life, Melissa discovered an unexpected passion for watching football. While sometimes she finds the games can be a little more slow-paced than what she’s used to, the thrill of each score and the strategy behind the sport totally captivated her. Melissa has also loved celebrating American holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, finding joy in their unique traditions and how they bring people together.
Melissa has also been inspired by the unexpected similarities between the Philippines and the U.S. In both places, strong bonds of community and family are central to daily life. Whether supporting someone in need or cheering on students in extracurricular activities, Melissa has seen these shared values in action.She was was surprised to see how passionate students in the U.S. are about extracurricular activities, much like in the Philippines, where participation in sports, music, and arts is highly encouraged.
One of her most memorable teaching moments occurred during a spelling test when her students struggled to understand her accent. Rather than letting it discourage her, Melissa seized the moment to teach her students about the global nature of English. She shared videos featuring speakers from the UK, Australia, and the U.S. This experience opened their eyes to the diversity within the English language, the value of cultural differences, and the importance of acceptance.

Additionally, when discussing natural disasters, she used the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, a major volcanic eruption in the Philippines in 1991, as an example. This not only enriched her lessons with real-world examples, but also allowed her students to learn about the impact of such events through a cultural lens. These connections fostered a deeper appreciation for both Melissa’s culture and the topics her students studied.
A dedicated advocate for inclusion, Melissa encourages her students to share their cultural backgrounds. She consciously seeks connections between cultures by asking her Spanish-speaking students to provide translations for vocabulary words in their native language. This not only validates their cultural identity but also illustrates the influence of different languages, such as how some Filipino words have Spanish roots.
Melissa also invited guest speakers to share their unique expertise, the most recent including a facilitator who specializes in Southwest Peoples to contribute to our Native American unit. This firsthand experience provided students with valuable insights and made the lesson more engaging and meaningful. By incorporating diverse perspectives and promoting open dialogue, Melissa aims to cultivate an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and respected.

Outside of the classroom, Melissa has found community in her parish choir, where she and her friends lend their voices to local events. A particularly special moment for her was singing a Tagalog song, introducing her heritage to her new community through music. In terms of American foods, living in the U.S. has only strengthened her love for steak and mashed potatoes, and she is a huge fan of Mexican corn!
Melissa has even been able to explore some U.S. states in her free time, and Colorado left its mark on her. The breathtaking landscapes, with their towering mountains and vibrant cities, were a striking contrast that reminded her of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Another unforgettable destination for Melissa was New York City. She was captivated by the intricate planning of its subway system. Exploring the city’s renowned museums offered her a glimpse into diverse cultures and histories, broadening her understanding of art and society. The green oasis of Central Park, nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis, stood out as a testament to the value of incorporating nature into urban spaces. These travels not only highlighted the interplay between nature, urban planning, and community well-being but also inspired Melissa to reflect on how different environments shape people’s lives.

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