My journey as a University Lecturer

😅😁😍

Still on a major high from the recently concluded graduation event a few days ago. Our university is all over the place, and we became the talk of the town in a wonderful way - just because the Prime Minister was our VIP guest. He brought atleast his 92 entourage consists of his cabinets and ministers plus platoon of securities. 

That event was definitely a big breakthrough for Limkokwing University. It's really a privilege to be working for this global organization. I can't thank God enough! I used to doubt on my capacity to teach, because I know my limitations. 

Back in the Philippines, to be a qualified teacher, one should finish a teaching course and should have a license. And if there's a desire to teach on higher levels like college or in the university, one should have a master's degree. I didn't have all of those. I took up bachelor's in science in Tourism, because I thought I would be working in the airline industry. Praise God for another opportunity to take up TESOL while doing my Missions training program - it has somehow qualified me to teach English when I came to Cambodia 18 years ago.

Not in my wildest dreams to eventually be hired as a University Lecturer - it's all by God's grace! It was in 2009, Vandy and I have started living and teaching in the bible school here in Phnom Penh. Since I didn't have any background on theology, I didn't do any teaching in the school. I could only participate when needed like if my husband would need illustrations and testimonies on spiritual disciplines etc. American missionaries are already teaching English to the students, so technically I got a bit bored for not doing any full-time work. I talked and persuaded Vandy if I could work outside? Obviously, I deeply knew I have to work, so I could also help out with our finances. We prayed about it and eventually decided to give it a go - only with some conditions: it won't interfere or compromise our ministry in the bible school, meaning the workdays should be Mondays to Fridays only (Weekends are sacred especially Sundays!) and it should just be at schools and christian NGO (hotels/restaurants not allowed)

So, I started sending CVs to some schools and NGOs. I would get interviews here and there. We would always pass by Limkokwing University (back then it was in Sensok and we lived in that area too!). For some reasons, Vandy would remark and lay hands - I want you to work on that school and then I would reply "in my dreams! that's a university I won't get in😅"... not knowing I would after some months!

One time, I asked Vandy to accompany me to a computer shop. An American guy saw that I was printing a CV. His name was Shaun. He asked me if I would be interested to teach English where he is teaching. I had hesitations when he said he is teaching at Limkokwing university (at that time, Limkokwing has an English centre- it's like electives only). We prayed about. It was Vandy who encouraged me to try. 

Fast forward, surprisingly after an interview they asked me to start right away as a substitute English teacher first, since Mike (British) was getting married. I substituted and taught his classes for few months, and I loved it! It's my first time to teach higher levels. Soon this semester was ending, and I knew it was just part time - I thought that might be the last. Alas! I was again called in to do another class - this time it's different. There's an urgent need to replace a communication lecturer since she has to fly back home for a personal reason. It was the middle of semester and impossible to hire people. I was recommended by my supervisor to take the post. I didn't know that in those few months of teaching English electives I was actually being observed and assessed by colleagues and students. By God's grace, I got wonderful assessment scores and remarks hence I got the post. But then again, that feeling of unqualified creeped again - this time it's a university level!!??? I prayed about it and surrendered those fears and doubts to God. He gave me the courage to overcome my fears and just do my best He will do the rest and God did! Right after that semester, I was offered a Fulltime contract and officially became a university communications lecturer in 2011 and the rest is history.

Research Presentations

Study Trips in Siemreap where UNESCO heritage Angkor Wat is located

Lunch with some lecturers

With lecturer Emily - my favorite roommate

Sweet surprises - ending a semester with students

with some of our Design Lecturers

Mekong Ferry ride with some lecturers and admin staff - End of semester party

More Festivals - Pchum Benh fashion week

Sweet Thank you cake from degree students

Visit from the alumni

My first encounter meeting with the late Tansri Limkokwing (President)
with his Vice presidents from Kuala Lumpur Headquarters

Research Consultations

First Graduation @ Hotel Sofitel Phnom Penh 

With some Filipino students with Sir Cres

Students' Business Presentations 

Joined a National Youth and Sports Event at the Stadium - we got featured in the News!

with Ajin - one of my sweetest students

with the Business Lecturers while we wait for "Students' Fashion Show"

Students' Gala Dinner at the Princess Angkor hotel

Leap of Faith

It has been 13 fruitful years! Limkokwing University has been a wonderful workplace for me. I have met lots of remarkable lecturers' both locals and internationals (who have become friends, and we grew up together professionally). Of course, there are a lot of ups and downs, but those are learning curves. I also thank God for the opportunity to use my faith in Him to have shared my faith to some students and lecturers, perhaps planted some seeds of faith. Most of these sharing was done at home or outside when I get to invite them because it's not allowed in the campus' vicinity. I know and embrace that being a lecturer is another God's calling for me. I hope and pray to be able to influence and share my faith to more. It is indeed a marketplace and God's territory.