I Teach, I Touch the Future: Teacher Zeeryl Vivi

"To teach is to touch lives forever, and as teachers, we are called to make a difference in our students’ lives.” For teacher Zeeryl Vivi, the calling to teach has been an easy one to answer. She has always wanted to teach. With a bachelor of secondary education degree, she started her professional journey in a private school, teaching children to communicate in English. Her life was a bliss until a louder calling came, one that rings for financial freedom and personal and professional growth – a chance to touch the future that she took with 51Talk.

Zeeryl Vivi is a licensed professional teacher hailing from the City of Smiles. A daughter of a public school teacher, her wanting to leave a positive impact on children’s lives came naturally. She also likes to travel. She first tried to join 51Talk back in 2016 but did not pursue the opportunity in order to teach in a classroom setting. Two years later, she started to think more about her future. She sought an opportunity that would allow her to earn more to provide for herself and her family and pursue both of her passions. Then came a friend’s invitation to join 51Talk through its accredited training center in Bacolod. She had reservations at first but she was eager to learn more about the opportunity. “I told myself that I will just observe this for a week; if this will really work out or not. But that one week turned out to be more than two years now, and I am really thankful.” Since then, she has been helping students grow more confident in speaking in English and expressing themselves through their lessons together.

Two years into her teaching journey, 51Talk was the answer to teacher Zeeryl Vivi’s calling. Teaching at home allowed her to travel more. Earning more than enough to provide for herself, she had the means to go out of town and visit several countries. “I thought I would never achieve it but I did.” She deems this as one of her many achievements with 51Talk.

She recalls starting from the bottom. Teacher Zeeryl Vivi “started from scratch,” used old equipment, and didn’t have any back-up device. With her 51Talk earnings, she was able to invest in the right tools and improve the quality of her lessons. She was happy to have improved with every lesson she conducts and training sessions she completes. “With determination, I successfully reached the highest ranking this year.” She also thanks her co-teachers. “Without them, I might have not made it this far.”

Her biggest challenge, however, came when the global pandemic hit the world last April. Her parents were forced to stop working. Being the eldest of three, she was motivated to boost their current finances and ensure that her family has enough for their daily needs. “My dad was not able to receive his salary for two months and I was able to cover some of the bills that we have here at home.” Teaching at home helped teacher Zeeryl Vivi augment their household income. “If I did not pursue 51Talk, I might not be able to provide for or help my family during this crisis.”

With her future in her hands, teacher Zeeryl Vivi is determined to continue doing better. She draws inspiration from her students. “My students chose me as their teacher. I have to make sure that by the end of each lesson, they learn something from me.” She sees to it that her students enjoy learning English by connecting with them in ways that are especially fun and engaging. For her, hearing them say “I see teacher, I understand now" is the most rewarding feeling.

"51Talk helped me grow and improve. It has molded me into the young professional that I am today. I am very grateful."

Teaching with 51Talk allowed teacher Zeeryl Vivi to not only pursue her passion for teaching, but also to experience being in a safe working environment where she can grow both personally and professionally. “51Talk is a great opportunity to earn a lot and be the best you can be!” She hopes future 51Talk teachers will have the same realization as hers: it’s possible to pursue your passion for teaching and earn well, travel without compromising your job, and last but not least—shape your own future from the comfort of your own home.