If you had told me a year ago that I’d be waking up to the sound of temple bells and motorbikes in Bangkok instead of the loud, honking horns and sirens of Brooklyn, I probably would’ve chuckled— my toasted bagel with a schmear in hand.
Before my trip to Thailand, my life was a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings, delayed subway rides, and overpriced, mediocre lattes. I had what most people would consider a “good life”—a stable corporate job, a cozy, tiny apartment in a trendy Brooklyn neighborhood, and a weekend routine that included bottomless brunch, rooftop hangs, and dodging pigeons in Prospect Park. It was familiar, fast-paced, and full.
However, deep down, I felt this disconnect. I just couldn’t overcome the feeling that I was living a life that looked great on the outside, but wasn’t truly fulfilling on the inside. Honestly, I would compare it to performing in a role I never auditioned for. Somewhere in the hustle and bustle, I’d lost track of what truly lit me up.
Then, one quiet Thursday night—grazing on leftover pizza, scrolling through the internet—I stumbled across a listing for SINE English teachers in Thailand. I almost kept scrolling, but something about it caught my attention. Keep in mind, I didn’t know a word of Thai. I didn’t know anyone who lived in Thailand. Truthfully, I’d never even been to Asia before. With all these factors considered… something drew me in like a moth to a flame.
Spoiler alert: I applied.
Fast forward to now— I’m living in Bangkok, where I absolutely love the incredible culture, the beautiful scenery, and the wonderful people who greet me every day. For my morning routine, I take a motorbike that involves passing monks collecting alms, grabbing an iced Thai tea from my favorite coffee shop, and greeting my amazing students at assembly before class. I traded the endless, monotonous conference calls for classroom giggles and Pad Krapow from the school canteen.
Teaching in Thailand hasn’t just changed my career completely—it’s positively transformed my whole life. I’ve learned to appreciate the calm. I’m more engaged with a lovely community, which includes the amazing Thai teachers and students. The irony of it all is that although I’m the one teaching, I’m also learning just as much. We all share many similarities in our backgrounds and stories, despite being thousands of miles apart geographically. I keep things fun and interesting too (especially when I mispronounce words and accidentally order something wildly spicy).
There’s so much magic in everyday moments—watching a once-shy student light up with confidence while speaking English, bonding with teachers over tasty snacks and funny stories, or strolling through a night market to buy a new, delicious Thai dish. Life has truly been much better and more rewarding since I arrived in Thailand.
\From BK to BKK, the journey has been an exciting one thus far. Each day, I feel more connected to everyone by learning about their customs, traditions, and favorite foods, especially desserts.
So, if you’re feeling a pull toward something fun and different— definitely listen to it. It might sound crazy. It might feel impossible. Nevertheless, the life you’re meant to live is waiting halfway across the world. A slice of pizza and random Internet searches led me to living the dream.
