I have a sharp sense of humor and love experiencing new places and people. I am a good listener which is important in my teaching profession.
Hello, my name is JJ Hill and I live in Chicago. I was in Mexico City last week and met an admirable woman living as an expat there. While chatting, she let me know about the Hermanas Earth website which looked incredible and like a community I would love to be part of. I have been a high school Spanish teacher for over 20 years and am getting excited about the next chapter of my life. It will include living as an expat and travel, more meditation, writing, volunteering, and maybe teaching, but in a different context.
As a teacher of adolescents, I try to understand and adapt to my students' needs as they are diverse learners. I teach Spanish and have had a fascination with languages and cultures ever since I can remember. I speak English, Spanish, and some Italian. I am an avid traveler and truth seeker which has led me on many outer and inner journeys. I believe that experiential learn
HOW DO YOU EMBRACE DIVERSITY AND/OR UNCONVENTIONALITY?
As a teacher of adolescents, I try to understand and adapt to my students' needs as they are diverse learners. I teach Spanish and have had a fascination with languages and cultures ever since I can remember. I speak English, Spanish, and some Italian. I am an avid traveler and truth seeker which has led me on many outer and inner journeys. I believe that experiential learning best embodies understanding. Over the last few years, spending time in nature and being astonished by it has become really important to me. I also cherish authentic connections with people and am so grateful for the many incredible people I have met in my life. I would say that I have not followed a traditional path in life as I never married or had children. I did not plan this, I have just followed what was calling me to do. I feel grateful for my full life.
HOW DO YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF CREATIVELY?
My best friend and I wrote an educational novella in Spanish which has been such a creatively fulfilling accomplishment. In our search to incorporate more reading in our classes, we couldn't find an interesting and culturally rich story, so we decided to write our own. We also started our own small business which has been so fun. I also sing and dance whenever I can, usually in the car and with friends. I cannot imagine a day without music.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY? WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU ARE AN EXPERT IN AND COULD GIVE ADVICE TO THE COMMUNITY ON?
I would love to support and connect with other inspirational, independent women who share a desire to make a positive change in the world in small and large ways. I can give Spanish lessons to those wanting to learn it as well as offer some advice for those traveling to Spain. I completed a Transformational Coaching program in 2020 and have taken a deep dive into meditation and spirituality in the last couple years. I plan to develop and expand this.
SHARE A VERY VALUABLE INSIGHT YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE WORLD:
Over the years I have seen trends in education all with the intention of bettering teaching and understand students/humans deeper. I have seen the constant of how people want to be seen, heard, understood, and connect with others. I see how permission to be one's authentic self and laughter heal!