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A few days ago I started reading a new book. I always do, especially during summer months when here in Greece everything seems to be running a bit slower than usual because of the heat, not necessarily because we don't have anything to do...but because we need longer breaks under the shade. And what better companion than a new book. In English.
This time I picked up "Yellowface" by Rebecca F. Kuang. I had bought it at a new bookstore's opening in Athens and it had been collecting dust in my bookshelf for months. Yes, I have a special shelf where I place all my "unread" books yet. Both Greek and English titles that I try to read alternately. Its bright yellow cover always caught my attention while walking by the bookshelf to open the window and let the early sun rays in, or dust the rest of the shelves, but still it wasn't strong enough for me to pick it up and indulge myself in its pages.
Until a few days ago.
Until a few days ago when I happily and most surprisingly joined the Cafetalk platform. It was that exact moment when I wanted to feel like a student again. Because I know how tutors feel. I have been one in the past. I am still one currently. But I wanted to feel like a student again. Feel the excitement of something new, something unexpected, bewildering. Baffled over too many notes and feeling like I will always remain a text-book case of students that always sound "robotic" and rigid while reciting theory instead of sounding fluent and cool while using the part of the language that remains alive and used every-day. I needed to listen to my otherwise trained voice make mistakes while reading forgotten words. Because that is the exact driving force that has always been with me through all my teaching years. I never saw myself as a know-it-all, degree awarded tutor. I saw myself as an ever-growing student.
And that is the exact reason I wanted to become a tutor in the first place. Ten years ago. And I am still so thrilled and feel like beginning from square one now, in the Cafetalk platform.
Zenia
Jul 19, 2026
Ofcouse dear Emiko!!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help! I will be happy to read your tutors columns as well! Mum to mum, tutor to tutor!??
Emiko S
Jul 18, 2026
Thank you, too. Let’s encourage each other to take teachers journeys here!!
Zenia
Jul 18, 2026
"Thank you for your comment and kind words dear Emiko!
I wish you all the best in the Cafetalk platform! ??"
Emiko S
Jul 17, 2026
Good mindset!! I’m a newer teacher here, too. I get your feeling. A new experiment always makes me nervous but feels excited.