Dear TIRF Colleagues and Friends,

I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. I wanted to share with you an incredible experience I had recently, which brought me back to the classroom after a long hiatus from teaching.

As many of you know, I had taken a step back from teaching for a while due to my increased responsibilities in university administration. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my new role as Rector at City University of Macau, I couldn’t help but miss the rewarding and exhilarating experience of being in front of a classroom, guiding and inspiring students.

So, when the opportunity arose for me to teach a session in a Ph.D. course in Applied Linguistics, I couldn’t resist. I was both excited and a little nervous as I prepared for the class. However, as soon as I stepped into the classroom, all my apprehensions vanished.

The students’ enthusiasm and engagement were palpable from the moment I began my talk. Their curiosity and genuine interest in the subject matter were truly inspiring. It was evident that they were eager to learn and absorb as much knowledge as possible. The level of discussion and the insightful questions they asked made me realize how fortunate I was to be back in the role of a teacher.

Interacting with doctoral students has always been a source of great joy for me, and this experience reaffirmed that. Their dedication, passion, and hunger for knowledge reminded me of the importance of education and the impact we, as educators, can have on shaping future scholars.

The session turned out to be a remarkable exchange of ideas and perspectives. The students’ active participation and their willingness to challenge and expand their own understanding made it a truly invigorating experience. It was a humbling reminder of the power of education and the role we play in nurturing intellectual growth.

Returning to the classroom as a teacher after a long break was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in recent years. It reminded me of why I chose this profession in the first place and reignited my passion for teaching. I am grateful for the opportunity and the incredible students who made it so memorable.

I wanted to share this experience with all of you because I believe it is important to celebrate and cherish the moments that remind us of why we do what we do. Teaching is not just a job; it is a calling, a privilege, and a responsibility. And moments like these serve as a powerful affirmation of the impact we can have on the lives of our students.

Thank you for allowing me to share this experience with you. I look forward to seeing many of you in Tampa, Florida during the TESOL Convention.

With warm regards,

Jun Liu, PhD

President, TIRF