Teachers in the Spotlight: Rachel Garcia

In the eighth of our regular series of interviews with staff at Dulwich International High School Suzhou, we are delighted to present the highlights of an interview with Rachel Garcia University & College Counsellor at our school.

Where are you from and where did you grow up?

I’m from the United States but grew up in multiple places since my dad was in the U.S. Marines. It was a fun childhood getting to live in so many different places and getting to know people all over the world. It’s how I caught the travel bug.

Tell us about your Educational background + counselling experience

I pursued an English major at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida but what I really enjoyed was my minor in cross-cultural studies, learning about what different cultures value and how to interact with different groups of people from around the world. I worked on campus in student services and realized that I wanted to continue working with students, so I moved to Colorado to study leadership in university student affairs for my master’s degree.

When did you realize you wanted to become a counsellor?

I never planned to become a university counsellor for high school students. It’s something that happened gradually. In grad school, I intended to become an academic advisor for transfer students at universities. To pay the bills, I found a job at a high school in their college counselling department. I learned a lot about college admissions and was soon promoted to be one of the university counsellors. I knew I wanted to move to China to work, but not as a teacher, so when Dulwich International High School Suzhou posted the university counsellor position, I didn’t hesitate to apply.

What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy most about them?

When I have the time, I enjoy cooking and baking because there is something relaxing about chopping, frying, and measuring out ingredients.

What is most rewarding about your job?

Often, once the Year 13 students receive their university offers, they don’t speak to their counsellors again! So, it’s really nice to hear from one or two students who write a nice note or come into the office says thank you at the end of the process. Other than that, my favourite part of my job is helping students find careers or majors that fit them if they are not sure what they want to study.

If you could be in any musical or movie or a book character what would it be? Why?

I would love to be a character in Lord of the Rings (either book or movie). It is my favourite story because it has a good message about carrying on through difficult times, valuing friendships, and fighting to keep some good in the world.

What food is like a guilty pleasure to you?

I love food, and there’s nothing guilty about it! I have a weakness for the Starbucks chocolate muffin, brownies, and any other kind of chocolate treat.

Tell us about your experiences living in China and Suzhou

I have had a really great experience living and working in China and the adjustment has been easy for me since I had visited China before moving here. People talk about culture shock, but I experienced more culture shock from working among British people at Dulwich than from Chinese people! People in China are very willing to help if you need it, and the food is delicious! Hot pot, mala xiangguo, and jian bing are some of my favourite dishes. This summer, I’m excited to take a long trip around China to experience places away from the main cities.

How do you find teaching Chinese students/or students?

I appreciate how respectful our students are in the classroom. It makes the classroom environment better because I don’t have to deal with too many behaviour issues. One thing I find entertaining is when I use an American expression, phrase, or idiom without thinking about it, and the students repeat the phrase and laugh at how funny it sounds and say, “Miss what does that mean?”

Any advice to students at Dulwich international High School Suzhou?

Don’t compare yourselves with others. It will only make you miserable. Compete with yourself and the goals you set. Learn how to deal with setbacks. The more you encounter difficulties and overcome them, the more confident you will be. Don’t choose a university based on ranking alone.

What are your plans for the next 5 years?

I hope to become close to fluent in Chinese by the time I leave China. I like to think I will still be working in international education in some capacity.