How I helped this Doctor go from 0 words in English to holding a conversation in 6 months

And learning a new language at any age is challenging.

You might not feel fulfilled or challenged in your current role.

Aspiring to live your purpose, but too afraid to jump in the unknown.

Let me take you back to the time I packed my life in 2 pieces of luggage with a one-way ticket to México and never looked back.

Quarter life crisis hit me like two heavy load trucks crashing into each other. I was adamant I wasn't going to live my life as prescribed: buy a house, settle, perish in an unfulfilling job and live the leftovers in my 60s. I had tasted the adventure of life when travelling in off-the-beaten tracks. "This is how I want to lead my life", I consciously asserted.

Day in, day out, I'd walk into a job that sucked my soul out. What made the years bearable were a great work culture, memorable experiences with people and unearthed potential thanks to leaders. You'd think that would be enough to feel fulfilled, right? Unfortunately not. I had mastered my role, received recognition as top 50 employees in the country and moved up the career ladder. It was pale in comparison to the adventurous travel experiences the world had taught me. I could courageously find my path to pursue a fulfilling career and life, but had been detracted from. I felt numb, lifeless and in a cycle of destruction my "closest" friends couldn't tell nor help me.

January 26th 2012 has been etched into my memory. The day, I never looked back. It was my mother's birthday. I hadn't even paid attention to it; I had clocked out of my life in Montréal. I vividly remember this sunny and strangely warm day of winter. It was 5 degrees Celsius; I wasn't wearing a winter jacket. A Montrealer's pure joy in winter. I stood on my apartment's front balcony gazing out and flickering the last images of my home city into an album memory. "See you later Montreal", I quietly thought. Actually, it was a strong: "Goodbye, I will never see you again". A split second thought, while my mom stood behind me closing the door and locking it.

My mom never mentioned anything about leaving on her birthday. Surprisingly, my mom thoroughly supported me in my decision. As a matter of fact, those two navy blue pieces of luggage, she bought them. Not only that, my mom travelled with me to the airport and said goodbye when my time had come to walk through the gates. I must've broken her heart into the tiniest pieces on that day. At least, I hope this journey brings her joy for having seen her only elder daughter live a meaningful life. In retrospect, it was a heart-wrenching decision I chose to pursue for the sake of saving my life.

It was sweltering hot and humid when I landed in Playa del Carmen. "Finally, the beach life!", I screamed with excitement remembering I had just fled winter for good. I started my course in CELTA teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in Playa del Carmen. Little did I know, teaching came naturally to me.

My curiosity to learn and understand how one learns a language became exciting. I was already at my 5th, then. The best memory of teaching in México was private tutoring a prominent doctor in his 60s. As the expression goes, third time's a charm. He attended my classes and I noticed how much he struggled to formulate words into sentences. I felt inspired by his eagerness to overcome those struggles. We agreed I'd help him out with extra courses.

In 6 months, Luis went from only speaking to me in Spanish and royally butchering the English language to holding a conversation with me about his experiences as a Doctor. What a joy this experience felt like! Before my eyes, I witnessed his relief and joy. I had made a difference in his life: "I've never held a conversation in English before", Luis excitedly uttered... in English! For the first time, in a long time, I rejoiced at the sensation of meaningfully helping someone transform.

Although I continued teaching in México for the rest of the year, then moved to China for another full year teaching, this path wasn't my calling. Once again, I experimented in a career path to which I had mastered the skill. At least, I had figured out I was good at helping people transform and I can carry this on in my journey.