Ariel K   

★★★★★

Master's Degree in TESOL

What is your favorite word in your language and why?

Serendipity is my favorite word for two reasons. It’s a long word with lots of syllables, but it’s easy to say and rolls off the tongue in a most satisfying way. And there’s the meaning of things that incredibly seem to happen by chance that work out in a good and beneficial way. Others say it’s the hand of God in our lives. Either way, it’s lovely to put a word to when this happens.

What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?

My mother made the best potato salad, and I’ve used her recipe my entire life. Potato salad was standard fare at summer picnics in my hometown of Lansing, Michigan. I no longer live there, and there is no restaurant in Patzcuaro where I live now in Mexico that serves it, but I still make it.

Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?

I speak Spanish fairly fluently, and I study French, Italian and German at an intermediate level. I have also studied Mandarin off and on for many years, becoming somewhat conversational. I learned tones quite well during my four years in China. However, I’ve slacked off on Mandarin while concentrating on European languages, but I plan to return to studying it. I’ve also studied a little Russian.

What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?

I enjoy writing and taking photos, (especially of flowers, trees and architecture), traveling, walking and exploring, meeting people, and conversation. A daily pursuit is studying other languages. I also follow international politics and geoeconomics. I have always been passionate about researching whatever grabs my attention to understand it in more depth. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I am interested in recognizing and assisting paradigm shift to greater consciousness. I also pursue hobbies, such as sewing, making beaded jewelry and creating gemstone healing layouts. I love listening to all kinds of music, and when I get the chance, playing piano and singing. I like to help my friends with their projects, and to give to my community. Reading and watching movies are my favorite leisure activities. I also like swimming, walking and gardening.

What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?

My hometown is Lansing, Michigan. I was born there and grew up in Lansing, started out my adult life there, left it and returned for several years, and left again. I would probably retire there if it weren’t for the long, cold winters. I love Lansing for the friends who still live there, and for the seasons, especially walking in the woods to see wildflowers in the spring and to see the changing colors of the trees in the autumn.