Payton S   

New tutor

Speak English Confidently and Naturally: Conversational Practice, Business Communication & Interview Prep

What is your favorite word in your language and why?

There are many beautiful words in the English language, but one of my favorite's is ethereal. I like it because the word itself is pretty, but so is the meaning. Ethereal is something described as extremely delicate, light, and seeming to belong to another, more magical world. How gorgeous is that?! Some of my other favorites are aurora, serendipity and eloquent.

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

My favorite dish from Chicago is probably the Chicago style hot dog. It's perfect for a sports game and they sell it at all the venues. It just tastes so nostalgic to me because I grew up eating them. Portillo's, a restaurant in Chicago, has some of the best hot dogs in my opinion! My other answer is going to be very American as well, but I love burgers. Prague actually has wonderful burgers here! I'm sure you have also probably heard of Chicago style deep dish pizza. I like that too, but it's a once in a while meal. I can't eat that all the time!

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

I studied Italian when I lived abroad in Italy in 2019. I went to a language school in Rimini and received my certificate of completion for the course. While I was living in Italy, I was speaking with the locals. It was so fun! However, since I haven't been back nor practiced it much since, I have lost a lot of it. But I know it's still there. I just have to return to Italy ! :)

What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?

I have so many interests! I love to dance. I've been dancing since I was a little girl. All types of dance too: ballet, jazz, poms, hip-hop, you name it. I love to travel (why I'm currently in Prague)! I love animals. I used to volunteer at an animal adoption center back home. I got to walk and play with all the cute dogs. I enjoy reading and creative writing too. I like reading period pieces and mysteries. I love scary movies and my favorite holiday is Halloween! I also enjoy being outside in nature and exploring. I'm a history-lover and feel so spoiled living in Prague. There's history and beauty on every corner here. And, I must admit, I love fashion and I love to shop too (probably too much).

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

Chicago is my hometown forever. I love the energy of the city. The people are so friendly and welcoming. The food scene is very diverse. You can find anything there. The city itself is clean and the skyline is beautiful! In the summer, the beaches are crowded and the lake is full of people boating, jet skiing, etc. There's also a river that runs through downtown that you can kayak on. It does get very cold in the wintertime and yes, it is extremely windy. But I highly recommend going to visit at anytime of the year! Us Chicagoans are also huge sports fans, so there are hundreds of sports bars all over the city.