Cathlyn Pagkaliwangan – English Teacher

My journey has been all about stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing opportunities to grow. At 26, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some amazing moments that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Growing up in the Philippines, I always had a passion for learning and helping others understand new things. That led me to pursue a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in English, at Immaculate Conception College. Teaching seemed like a natural path for me because I genuinely enjoy seeing people develop their skills and knowledge. It wasn’t just about the subject matter, though; it was about the connections you make with your students and the way you can make an impact in their lives.

After finishing my degree, I decided to take things a step further and apply for an international teaching role. That’s when I found myself in Timor-Leste for two incredible years. I taught English there and, honestly, it was a game-changer. The experience pushed me beyond anything I could have imagined. Teaching in a foreign country had its challenges, especially with the language barriers and cultural differences, but it also made me more resourceful and flexible. I learned to think on my feet, adapt my lessons to different needs, and truly understand how to communicate across different cultures.

Living abroad also taught me how to manage my time and stay organised, whether I was preparing lessons, managing a classroom, or dealing with the day-to-day aspects of living in a new country. It wasn’t always easy, but it was definitely rewarding. That’s where I developed a lot of skills that I think will be really useful in a virtual assistant role—things like problem-solving, multitasking, and keeping everything running smoothly even when things get busy.

Now that I’m back in the Philippines, I’m ready to make a career shift into virtual assistance. I want to bring all the experience I’ve gained—whether it’s communicating with diverse groups, staying organised, or managing multiple tasks at once—to help businesses or individuals succeed. The transition feels right because the skills I developed as a teacher, like attention to detail, communication, and adaptability, are exactly what’s needed in the virtual assistant world.

What excites me the most about this next step is the chance to continue learning and growing. I’m eager to take on new challenges, help people with their projects, and be part of a team that values collaboration and efficiency. I’m confident that my background and my drive to succeed will make me a great fit for any virtual assistant role, and I’m excited about the potential to contribute in a meaningful way.

For a copy of Cathlyn’s resume, please click here.