Jasmine Balageo – Administrative Assistant, ESL

Growing up I was the so-called black sheep in our family. I was rebellious. I tasted alcohol at an early age. I went home late at night or sometimes early in the morning. My mom and dad were in a different country working. I did my best to make my parents proud. I was an honor student in grade school, but they never praised or congratulate me. For that reason, when I entered my second year in high school, I started becoming rebellious. My parents noticed me then and they started talking me. I finally got the attention that I wanted.

College came and I continued to rebel. I usually go out against my parents will. I got pregnant at 18 years old. My parents didn’t show that they were disappointed, but at some point, I was the one disappointed at myself. I didn’t know what to do, I was still studying, yet I didn’t want to be a burden to my parents. Of course I was still young, my husband is a tattoo artist, but at that time in 2011, there wasn’t much clients. So he also worked in a construction. I gave birth in 2012. We then realize that we were not making enough money because I didn’t work. Though my parents were supporting us, we still needed to work.

Three months after I gave birth, I started online selling our pre-loved clothes and other stuff. When I saved enough money, I bought more clothes to sell, I was happy. It lasted for a year, but as my daughter grew, there was more needs.

Back in August 2013, I remembered my cousin who offered me a job. It was to be an ESL teacher for students, private classes. I didn’t know anything about teaching nor even grammar rules. but I grabbed that opportunity. I was thrilled at the same time nervous. Luckily, we already have the internet at that time. I learned to be resourceful. I studied and learned. I was happy that the students were contented. I taught the kids for a year. While being a mom and a student, I survived!

In December of 2014, a friend called me to work for an academy in our city. Another better opportunity. It was my first time to work in a big company. I was anxious, but again, I learned. At first, a student filed a complaint against me, but I took it as a challenge. I asked some tutors for advice and tips. I learned and I was open to new things. I accepted negative comments, though I never felt bad. I took it as a compliment. It made me better. It made me one of the top teachers in our school. I learned how to multi-task. I graduated but still kept on being an ESL teacher.

I tried to apply for a different career in the BPO industry, but I wasn’t lucky. I got rejected because I didn’t have any experience. I also worked at my aunt’s convenient store. I became the cashier and checked the inventory, while still working as an ESL teacher. I had taught Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Arab, Chinese and Brazilian students.

In 2016, I got pregnant with my 2nd daughter. I became an online ESL teacher. It was a new experience since being an online teacher requires a lot of tasks, which is different in an academy. I learned just for a few days and it was exciting! It was fun because I can stay at home as well.

I can say that being rebellious also taught me how to get along with people. Being a teacher taught me how to communicate and to understand the student’s needs. All the experience taught me a lot. From becoming an immature person to a mature one. All of my experiences changed me.

I’m a person who can understand your needs, complaints, requests, and demands. I’m a person who can multi- task and I’ll be sure to do the task as soon as possible. I’m also a resourceful person.

Take time to get to know me, I can be one of the assets in your company. You won’t regret it.

For a copy of Jasmine’s resume please click here.