Linda, thanks for agreeing to be featured in this issue. Can we start with just a brief bio?

Thanks for asking, Pauline. I was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Portsmouth VA, the “Tidewater” area. As long as I can remember, I've had an interest in world cultures, languages, and religions—dreaming of an international career—although it took a while to find that path. In the 70s I worked full time as a licensed practical nurse while enrolled full time in university. In 1979, I relocated to Texas with acceptance to the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, but dropped out before finishing clinical rotations when I realized I didn't have the confidence to make life vs. death decisions. At that point, I felt like a complete failure. However, I found enjoyable jobs and gradually discovered the "ins" to my future career and long-term friendships, by volunteering with international, intercultural, and interfaith organizations and activities in the community.

In the late 80s, this led to an administrative position with Korea Trade Center (in the Dallas World Trade Center), and I owe them thanks for steering me toward TESOL! Colleagues asked for help with pronunciation because they were not well-understood during meetings with Western trading partners. As an amateur I offered what I could, and discovered it was effective. Another officemate asked if I might teach an informal conversation class for senior citizens at his church, which I did every Saturday for a year. (There was food involved.) They inspired me to consider teaching professionally. Before my director returned to Korea, he invited me to come when I was ready and teach in the Seoul trading companies; his family would help mine get settled. I completed my BS in Interdisciplinary-International Studies at the University of Texas–Dallas (1991–1995), then TESOL certification at the University of Texas–Arlington (1995–1997), still piecing together employment gigs. Finally I was ready to go, all arrangements made, when, "Surprise! Cancer." Luckily diagnosed early, after surgery I spent nearly 2 months traveling the length of South Korea, delighted to reunite with my former colleagues and receive teaching offers. The Beloved One (husband Gary) was prepared to move there with me. But, what timing! Within a week of flying home, the Asian Economic Crisis was just beginning that fall of 1997, and suddenly our friends were struggling just to stay in business, much less able to afford training. I remained in Dallas as an independent practitioner, specializing in American English pronunciation and workplace communication skills. Referrals came from the local Korean community and contacts of other nationalities, and I taught concurrently at the University of Dallas, in the Graduate School of Management and Intensive English programs. This gets us to 1998, and soon afterward I started at Southern Methodist University, where I am today!

How did you get your start working with ITAs?

As a TESOL student, I sought a mentor. The staff member I shadowed was teaching Developmental English for ITAs (with emphasis on pronunciation and presentation practice), and she took me on as her assistant. After graduation and the ensuing experiences already mentioned, I visited family in New York and went to the 1999 TESOL International convention! I was still aiming for a pronunciation specialty and had joined the Speech, Pronunciation, & Listening Interest Section. Attending some sessions presented by ITAIS members, I met a few of those wonderful folks. During the conference I also met John Wheeler, who had just been recruited to coordinate a new ESL Program at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. Fall 1999, I joined SMU as a contract adjunct instructor. My task was to develop a two-semester ITA course from scratch, and teach communication skills electives that John had already created. We later added a pronunciation skills elective for which I recruited another teacher, and when she moved on I took over this class. I needed to continue working with my private clients, as well. Fourten years, it's been! I still enjoy working with each new group of students and refining the courses—and am grateful for recent reclassification as a full-time lecturer, which brings helpful benefits. I do wish I'd connected with the ITAIS list earlier; there was so much to learn and I tended to research rather than reach out. It's a pleasure to know you now!

Would you give us a quick overview of your interests?

Cross-cultural communication has been a long-time interest. I'd thought about studying at the Intercultural Communication Institute in Portland, Oregon. Instead, I found the opportunities in international trade and ESL, but the interest remains relevant. In the ITA course, we include case studies and open discussion of cross-cultural issues. Then with pronunciation, contrastive analysis is an underlying interest. Ironically, I am not fluent in any other languages, but do have a good ear. I enjoy helping students find the "bridges" from their native language sounds and patterns, to those of English. A favorite project of several years is an "ESL Volunteer" program, bringing undergraduates to interact with ITA students in class and serve as conversation partners outside of class. Meanwhile, in the volunteer world, my broad interest in all things international became more focused on human rights and refugee advocacy. I started a Committee on Refugees as a project within the Dallas United Nations Association, and developed a Volunteer Guide to Refugee Agencies in Dallas/Fort Worth. However, I stepped back from almost everything when my hubby had a rapid onset of illness requiring a liver transplant, and we were informed that nothing could be done for him. We were devastated, but fought for his life (always get other opinions). He's been in great health and back to work full time since his transplant at the Mayo Clinic Florida 5 years ago. We share an interest in organ donation advocacy (donatelife.net), and our mutual hobby is singing in concerts together with a philanthropy chorus, "Resounding Harmony."

Do you have a memorable ITA-related story from teaching experiences that you'd like to share?

There are many, past and present! In my first semester teaching, there was a student with a fascination for dinosaurs, working on his PhD in geological sciences. Some years later he got in touch after making a significant fossil discovery back home in China (he has since become a well-known researcher and author in paleontology). Every spring I enjoy attending "Student Research Day" to visit with former as well as current students, and hear their poster presentations. It's always a kick to observe improvement in communication, and the progression of their research. The stories are not always sunny, though. Some students made the effort in our classes but for various reasons could not improve, and in certain cases we pursued support services such as for hearing and speech problems.

Was there something from the previous TESOL convention in Dallas that you'd like to share, that you thought was particularly valuable?

First, it was great just to have TESOL come to Dallas. Every session was useful; I look forward to implementing new methods, materials, and technology. It was stunning to hear about specific research with undergraduates involved in ITA classes, similar to our ESL Volunteer program. Most valuable? Finally connecting with ITAIS members. Many of you spent time with me, offering excellent advice, and I hope to participate more this time around. (Going out on the town after sessions was a hoot, too!)

Is there anything you’d like readers to know about you that I haven’t asked about yet?

No, the rambling recollections must end. Thanks to everyone for welcoming me into the fold!