Life in Pictures: Meeting William and Victor
Life in Pictures: New York Day 4 was our last morning in the city, but it held the heart of the entire trip. I finally got to meet my students, William and Victor, in person.
Teaching English online has been an incredible experience. From my home office, I’ve connected with people all over the world. But there is nothing like meeting someone face-to-face—sharing a hug, taking pictures together, and seeing the person you’ve grown to know and care for in real life.
Meeting at the Hotel
The hotel lobby was bustling that morning, so Cora and I stepped outside to the busy drop-off area where taxis pulled up. With excited, nervous anticipation, I shared with the bellman that I was meeting two of my students from Taiwan. I’m not sure why it meant so much, but it did. After all, they’re kids, right? Yet meeting the boys in person carried a weight I hadn’t expected. The bellman smiled and pointed us to a nearby bench while we waited.
It wasn’t long before William and Victor stepped out of a taxi with their parents. I instantly recognized them and hurried toward them, waving and calling, “William! Victor! Guys, it’s me!” For a moment, I think they were trying to process who the crazy woman yelling at them was—it took a minute, but then they recognized me. As we approached, their mom asked if I could tell which one was which—and even though they look very much alike, it wasn’t a problem. I knew right away. I pulled each boy into a big hug; they were stiff as boards, but I squeezed them tight anyway.
Just then, the bellman grinned—as if he finally got it. Sensing how much it meant for us to finally meet, he offered, “Let me take a picture.” And with that, our first in-person meeting was captured.
William
William and I tend to be the clowns—maybe a little too much sometimes. But even with the laughter and jokes, our lessons are meaningful. Meeting in person was no different—his energy matched mine, and our selfie shows that side of our relationship perfectly.
Victor
Victor, on the other hand, brings balance. He’s quieter, more serious, and thoughtful in his engagement. Our connection has a different rhythm—steady, grounding, and equally meaningful. That’s what this picture captures.
Breakfast at Junior’s
After the excitement of finally meeting in person, we walked across the street to Junior’s, a New York landmark known for its cheesecake and hearty breakfasts. The restaurant was alive with the sounds of clattering dishes and busy conversations, and at our table, it was no different. We were all so eager to share that our words tumbled out enthusiastically, sometimes overlapping as we tried to squeeze everything in.
I had brought along a few small gifts. Victor carefully unwrapped his, while William unfolded the card I had written for him. These little exchanges, as simple as they were, made breakfast feel more like family than teacher and students.
Between bites of pancakes and bacon, the boys’ personalities came through. William kept the jokes going, while Victor shifted between shy smiles and silly faces—his playful energy filling the table.
Before we left, we snapped a quick group selfie. Sitting there with William and Victor, it was hard to believe this was our very first time meeting in person—and even harder to believe how fast the time went. With just a few hours together, the morning flew by. I would have loved to stay longer, but Cora and I had a flight to catch, and saying goodbye wasn’t easy.
Reflections
Still, those hours were enough to remind me why I love teaching. William and Victor have invited me to visit them in Taiwan, promising to show me around and even take me to Japan. I hope I’ll be able to make that trip one day soon. Sometimes I wonder who learns more from our lessons—them or me. Meeting William and Victor reminded me that teaching isn’t just about language; it’s about connection, joy, and the unexpected ways we grow together.
As we headed home, I carried not only memories of New York, but a deeper gratitude for the unexpected connections that make this teaching journey so meaningful.
Closing the Series
And with that, my four days in New York come to an end. From the lights of Times Square to the quiet reflection at the 9/11 Memorial, from ferry rides and city views to breakfast with William and Victor, this trip reminded me that travel is about more than places—Looking back, Life in Pictures: New York Day 4 will always remind me that teaching is about connection.”
If you missed them, you can read Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 of Life in Pictures: New York here.
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