Heeryung Woo: Grad Spotlight

 

Graduate Spotlight: Heeryung Woo


NameHeeryung Woo

Age: 36

Course of Study (degree being earned)M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language

Hometown: Korea

Hello, I'm Heeryung Woo from South Korea. I majored in primary English education for my undergrad, and have worked as an elementary school teacher in Korea. I wanted to study in-depth about teaching English to kids so I joined the UTSA graduate program! I have a great interest in piano and art, and I enjoy listening to classical music. I also love traveling and seeing new exotic sights. I also, and enjoy having sweet, iced smoothies on cold winter days! 

Why did you choose UTSA?

One of my best friends who attended UTSA and worked as an ESL teacher at a middle school in San Antonio happened to know my dream to be an ESL teacher and strongly recommended this program.

What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite class was the linguistics class where I had an opportunity to learn about the complex nature of language. I have met wonderful professors, and all are my favorites.  

What would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned over the course of your studies?

I was given insights into the difficulties L2 learners experience, and the opportunities to reflect it on my efforts as an L2 learner. My studies also broadened my perspective as a language teacher in terms of the diversity of cultures and language backgrounds.

What is your fondest memory of your time at UTSA?

Having a potluck after the last class of the semester.

How has COVID impacted you, either personally or professionally?

I think COVID has hindered me from experiencing the beautiful city of San Antonio fully, and also from having the opportunity to have face-to-face classes and meet new friends in person.

What are your plans for the future and/or your career?

I will either be teaching English in Korea or working as an ESL teacher here in Texas. 

You’ve been given the opportunity to have coffee with any notable figure from your field, alive or dead. Who is it, and what does each of you order?

I would like to have coffee with Lev Vygotsky. It is most likely that he will order local coffee that has the taste of San Antonio. I would order a decaf latte with honey, which I tasted for the first time in San Antonio and will not forget for the rest of my life.


 Congratulations to all of our 2021 COEHD graduates! See more COEHD graduate spotlights here 

If you would like to be featured, please fill out our form here