I will never forget the first day at the ELI as a Language Assistant. I went in there with all of my pre-convinced notions of what a student-language assistant dynamic should be. I thought I had to hide aspects of my identity. Most of all, I thought I would lead the class in an orthodox manner, but all of these conceptions were shattered immediately. That summer of 2017, I learned how to foster an environment of curiosity, learning, and engagement. My students felt comfortable to make mistakes, speak their minds, and just be students. That first semester changed me forever in the ways that I view learning. I was so moved by this, so I became a Conversation Partner. Through 1-1 engagement, I was able to see the world through another lens. Because of that, my philosophy of teaching is a teacher is also a student, and the learning never stops. The ELI is more than a work-place. At the ELI, I have cultivated life-long friendships with students, peers, and faculties that will continue to impact me as a global leader. Throughout all of this, inclusion and diversity are always at the forefront, and for that I am grateful. At the ELI, I have grown into a young professional.