This week on the CultureWorks Hotspot we are joined by Desi Ivanova. Desi has been teaching at CultureWorks since 2009 at our Oshawa campus. As many of our students will tell you, she’s an awesome teacher and a very fun person!
Q. What is your favourite show on Netflix right now?
A. I have been watching “White Collar” its about a con-man who is given an option to help FBI agents capture other criminals in return for his freedom.
Q.What idiomatic expression best describes you and why?
A. I would say I am an eager beaver because I like learning new things and most of the time I am enthusiastic and excited about new projects. At the start of every semester I get really pumped up about new groups of students and a new start.
Q. When you’re not teaching, what are you doing? Do you have any hobbies and why do you like doing them?
A. When I am not teaching, I am either cooking or spending time with my son. I try and stay healthy so I like exercising, which is my hobby I guess. Or maybe I just like it as it clears my head and helps me relax. I also enjoy reading books and watching documentaries. I am really into the documentaries right now. I just finished one on Dubai, it was very interesting.
Q. You are excellent with people, Desi. How do you make our students feel comfortable in class? What do your students need when they first come to CultureWorks?
A. I once was an ESL student myself so I understand the hardship that new students experience. I feel for their struggle to fit in and adjust to a new culture. In class, I try and keep it light and positive. I always want all of my students to be heard and to feel happy coming to class. I often try and get to know more about my students by asking them what their hobbies, favourite music/movies are. I think when students first come to CultureWorks, they need to feel welcome and excited about being here. I think they need to feel like this is their home away from home, and that someone here cares about them and their education.
Q. Lastly, for fun, if you could add one item, food or beverage, to the Tim Horton’s menu, what would it be? Why?
A. I would add Nutella sandwiches with the option of adding peanut butter because Nutella is like heaven on earth and everyone everywhere totally LOVES Nutella! Its like Italy with pasta! Canada with Nutella! 🙂
There we have it folks. An eager beaver who loves documentaries and eats ‘nutellwiches’. What more could you ask for in a teacher? Thanks Desi, I hope you can stop by the blog again soon. 🙂
The CultureWorks Hotspot 
