My name is Aun and I am the Thai tutor in Melbourne. I have been with VLLC for a couple of months now and I love it more every day. When I teach, my student is not the only one who learns something. I learn as well and that is my motivation. We learn with each other about each other and our different cultures. When I see my students make progress and blossom in the language I feel a lot of joy.

I was born in Thailand and moved to Melbourne in 2008. Being born and raised in my home country, I received the gift of my people. Respect and kindness rule our every day (and don’t forget our cuisine!) My personal favourite is anything my mom cooks at home of course, but apart from that, I love Pad Thai and Tom Yum noodles.

In April we celebrate the New Year in Thailand. We call it “Songkran”. Everyone is equipped with water pistols and buckets full of water. That’s how we wash away the sorrows from the old year and get to start the New Year squeaky clean. That time of the year is my favourite, but there are always parties and festivals in Thailand. I actually feel like every day is a festival in Thailand.

Sometimes I miss my parents and all of my family, because we always come together and enjoy warm meals and have beautiful conversations. But, I am glad I get to pass along some of my heritage to my students, and everyone who is interested. That makes me feel like my parents aren’t actually that far away.