I had the pleasure of joining Cindy Adair on The Patana Pod for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on the many aspects that shape my identity — as an English teacher, writer, published author, artist and spoken word poet.
In this insightful episode, we dive into:
- My passion for teaching global literature, language and creative writing
- The unique joys and challenges of navigating life as an ‘artist-teacher’
- My journey as a researcher, spoken word poet and published author
- How visual art, poetry and storytelling act as tools for expression, empowerment and social change
- The intersections between identity, creativity and education — and how they shape my classroom and creative practice
- What it means to cultivate creativity in young people and why the arts matter now more than ever
One highlight is my live reading of Jigsaw Lady, a poem that reflects on belonging, identity and the notion of ‘where we are from’. Originally performed at the National Poetry Library in London, the personal piece explores diasporic identity and the fragmented beauty of growing up across cultures.
Drawing from my journey working across four countries, ten years of international teaching experience, and a rich interdisciplinary background, the conversation offers a candid look into the rewards and realities of balancing professional artistry with classroom education.
Whether you’re an educator, student, artist, researcher or simply curious about how teaching and artistic practice can converge into a career, I invite you to tune in.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or via Bangkok Patana School’s podcast page.
