Stay Positive and Stay on Track

By Vilaylack Soulivong


I received my doctorate degree in May 2019 and received my TESOL certification in December 2020. I did not have any teaching experience. After receiving my TESOL certification, I applied to over 50+ positions at various colleges and tutoring companies. I was willing to take a volunteer teaching job to get the experience.

After nine months of applying for teaching jobs and receiving several rejections, my heart and mind were weak. I did not have the energy or the motivation to continue searching for a teaching job. When I was about to give up, I got a call from a college. They asked if I was available for an interview on Wednesday. I conducted the interview on Wednesday, received an offer on Friday, and started my ESL teaching job on Monday.  

My message to everyone is: Stay positive and stay on track!  You will reach your dream job!


Dr. Lilack Soulivong teaches ESL at Triton College in River Grove, IL.