Member Spotlight feat. A.P.
A.P.
Educator
Smiley Passionate Nerd
Meet A.P, a passionate educator who is on a mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners.
A.P. has honed her ability to work with youth in a patient and loving manner, offering unwavering support to foster an emotionally safe learning environment where students can thrive.
In the halls of the secondary school where she teaches English, A.P. is known not just for her command over literature but also her innate ability to guide young minds towards their fullest potential. She discovered her passion for educating during her own secondary school years, a flame that was further kindled during her university days. Today, she doesn’t limit this passion to the classroom – she extends it to her youth group, volunteering her time and expertise.
A self-confessed logophile, A.P.'s love for words goes beyond her teaching duties. She finds solace in the pages of fantasy books, particularly those sprinkled with the allure of magic. This penchant for stories spills over into her leisure time as she immerses herself in the dramatic world of K-dramas.
Despite her deeply ingrained habits and mostly solitary hobbies like cooking, crocheting, swimming, and movie-watching, A.P. has shown an admirable adaptability. The recent pandemic threw her into the realm of technology-driven teaching, a challenge she overcame with help from her colleagues and an unwavering spirit.
A.P. cherishes certain values deeply. She's drawn to those who radiate empathy, kindness, and a genuine concern for others. Volunteering, for instance, strikes a chord with her sense of purpose. On the other hand, selfishness and blame-games are traits she steers clear of.
With aspirations that include traveling, owning a spacious house, and dedicating more time to her friends, family, and volunteering endeavours, A.P.'s journey is all about finding balance. While she might not always seek thrill and adventure, she’s open to stepping outside her comfort zone, especially if it’s complemented by quiet, introspective moments.
So, A.P., in all the time you've been teaching, how do you feel it's changed or shaped you as a person?
Oh, teaching has changed me in so many ways. I've learned to see things with more empathy and understanding. Being around young people, you learn patience and the importance of being there for them, making sure they always feel safe and encouraged in school. It's had its tough moments, but knowing I'm making a difference? It's been so rewarding for me, in every way.
When it comes to dating, what positive traits do you believe you can bring to the table as a date partner?
I value patience, effective communication, active listening, and empathy. Understanding the perspectives of others is crucial to me, and I have moved away from a “I'm right, you're wrong" mindset, instead focusing on mutual understanding and respect. I empathise with others and make an effort to comprehend their feelings and reasons. Moreover, I am open to working towards solutions and willing to compromise when needed. These traits make me well-prepared and enthusiastic about building a strong and caring relationship with someone special.
As you mentioned in your profile, you're open to stepping outside of your comfort zone for new experiences. Would you consider joining Kopi Date as an adventurous step in that direction?
Absolutely! While I've had some experiences with blind dates and curated dates before, joining Kopi Date takes it to a whole new level. The curations and activities they offer are completely different from what I'm used to, and I find it to be quite a fun and adventurous experience. It's definitely a step outside my comfort zone, and I'm excited to see where this new journey takes me!
Kopi Date: As a dedicated educator with an insatiable drive for knowledge, we're curious, A.P.: What sparks your passion for a career in teaching?
At the heart of my journey lies an unwavering commitment to enrich the lives of young individuals. I love the idea of helping young people figure things out and being a part of their growth journey. Sharing what I know and seeing them flourish—that's just the best feeling. It's why teaching feels right for me.
Apart from Kopi Date, what are the other things in your life that you have to step out of your comfort zone to pursue?
Interacting with students on a daily basis is something that pushes me out of my comfort zone. Every day presents new challenges and issues to handle, and it demands a lot of patience and not falling back into old ways. Teaching constantly reminds me to be adaptable and open-minded.
Additionally, I also make an effort to pick up new hobbies and explore different things. Acquiring new skills and delving into uncharted territories can be a bit intimidating, but it's an exciting way to grow and expand my horizons.
Have you discovered any surprising new insights about yourself recently, and what's the most adventurous thing you've done so far?
Yes, I've come to realise that many of the beliefs I hold about myself are quite self-admitted. The most adventurous experience I had was last December when I decided to travel in a different way. I went to Jeju and challenged myself to cycle alone during winter, which turned out to be a difficult, windy, and scary journey. However, it opened my eyes to the fact that “Oh, I could actually do this!"
Despite the challenges, I completed the 5-day cycling trip, taking care of myself along the way. Covering 200km and avoiding touristy spots allowed me to truly appreciate the scenery and discover that I could push past my limits. This experience made me understand that most of my limits are self-imposed, and being able to overcome them has opened my mind to new possibilities.
You mentioned that on one of your dates, starting at the same location as your first date felt like an entirely different experience, giving you the opportunity to explore new places. Can you provide more details on the specific differences you encountered in terms of activities and the overall ambiance that made this date stand out from your initial experience?
Both dates were walking dates, but the first one mostly involved us staying within the mall and talking about our shared interest in cooking. We didn’t really go beyond the mall setting. However, the last date took us to Emerald Hill, where we explored places that I wasn't familiar with before. This added a sense of fun and adventure as we experienced something new together, working towards the same goal and helping each other along the way.
During the second date, I saw a different side of the person as we engaged in activities together, which was a refreshing change from just sitting and talking. It felt like more of an adventure game to me, making the overall experience much more enjoyable and fulfilling. It's amazing how a change in activities and ambiance can completely transform the dating experience and create lasting memories.
What are some of the key things you learn about yourself throughout this journey?
One significant lesson is the importance of taking a step back to reflect. Reflecting on my experiences helps me better understand my feelings and gain valuable insights into my preferences and priorities. I've also realised the significance of finding a balance between being forthcoming and holding back. It's essential to share my thoughts and feelings honestly while also respecting the other person's boundaries and emotions during and after each date.
Have you encountered any unexpected or surprising gains?
As someone who hasn't been actively in the dating game, I was surprised to discover that my ability to have engaging conversations with people of the opposite gender wasn't the issue. I realised that I could express myself comfortably, and it was an eye-opening experience. This journey has provided me with the right opportunities to come out of my shell, develop my communication skills, and showcase my authentic self in a way I hadn't anticipated.
Have you had the chance to share any of your Kopi Date experiences with anyone?
Yes, I have! I shared my Kopi Date experiences with both my parents and friends, and it has been quite encouraging. They were happy to know that I'm exploring new activities and adventures outside of work. My friends, in particular, have been incredibly supportive and excited about my experiences, and we often discuss and share stories about it. It's wonderful to have a circle of people who cheer me on and are genuinely interested in my journey with Kopi Date.
How would you describe Kopi Date to someone who has never heard before?
Kopi Date is a refreshingly progressive and distinctly millennial dating platform. Unlike traditional dating apps, it sets a different vibe by promoting open-mindedness and providing reflective experiences that go beyond mere matches. It offers a unique approach to dating, encouraging personal growth and development among its members. This focus on self-improvement allows individuals to become more caring and understanding partners. The chance to reflect and grow through the dating process is a crucial aspect of Kopi Date, making it a standout option in the dating app landscape.
Any tips on members going on KD experiences?
It's a great idea to stick to the Experience Kit provided. These curated activities are thoughtfully designed to facilitate meaningful connections and enjoyable experiences. Embrace the activities with an open mind and engage in them wholeheartedly, as they can help break the ice and create a fun atmosphere for you and your date.
Additionally, take advantage of the thought-provoking questions provided by Kopi Date. Use them as a guide to delve deeper into conversations with your date and gain insights into each other's perspectives, values, and personalities. By going beyond superficial topics and showing a genuine interest in getting to know your date, you can foster more meaningful connections and make the most of your Kopi Date experience.