GET TO KNOW EVERESTIANS
KATHERINE YENCHI TO
Former Math Teacher
Live abroad before 30? Check. Katherine (and her husband, Drew) decided to move to Vietnam in 2016, moving in with her grandmother in Saigon. Inspired by E2’s mission a recruitment pitch by Drew, Katherine joined us as a camp teacher in June 2016 and recently agreed to stay on long term!
Share your background: Where did you grow up? Where did you go to university and what did you study?
I grew up in Orange County. I went to the University of California Berkeley and I have a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology.
What is your favorite and least favorite Vietnamese food?
(New) favorite Vietnamese food is mi kho with lots of mustard. I’m usually down for all new types of foods/places/etc. Least enjoyable Vietnamese food is ga tan – the blacken chicken cooked in a can. There’s no meat on those bones!
What brought you to Vietnam / back to Vietnam?
I haven’t lived abroad and wanted to do so before I die/turn 30. I wanted to improve my Vietnamese so I can speak to my grandma and uncover some family secrets. Secrets still not uncovered.
What made you decide to be a teacher?
I enjoy watching students have that “a-ha” moment when they finally understand a concept.
What was the biggest factor that made you choose E2?
The people.
Can you describe E2’s working environment in 3 words?
Dynamic, Open, Fun.
What is the most helpful thing you’ve learned to improve your teaching at E2?
Every tip or advice offered has been helpful. I’m a first-time teacher.
What is your most memorable teaching moment at E2?
At camp, I loved talking to kids after class about their building projects.
What is your most memorable NON-teaching moment at E2? PG version, please.
Bumper cars.
What are you most looking forward to or optimistic about when it comes to your own future at E2 or E2’s future in general?
This is the first time I am working for an organization where the goals are to change/make progress to society. It’s being actively worked on rather than talked about or theorized. It’s exciting to be a part of the journey. I didn’t feel this way working at Jamba Juice…
Bonus Question: If you had to be stuck on a desert island with 1 member of E2 staff (teaching or operations team) who would it be? Why?
Not Drew. Just kidding, that would be weird. Definitely Drew.