Mr sean

Mr Sean Harison Interview by Amy Jain Photos by Belle Sertsaibua

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I grew up in Austin, Texas as a middle child. I have an older brother and a younger sister, and all of my family still lives in that area. I have always had an interest in travel and cultures and dreamt of living in another country someday, but never thought I would actually have the chance. In 2011, I moved to Nairobi, Kenya to teach HS Social Studies and absolutely loved living there. During my time there, I developed a passion for the transitions that life brings. Whether it’s the move from one country to another, from MS to HS, or some other form of transition. Because of that, I just spent the last two years getting a graduate degree and creating a transition curriculum for students who are in their senior year at international schools.

What kind of student were you in high school or university? What was your favorite class when you were a student? I was the type of student that school came pretty easily to. I was able to get by with A’s and B’s without working TOO hard… and ultimately was okay with getting A’s and B’s, instead of putting all of my efforts into getting straight A’s because I wanted to make sure other parts of my life were being prioritized too. I played baseball, worked a part-time job, and wanted to have time for friends and family… and sleep. As for classes, I always loved my English classes best because I’ve always been a reader and love a good novel.

How has your experience with education changed as you grew from a student to a teacher? As a student up through high school, I never really understood why I was learning the things I was learning. It was just a means to an end of eventually going to college. Once I got to college and found an area of study that I loved, I became really passionate about learning. As a teacher, I found myself starting to care most about the ways in which the process of school helps shape students into adults who are ready to engage with the world in really meaningful and positive ways. I have wanted to make sure as much of the content in my class as possible feels clearly applicable to my student’s lives and the world they live in.

What is your most and least favorite part about being a teacher? My favorite part of being a teacher is getting to be a part of such an important time period in student’s lives. Easily my least favorite part of teaching is the grading.

How many countries have you been to? What’s next on your list? 14. I was supposed to go to Ireland and Scotland in June, but had to postpone that trip until (hopefully) next summer. I am excited to explore Southeast Asia when I get the chance.

What are you most excited about trying out in Thailand? What was the biggest culture shock for you? I am most excited about all of the great street food. The biggest culture shock has just been the language barrier because it makes things that used to be really easy much more challenging.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to go bouldering, listen to podcasts and music, read books, and try new foods.

Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers? I’ve been told by students that I can have a very intense look on my face sometimes that makes me seem unapproachable. I promise I am just thinking and processing something, not meaning to seem angry or unapproachable when I am like that. I love for people to come up and say “hey.”