Who Are We?

Kyla: It’s funny when I think about how we met, because I had just moved back to South Korea and I am actually an introvert, even though people never expect it after they meet me. So to overcome my tendency to wallflower, I decided to accept the offer to read poetry at this big welcoming event. I got up on stage and recited a poem I had written years ago, and that is how we ended up connecting. Now, we are nearly 10 years later and doing our best to monetize our experiences and expertise into a viable business. Somehow, even when I think about how pretty randomly we met, I sorta feel like we are here at an inevitable moment. Out of all the people I’ve met through the years, you really feel like the best one to dive into this adventure alongside. My question to you, is do you ever think about how we first met and also feel an “ah, that makes sense” sorta feeling or am I just trippin? 

Thania: Yeah, I think it tracks. I mean how else would we have met if it weren’t for that random welcoming event at Mike’s Cabin in Seoul through our recruiter? I mean we are literally from opposite sides of the country. You’re from Washington, and I am from Florida. So yeah, we couldn’t have met otherwise, and so you ain’t trippin, girl. I mean, when was the last time you came to Florida? I haven’t been to Washington. Dang, has it really been a decade?! 

Kyla: Bet. Pure facts! I mean, Korea does something to the people willing to come out and bounce around its concrete jungle. But, I also think that leaving anyone’s home does that. It’s not purely unique to Korea. And so at least for us, now having lived this experience in South Korea and France, it makes perfect sense we’d want to help others make it happen in the United States. 

Thania: Oh right! Speaking of France! As I recall, that is basically how we really started to vibe. Because it came up that you had met Danielle in France, and then I was so shocked, because I had studied abroad there, too. So we had another shared experience, over from the States, been to France, working in Korea, at this random event, haha. 

Kyla: Honest question, we sorta kidnapped you, if I recall. What made you really decide to leave Mike’s Cabin to go to some other part of the “hood” to party with us? 

Thania: I don’t know. You both seemed nice. Y'all were friendly. You approached me first, then… I was ready to bounce anyways, so why not get some food and make some friends. That was the whole reason I also joined the Welcoming Party. So win-win for the night. 

Kyla: Yeah, I just feel like Korea from 2014 onwards was a whole lot of wins. We made a really tight-knit crew. —

Thania: YAAAAS! Ashley’s Crew!!! I miss Ashley’s! 

Kyla: For real, Ashley’s was so bomb it was like she was a whole person, meanwhile it was a buffet, so really we were little fatties, but no one’s judging. 

Thania: Absolutely! Yo! Ashley’s would SLAP right now! 

Kyla: Gosh, man if we go down memory lane too much, we are gonna get lost. So back to why we are here now. Ashley’s was bomb though, no lies. Let me stop. We did have a nice group, and so much quality time and adventures. We lived that, and it was so incredible. I personally, really want others to have that experience wherever they land. I think Americans are generally nice, and our culture can be quite hospitable and welcoming, so with just a little luck, you can have the adventure of a lifetime Stateside just as you and I have had in our treks.

Thania: Right, and that’s basically it. We both still love to travel, are always looking for our next thing abroad, and want to share our talents, gifts, experiences with others so they can excel. As teachers we love to see our students win. And if they win, this time we hope to win as well. The Bridge is for their success in America as we have been so blessed to be successful wherever we have found to be. 

Kyla: Yes. Well said, Thania. The Bridge really is about us putting our best together to directly and immediately benefit students, expats, and bring us the freedom to keep doing what we love. The goal is to help those transiting into the United States for work or study and hopefully help them have the best experience possible, while building a space for each of us to utilize what we have for our own futures. Definitely a win-win. 

Last words? 

Thania: Naw, girl we covered it. If people wanna know more they can definitely ask. Hit us up on the Socials, email us, book a session. We are here. We are ready to help! Anything you wanna add Kyla? 

Kyla: Just click and share, follow us, reach out if you have questions. We’ll be your bridge! 

Vocabulary: 

1. wallflower (n/adj): 

2. monetize (v): 

3. to be trippin (phrase): 

4. decade (n): 

5. memory lane (n): 

Slang: 

1. Bet – used to affirm an idea, comment, feeling, etc. Say it when you want to let the other person know you have some agreement with something. 

• used like “Think I cannot finish this whole bowl? Bet." (means I can totally finish)

• Used like "Wow. That dress is gorgeous. You are gonna win prom queen" "Bet!"

1. Vibe – used in various situations to describe the good feelings, good features, or the general enjoyment of something. 

• used like “Drake? Yeah he’s a whole vibe.” 

• used like “we were vibin.’ Cannot wait until next time.” 

1. Hood – two meanings: 1– is generally like a neighborhood or area where someone lives or grew up. 2– an area that is not nice, not safe, run down and tends to attract the impoverished or those who engage in illicit activities

• Used like – “Want to just hang around the hood?” 

• Used like – “I don’t know, it’s kinda hood over there. Let’s stay in this area.”

1. Bomb– used to describe something as great, amazing, beautiful, tasty, or worth experiencing. Can be used for people, places, food, clothing, etc. 

• Used like – “She is so bomb! I love those heels!” 

• Used like – “Sweden was so bomb! We just were free to do whatever we so chose randomly.” 

1. Slap —  typically used to describe food as being extremely delicious and memorable. 

• Used like – “Alex cooked some oxtails. Girl, it was slapping!” 

• Uses like – “Yeah I’ll come, but if it doesn't slap this is the last time I’m letting you choose the restaurant.” 

FOR THE CURIOUS:

The other wonderful woman in our picture is none other than the One and Only Julie Teacher. She is an amazing friend and brilliant English teacher. We love her. We miss her. We will see her again!