Sam

BA&MA in English Lit / International School Experience / 17 Years of Experience as a Professional Writer

Bio///
I am a Taiwanese-American, born in Brussels, Belgium. I spent childhood in Brussels, then attended elementary school in USA, junior high and high school in Tokyo, and university in USA and the UK. I am curious and passionate in nature and enjoy a wide range of hobbies and interests, including hiking, biking, sailing, diving, traveling, motorcycle touring, basketball, skating, music, food, reading, and art.

Education///
I received my High School diploma from Christian Academy in Japan, an international school in Tokyo, graduating with honors in English and Spanish. I have a BA in Literature, and a Masters in English Literature from Loyola University Chicago. I also did post-graduate work in Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Oxford University.

Teaching///
After graduation, I went to Woodstock School, a boarding school in the Himalayas, to teach English Literature/AP English to year 12s. After moving back to Tokyo, I taught international students English Literature/AP English and Global Issues at my alma mater Christian Academy in Japan, as well as English language at Rikkyo Junior and Senior High School, a top private high school in Tokyo. I also taught English and Culture seminars at Waseda Hoshien, an affiliate of Waseda University.

Philosophy///
As a lifelong learner who has had to navigate my own path across multiple cultures and contexts, my aim is to help students succeed with confidence, authenticity, and passion. In this age of AI, algorithms and social media, it can be easy to lose sight of the beauty and power of language. Language is critical for opening minds to new possibilities and enriching our connection with the world. And every student has a unique voice that the world needs to hear. It’s going to take rigor, discipline, and desire. But the results will be a lifetime of reward, no matter what career a student chooses.

In addition to teaching, I am also a professional writer. I have 17 years of experience as a conceptual/creative writer creating pitches, creative platforms, campaigns and commercials for iconic brands like Apple, Nike, Google, Adobe, the NBA, Jeep, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo. I worked at Wieden+Kennedy, one of the most awarded agencies in the world. Advertising encompasses a wide range of skills from analytical thinking to creative problem solving, and involves a variety of writing styles, from sharp, analytical writing to multiple forms of creative writing. It’s a valuable discipline with fun and engaging methods and techniques that can help students communicate with confidence, originality, sharpness and distinction, which is of course pivotal when it comes to college entrance exams. In a sense, every student is a “brand”, whose progress and success can be significantly impacted by how cogently and eloquently they can express their ideas and vision.