The role of educators extends far beyond the power of a good lesson, as Ahsie Sielna MA ’26 embodies with her students. Sielna works to provide her students with the best possible opportunities, even in times of conflict and war. Originally from Myanmar, Sielna found Azusa Pacific while looking to continue her education at a university with a strong Christian foundation. She wanted to strengthen her skills while following God’s calling on her life. Pursuing a Master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Sielna found community and strengthened her skills to make a difference in her students' lives.
As a young student, Sielna recognized her love for English. “It was always my favorite subject in school,” said Sielna, “I discovered my love for teaching it as I volunteered in summer camps, and I continue to be so passionate about teaching English to my students.” Sielna was a TESOL teacher for over 10 years before pursuing her graduate studies, and she connected with many students during that time. “Many students come into the classroom with their own struggles, and I am reminded that I am not only there to develop their English, but to be a counselor, give them hope, and be a light for them,” said Sielna.
While teaching in Myanmar, Sielna has seen the ways that war and conflict can not
only cause chaos in a country, but also in the individual lives of her students. “Since
February 2021, when a military coup took place, my country has seen violence every
day,” said Sielna. “So many young people left to pursue their studies or careers and
are uncertain about returning home.” She feels God’s calling to continue her work
teaching and training students to become English teachers of their own.
“I have a responsibility to share that gift with others," said Sielna. With the hope
of returning to her home country and continuing to share the gifts of God, Sielna
is bravely continuing her education. “I want to continue to serve God faithfully and
joyfully. I want to fulfill His calling on my life,” said Sielna. Even in times of
violence and unrest, she continues to rely on her faith to support her journey.
Paramount to her personal and academic success has been APU’s community. As an international student, Sielna found community within the International Student Compliance Office. “I have been working there for a while, doing my part to help other students navigate being an international student,” said Sielna. “It has been a great opportunity to contribute what I know, while meeting people from all over the world.” Along with her work opportunities, Sielna has developed deep relationships with her faculty and students in the TESOL program. “I was happy to learn from students from different cultures, backgrounds, and countries. My professors were also very approachable, and helped me develop my lens as a Christian educator,” said Sielna. With classes like Second Language Assessment with Rich Robinson, PhD, faculty emeritus, Sielna learned to design, administer, and interpret assessments that are both reliable and valid. She continues to improve how she teaches, assesses, and provides for her students with the support of faculty. “My professors have been so helpful, always available for questions, and they’ve been emotionally and spiritually supportive,” said Sielna.
As she continues to follow God’s calling on her life, Sielna has encountered chances
to strengthen her faith, including on campus in chapel. “I have loved the opportunity
to sit with God in chapel. Being in fellowship with students and professors, you can
see God move every time,” said Sielna.
Through prayer, worship, and conversation, Sielna continues to dive deep into her
faith. With a deep understanding of how God can bring hope and strength in difficult
situations, Sielna works to bring that strength to the classroom.
With a Christian foundation in teaching, the TESOL program equips Sielna to bring Christian kindness and understanding to students in need. “Everyone has a God-given potential, but not everyone has the same access to resources,” said Sielna. “Students in my country do not have the same opportunities as other students, so I want to try and provide them with as much training and experience as I can.” Hoping to continue training future English teachers, Sielna plans to return to Myanmar. With the support of the APU community, Sielna is pursuing her calling, spreading God’s light as she serves her students.