Meet our Faculty
We asked our student assistant to interview all of our faculty members and write what she thought was the most interesting. Read on to find out what she learned!
On this page:
Julie Mowrer, Director
- Hometown
- Santa Rosa, California
- How did you become interested in teaching ESL?
- I studied Spanish in Ecuador when I was a college student and realized how hard it was! After I graduated from college, I decided to combine my love of English with my love of traveling and become an ESL teacher.
- What is special about studying at UH Hilo?
- UH Hilo is a really special place - the class sizes are small so students really get to know their instructors and the natural environment of the island is an amazing living learning laboratory. Researchers come from all over the world to study the ocean life, the stars from Maunakea, the rain forest and the volcano. In addition, the community is really welcoming to international students. The most common comment I hear from students is that people are so kind!
Lillian Garcia, Instructor
- Hometown
- Lakewood, CA
- How did you become interested in teaching ESL?
- My mother was an ESL teacher and she loved her job. As soon as I started teaching ESL, I understood why she loved it because it was so wonderful to learn about different cultures and to see the students grow and improve their English so that they could really follow their dreams. It's such a privilege to share a small part of their lives.
- What is something about yourself that most people don't know?
- I am an expert at Mexican cooking, such as homemade tortillas and tamales, and I love to share what I make with others!