Embrace Learning with Fun: From Teaching Korean to Designing Gamified Learning Experiences- Chris’s story
I've always held the belief that children are like the seedlings of a forest, the promise of our future, and it's our responsibility as adults to create the best environment for them to flourish. My interest has long been piqued by children's education and the gamification of learning—learning through fun.
After spending years volunteering to teach Korean to young children every Saturday, I discovered just how incredibly fun learning can be. I'd go through the booklet materials with them and then create interactive and enjoyable activities for them to practice what they'd learned. Their homework was not a chore, but a chance to revisit and reinforce their lessons with their parents. This precious experience truly brought out the "nerd" in me, the game designer who thought, "If learning can be this fun and engaging, why not make it so?"
When a friend introduced me to Moi Panda, I knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity. With my passion for game design and the future of children, I found that Moi Panda's mission aligned perfectly with my own. I eagerly shared my previous activities aimed at making an impact in communities and for the future of children. I was ready to make a difference.
This marks my first foray into game design and office work, and it's been an exhilarating, thrilling, and at times, challenging journey. The nature of a growing startup—its fast pace—often left me feeling like I was on a roller-coaster ride. But, truth be told, I've always loved roller-coasters! Throughout this adventure, I've had to soak up a wealth of knowledge, confront my weaknesses head-on, and sometimes motivate myself with a mix of both gentle encouragement and tough love. Yet, all of this was made possible thanks to the unwavering support of my teammates.
Facing weaknesses isn't exactly a walk in the park, but it's undeniably necessary for growth. Professional weaknesses feel quite different from personal ones. They can be tough to confront, often stirring up feelings of insecurity. Yet, I recognized that by addressing and working on these weaknesses, I could emerge stronger. My aim is to use this continuous self-improvement to pave the way for a brighter future for children. The personal growth and shared missions between myself and the company continue to be a powerful source of motivation.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Moi Panda has been the culture we've fostered. Our cross-functional teams have been fantastic. I've been given the opportunity to delve into my own area of expertise while also dabbling in design, business, and technology. It's been a chance for introspection. What career path do I envision for myself? What skills do I need to develop further to realize my goals? Whenever I felt adrift, I found solace in my teammates, learning from their experiences and sharing our concerns.
I am acutely aware of how rare and precious this opportunity at Moi Panda is. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance, made possible by the supportive teammates who share our common mission and goals. I am proud to say that we truly function as a team, supporting each other in every way we can. Each conversation, whether short or long, reminds me that we are all striving to create a better world for children.
As challenging as it can be to confront my weaknesses, I do so not just for myself, but also for the company, the team, and, most importantly, for the brightest future of children. Everything I've learned and every step I've taken forward has been made possible by Moi Panda. It's an emotional realization. There's still so much to learn, study, practice, and master. But the prospect of this learning curve and the opportunities ahead fills me with excitement. I aspire to grow into an exceptional game designer and grow alongside the company.
Lastly, I am eagerly anticipating the joy of seeing children enjoy Moi Panda. I miss my Korean students dearly, and I can't wait for the day when I'll hear them exclaim, "Oh my days! I love Moi Panda!" Or perhaps, I'll catch snippets of children chattering about Moi Panda while sitting on the orange metro seats. Reading stories about children who have become true global digital citizens thanks to Moi Panda fills me with pride. With my team by my side, I know we can overcome any challenge for the wonderful future we're working towards.
Chris Hong, Game Designer at Moi Panda
