Everybody has that one teacher that they will always remember for going above and beyond. Perhaps they motivated you to pursue your education or encouraged you to follow your passion. While still a student herself, Vivian Ton, a senior at San Francisco State University, is already joining the ranks of incredible teachers and inspiring the next generation of students.
Vivian Ton (Viv to her friends) is a liberal studies major with an emphasis on elementary education. Following her morning of classes, Ton spends her afternoons working as an after-school program instructor at an elementary school in the Sunset district.
Although the program provides extended supervision for kids following the school day, Ton explains that her job is much more than just babysitting. She, along with the other lead instructors, create curriculum that engages the students and enrich their learning. Their lessons are inspired by the interests of the students, like Greek mythology or French. “We teach them things that aren’t in the California standards or the Common Core,” Ton said.
Her time as an instructor has definitely shaped her future aspirations. “I almost went to culinary school at 18,” she laughs, “but then I volunteered at the school and decided I needed to become a teacher.” Ton’s passion for education and her students shines brightly as she describes her desire to be a 5th grade teacher. “I think a lot of teachers like the younger kids a lot better. I like being there as a role model especially being as the last person they look up to before they transition into middle school. I want to be there to make the transition easier.”
Ton shares that the most rewarding part of being an educator is looking into a child’s eyes and knowing that they are interested and want to learn more. It is the sparkle in their eyes and the thirst for knowledge that motivate her. “When they are craving knowledge, that’s my favorite part.”
Outside of her job, Ton is a part of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority on campus. “Before I joined Phi Sig, I was all about work and school…I didn’t have a chance to go out and enjoy life.” She explains that joining her sorority perfectly blended her two worlds together. In addition to meeting new girls and hanging out with sisters, she can also continue her work with children through philanthropy. Phi Sigma Sigma partners with Practice Makes Perfect and the Kids in Need Foundation, both of which support school and college readiness— a perfect fit for an educator like Ton.
Although taking a full course load, being an instructor and participating in Greek life, Ton manages to balance it all with composure. When asked about how to achieve the balance, she said, “It is ok to have fun, it is ok to enjoy your youth but what you do now will either bring you up or bring you down in the future. Aim for the best.”