Blog Post One
Our Story: The Beginning
Hello! I’m Ken Willis, co-founder of Willis Global Education and Willis Global English. If you were to ask me how our journey into global education began, I would trace it back to a pivotal moment in a high school classroom.
Growing up in a small rural town in central Pennsylvania, I spent countless hours outdoors, playing with friends and indulging in my passion for running and basketball. My curiosity extended into the classroom, particularly in History and Social Studies. One teacher stands out vividly in my memory: Mr. Novak. His captivating storytelling brought the history of China to life, introducing us to figures like Genghis Khan, Confucius, and the Empress Dowager. I remember leaning over to my friend David, declaring that I would visit China one day. The allure of Chinese culture—the rich traditions and profound history—sparked a passion that would shape my future.
As I pursued my undergraduate studies in Political Science and International Relations, my commitment to cross-cultural learning deepened, particularly my fascination with Asia. It was only after graduation that I discovered my true calling lay in the field of education, a path that perfectly aligned with my aspirations.
During this transformative period, I noticed a recurring theme among friends and family: many people postponed their dreams of travel and adventure until retirement. Unfortunately, health issues or financial constraints often dashed those dreams. This realization fueled my desire to travel, explore the world, and gain value as a future educator while still vibrant and engaged.
Around the same time, I met Brenda, the woman I knew I wanted to share my life with. An aspiring educator herself, she complemented my ambitions and motivated me to strive for personal growth. When I received an offer to teach English with the International YMCA in Taiwan, I knew I had to take the leap. I proposed to Brenda, inviting her to join me on this adventure. To my delight, she said yes—after asking me where Taiwan was, of course!
Stay tuned for our next blog, where I will share our first experiences in Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. In the meantime, we would love to hear what inspired you to explore and connect with different cultures. Your stories are what drive us forward!
