41. Maria Grazia Spila: A Teacher’s English Blog Shares the World with Italian Teens

By following her passions, noticing her greatest strengths and moving toward them. Exploring her early interests in fiction writing, studying foreign languages, becoming a translator or even an opera singer, she discovered her gifts as a teacher. Continuing to learn, she always has a dream of her future.

After enjoying teaching for several years, she began writing a blog in English, which opened doors around the world. Using social media, especially Facebook, she formed new friendships and opportunities for collaboration. This led to more travel, while also exposing her students to a wider view of the world.

Reassess and “re-plan your life from time to time without feeling you are a failure.” Consider your greatest strengths. Don’t get stuck on early dreams which just didn’t work out. After wanting to be a writer, an opera singer, then a translator, I found a place I love in teaching.

The Fiery Cross, by Diana Gabaldon (book 5, Outlander Saga)
Demelza, by Winston Graham (book 2, Poldark Saga)
Sylvia’s Lovers, by Elizabeth Gaskell
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Daniel Deronda, by George Eliot
Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens
Far From the Madding Crowd, by Thomas Hardy
Everything by Austen and Shakespeare

Italian and American 20th century writers: Pavese, Calvino, Morante, Salinger, Saroyan and Bradbury were key steps in her personal growth.