Since she was young, Ashley Dakin (CU ’07), was interested in traveling and learning about new cultures.

By graduating from Cornerstone University with her bachelor of arts degree in theatre, she has had the opportunity to use her education to fulfill both of those desires while impacting God’s kingdom.

After graduation she applied for a job in Taiwan at the suggestion of a former high school teacher who is employed by the same company.

She interviewed over the phone with Oversees Radio and Television (ORTV) and accepted a job offer a few weeks later.

“Part of my time is spent acting on our 2008 TV show as Sara, and hosting a TV feature called ‘How To’,” says Ashley, 24. “I teach students how to say different phrases in English. The majority of my time is spent writing and proofreading for the magazine, radio and TV show, along with teaching classes and recording for the radio programs. We also perform in school rallies for schools around Taiwan.”

Ashley holds a Friday Night Live Bible Study (FNL) each weekend to build relationships and help them understand the Bible.

“I am helping people learn English and spreading the gospel,” says Ashley, a native of White Cloud, Mich. “Our TV show is the most popular English-learning show in Taiwan.”

Most of the people who attend the study are not Christians, but they love coming, says Ashley.

 “They feel like it (FNL) is their home,” she says. “Some of these students will be encouraged to study English more by watching the program, and others will come to our Bible study.”

Ashley doesn’t consider the natives just students, but friends. She bakes special desserts for them and tries to make them feel comfortable learning from her and practicing their English.

“But, it’s scary for my students to practice English around native speakers,” she says. “I try to build up the students’ confidence by creating a safe learning environment.”

Ashley credits her professors at Cornerstone for teaching her to continue learning and growing in order to be the best teacher she can.

“My professors played a huge part in preparing me,” she says. “They have really influenced the way I teach in the classroom. The questions they asked always challenged me to learn more. I still love exploring and learning more, and there is so much opportunity to do that in a foreign country!”

Dr. Michael Stevens, assistant professor of English, was one of her favorite professors.

“He inspired me to ask questions, to seek beauty in all things, and to live simply,” she says. “He balanced all of this with humor, which is truly a gift! I think all of my professors influenced the part of me that is content with a cup of tea and a stack of books.”

And the theatre program allowed Ashley to build confidence and gain the ability to work under pressure, she says.

Sometimes it feels like the students are making a huge impact on me, more than I am on them. I care a lot about them, and I am inspired by their kindness and deep curiosity.“