Your Story
Since she was young, Ashley Rae Dakin was interested in traveling and learning about new cultures.
Since graduating from Cornerstone University in May 2007 with her bachelor of arts degree in theatre, Ashley has had the opportunity to use her education to fulfill her desire to travel and learn about cultures 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 in Taiwan was spent acting on our 2008 TV show as Sara and hosting a TV feature called "How To," says Ashley. "I taught students how to say different phrases in English. The majority of my time was spent writing and proofreading for the magazine, radio and TV show, along with teaching classes and recording for the radio programs. We also performed in school rallies around Taiwan."
Ashley also held a Friday Nigh Live Bible Study (FNL) each weekend to build relationships and help them understand the Bible. "I enjoyed helping people learn English and spreading the gospel," says Ashley, a native of White Cloud, Mich. "Our TV show was the most popular English-learning show in Taiwan. Most of the people who attended the study were not Christians, but they loved coming," says Ashley. "They felt like it (FNL) was their home," she says.
Ashley credits her professors at Cornerstone for teaching her to continue learning and growing in order to be the best teacher possible. "My professors played a huge part in preparing me, " she says. "They really influenced the way I teach in the classroom. They questions they asked always challenged me to learn more. And the Cornerstone theatre program allowed me to build confidence and work under pressure," she says.
Ashley shares, "I still love exploring and learning more; currently I am obtaining my MFA in Acting at Regent University, and I'm in my third year. I will graduate in 2013!" At Regent, Ashley has acted in several productions, including The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Medea, Bye Bye Birdie, As it is in Heaven, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. "Next year, I will be performing my thesis role; at the end of the year, my class and I will perform a showcase in New York City in hopes of connecting with agents from professional work," she says.