Teaching, Coaching, and Pursuing her Art

When Stephanie Lynch (BFA ’03) first moved to Manila, Philippines, in 2003, she was struck by the similarities the city had with large American cities. She lived in a high rise apartment building complete with a Starbucks. She saw McDonald’s, KFC, and shopping malls everywhere she turned. And American sitcoms monopolized the TV airwaves.

“But the details are what makes it different from any Western city,” she said.

Some of the differences that first stuck out weren’t pleasant: a constant haze of smog on the horizon, an unnerving din of car horns, and armed guards at every major store and bank.

But Lynch has found many special blessings in her new life in Manila as well. She can travel all over Southeast Asia, Filipino people are friendly and courteous, and she has a maid.

“I am totally spoiled,” she said. “People in the United States think this is totally ridiculous, but really I need her.” The maid helps Lynch do everyday tasks like pay her bills and shop for groceries. “Just doing simple tasks here takes a long time,” she said.

But Lynch said the best things about Manila are the students she has met at the International School Manila, where she teaches art to kindergarten and second- and fourth-grade students from all over the world.

The pre-K through 12 school has 1,800 students from more than 50 countries.

“It is so cool having kids from different countries in my classes,” Lynch said. “I learn much about their lives and traditions.”

Before teaching in Manila, Lynch’s only classroom experience was as a student teacher. She was the first teacher the International School Manila has ever hired without professional experience since its founding in 1920.

“The interview was especially difficult—I was asked to tell about myself and teaching experiences, and at this point I had only been student teaching for two weeks,” Lynch said. “When I was offered the job, I was told, ‘We are taking a huge risk, but we like you.’ And I thought, ‘Thanks, no pressure!’”

Lynch, who is also coaching women’s soccer at the school, credits her four years on The University of Iowa women’s soccer team with securing her the job.

“My boss told me there were not enough women as coaching role models and was impressed that I played in college,” she said.

But Art Professor Steve McGuire, who spoke with Lynch about her decision to go to Manila before she left, said it’s Lynch’s natural curiosity, sense of adventure, and confident personality that likely landed her the job.

“She’s an extremely bright and inquisitive person,” McGuire said. “She is one of the best students I have ever had, and that encompasses many of the attributes she brings to teaching.”

In addition to teaching and coaching, Lynch, a painter, continues to work as a full-time artist. She said she’s immersed herself in the local art community.

“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to know many of the top artists working in the Philippines today,” she said.

Lynch plans to return to the United States after the school year to pursue a master’s degree in painting.

She said it’s hard to tell what she’ll take away from her experience in Manila.

“I don’t think I will actually know until I am back in the states,” she said. “I do know that I have broadened my view of students, and will definitely miss teaching in such a diverse environment.” –by Heather McElvain