By Sandy Ho
This past October, I returned to SOCEM for the first time since the pandemic. The drive that morning was smooth, and the crisp autumn air, bathed in golden sunlight, lifted my spirits. Upon arrival, I was greeted by familiar and new faces, and the laughter and chatter felt like a warm embrace, grounding me in the moment.
As I settled in, a wave of nostalgia hit me, and I remembered the first SOCEM Gathering 19 years ago. I had just moved to Toronto, eager to finish my TESL practicum. I was paired with a mentor in a church-based ESL program, where I found a community of Christians who viewed teaching ESL as a calling, not just a job. I nervously attended prayer meetings, and when I heard about a gathering for Christians in ESL ministries, I felt it was meant to be. The event was at a church across the street from my apartment, so I volunteered to help. People traveled from near and far, and although we weren’t sure how many would attend, many did. That day, I realized how deeply connected we all were in this shared calling.
SOCEM has always been more than just a professional development event for me. It’s a space for worship, reflection, and affirmation, where simplicity takes center stage. In a world that rewards doing more and being more, SOCEM reminds me that less is often more. The simplicity of the worship sessions grounds me and shows me that connecting with God and others doesn’t require complexity. In this humble posture, I find clarity and peace to engage more deeply with my calling.
This year, I chose to present without the usual slides or tech gadgets. Instead, I spoke simply and from the heart, sharing stories I hoped would resonate. As I spoke, I saw the participants’ eyes light up, and there was an unspoken connection between us. It struck me how much I’ve changed. The desire to do more and be more has faded. Now, I crave authenticity and connection. This shift has taught me that the most meaningful moments come when we strip away excess and simply show up as ourselves.
At lunch, I initially sat alone, feeling nervous, like the first day of school. Soon, two people I knew joined me, followed by three more, including two who worked in similar jobs. The conversation was deeply enjoyable. We were all ESL professionals, living out our faith in our work, and there was an immediate sense of understanding. In that moment, I was reminded of the deep value of being surrounded by others who share your calling. No explanations were needed; we simply understood each other.
In the afternoon, I chose a less technical session, hoping to hear from others who teach the Bible to English learners. As soon as I sat in the tiny room, elbow to elbow with others, I realized I wasn’t just looking for new materials—I was seeking connection. Though I left with new ideas to try, my deeper takeaway was reassurance and belonging. The session was simple yet affirming, and even though there weren’t any groundbreaking techniques, I left feeling filled in a way that only shared understanding can provide.
As the SOCEM conference came to a close and I drove away, reentering the bustle of Toronto’s traffic, I felt a familiar lift in my spirit. SOCEM had once again reminded me that we are never alone in our calling. It’s a space for reflection, connection, and God’s quiet affirmation. I left feeling refreshed, full, and ready to continue my work.