This week’s Micronesian Monday Feature is Brittany Ruth Kiabin Lang-Malimai, a teacher in the Marshall Islands. For many of us, the teachers in our lives shape our worldview and make a  lasting impression on us.

Teaching wasn’t always what Brittany Ruth Kiabin Lang-Malimai forecasted for her life. But her superiors and peers indicated she’d be good at it and now she’s taught a number of students different subjects over the past four years.

“I am teaching because it is needed here at this school and I want to give back to the school that has taught me a lot and helped mold me to who I am today,” Brittany said. “I actually am one of the first graduates (2012) of the school I'm currently teaching at.”

Brittany is living in Majuro, Marshall Islands.

“I am from Marshall Islands specifically  Arno, Ailuk, Jaliut, and Likiep I believe and from an outer island of Chuuk called Nema,” she said.

btany12

A post shared by Brittany Lang Malimai (@btany12)

Brittany also coaches volleyball at her school.

Whether it’s coaching or teaching, for Brittany, the most rewarding part of what she does is seeing the kids blossom. 

“They amaze me at how much they can learn and absorb and extend it to other people. Majority of them do not settle for good enough but want to excel in their academic life,” Brittany said.

“They have other talents that you see progress throughout the years such as athletics, musical talents whether it be singing or playing an instrument, life skills, and how they encourage each other in any aspect of their life.”

Fortunately for Brittany, she also has a workplace that is filled with great people. She mentioned her coworkers and her boss as another rewarding thing about her career.

“I have the advantage of working under my father which is great sometimes. The people I work with only want each of us to do and be at our best,” Brittany said.  “Granted, this is not the perfect place we have our flaws as a school but we are learning and growing with each other. It really is such a close-knit family I would say.”

In her life, Brittany said two of the most inspirational teachers were her parents Belinda and Helmer Lang. During her time as a student, she also mentioned a few more inspirational teachers:  Mr. & Mrs. Rujke, Miss Loeak, Mr. Buck. 

“These are the people I give thanks to for my elementary and high school years,” Brittany said. Mr. & Mrs. Rujke instilled a love of math in Brittany. Miss Loeak was a key figure in her life and always believed in her students. 

Further, in her college years, Brittany credits her teacher, Miss Bayless, for her renewed interest in history.

“I used to not like history but she made me fall in love with it,” Brittany said.  

From Pastor Eckert, Brittany achieved a deeper understanding of the Bible and from Pastor and Mrs. Henson, Brittany learned two major life lessons. The first is that God is always there for you no matter what and where you are in life, give all the glory to Him. The second lesson is that you are your own worst critic and everyone who matters is on your side.

As a teacher, Brittany has taught quite a few different subjects. In her four years, she’s taught Algebra 1 & 2, Consumer Math, Geometry, Chemistry, Physics, English and Spanish 1 and Spanish 2. 

“I can say every year has been different in a good way. As a teacher, one needs to know to adapt to so many different personalities, change up a lesson plan, work with different parents or coworkers, and trying to balance life in general,” Brittany said. 

When she’s not teaching, Brittany is sewing or playing volleyball and she’s also the manager at Lazy Jays Cafe. Her friends, Jasmine Henry and Kimberly Matthew, inspired Brittany to learn something new.

“I love how Kimberly just envisions her creations and make them come to life I love her sewing. They both are very talented young women who are an inspiration to anyone around,” Brittany said.

Curious about other Micronesian creators who Brittany endorses? Here they are:

Jasmine Loeak Henry, Kimberly Matthew, Bianca Samuel, and Precious Henchi.

Thank you Brittany for sharing your journey with us! For all of the influential work teachers do for us, as far as I’m concerned, every day should be Teacher Appreciation Day.

I’ll leave you with this thought from Brittany:

I also would like for others to think on this: being a teacher is a career where one is overworked and underpaid. I am not trying to throw myself a pity party but just a message for students who really don't know. Please appreciate the teachers that do work hard. And parents, we are for kids not against them.

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