Daniel has over 4 years of professional experience at two leading accounting firms in Hong Kong. He has a bachelors in Business from the University of Kent and completed a Chinese Language course in China at the Beijing Language and Culture University. Daniel then decided to become a teacher and got accepted and completed his PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) in Business Education at University College London (UCL).

 

On becoming a teacher:

My family and teachers have always instilled in me the importance of a good education and a passion for learning. I myself wanted to be a teacher to make a difference in the lives of my students. I feel that being a teacher you can make a great positive impact on the lives of people and in the local community. It gives you the unique opportunity to be a good role model to your students and to help them on their educational journey in doing so I can help them to achieve their goals. I enjoy helping people and my students, and being part of their success is something that is very rewarding. I had many teachers who made a positive impact on me and helped me achieve my goals and aspirations. This gives me the motivation and passion to in turn help my students in the same way.

 

Other interests that reflect on my personality as a teacher:

I have been involved with a local Portuguese charity as one of the committee members for the past few years. Our charity is aimed at supporting local underprivileged and elderly members of the Portuguese Community in Hong Kong. It has been very rewarding and I have really enjoyed in being a part of this charity. We have supported our members financially and non-financially and give them the opportunity to attend functions where they can see their family and friends. My family have instilled in me the importance of charity as well as sharing and in this respect, I hope that by supporting and being a part of this charity, I can help to make a difference to the less privileged in Hong Kong.

 

People I find admirable and inspirational:

Warren Buffett (The Oracle of Omaha) is one of the people I most admire in business. Not only because he is one of the most successful people but also because of his charity. One of the primary reasons I admire him is that he has pledged to donate the majority of his net worth to charity and good works. He has supported the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and many other charities. He has encouraged other billionaires to sign the same promise called the “Gates-Buffett Giving Pledge”. He is a son of a US Congressman and bought his first stock at age 11. Buffett runs his company Berkshire Hathaway which has made steady returns for his investors and shareholders and it owns over 60 companies including Geico Insurance, Battery Maker Duracell and Dairy Queen.

 

Top tip to younger self:

“Education is something no one can take away from you, it is with you for the rest of your life. Investing in yourself and your education is one of the best things you can do”.