Many educators go into the education field planning and thinking that they will retire in their career in education. Professional educator Dr. Denise Mose had that plan in mind until she accepted a position as a foreign teacher in China. Although she was still in the education field, the journey to China took her on an adventure of self-discovery. Before her move to China, Dr. Mose has taught in the classroom from kindergarten to college for fourteen years. She had served a year in her position as a foreign teacher, and she had the opportunity to travel through Asia and taught English, Western Culture, Etiquette, Traveling, and Communications. Dr. Mose is an Entertainment/Fashion/Travel Correspondent for many publications/networks and has been invited to the most prominent Red Carpets to report live. She had the opportunity to report at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Wimbledon Tennis Championship, The Kentucky Derby, The Academy Awards, Sundance Film Festival, American Black Film Festival, Disney Dreamers Academy, New York Fashion Week, and many more. Dr. Mose is also the founder of DYM Global, LLC, author of three award-winning books, and podcast host of “Self-Discovery on Sundays w/ Dr. D.”
How did your journey in education begin?
I earned my Education degree from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1994. Then, I was hired as a 5th Grade Teacher in Clermont, Florida. Soon, I realized more education was needed, so I enrolled to receive my MBA. My Professors told me to get my Doctorate because, as a young African American female, they knew I would need it one day. They were absolutely correct!
What was your experience like being a foreign teacher in China and far away from home?
Immersing yourself in a culture that is not your own and committing to that journey for over a year is not your everyday logic. I loved each moment in China. I lived in Liushi, China, which is about four hours from Shanghai. The experience still astounds me to this very day. I mean, I moved 8,000 miles from home to take a chance on myself and the unknown! I believed in myself and knew I could do this once-in-a-lifetime year abroad. I was given complete autonomy as to how to teach: Western Culture, English, Slang, Business Etiquette, and Communications. Several students still email me on a weekly basis.
Did you ever imagine that you would be doing things outside of education?
Noooooo! I was going to be the next great teacher and save the world. The life I have today was nowhere on my radar.
What is it like being a Celebrity Correspondent? What is the most exciting thing you have encountered?
WOW! Such an insanely and exciting rollercoaster job, right? I love being a Celebrity Correspondent because each day is different. Also, there is always a new star, new movie or new song, so it’s never boring. The Grammys, Essence Music Festival, Sundance, Academy Awards, Kentucky Derby, and New York Fashion Week — None of them are alike! The most exciting thing I’ve encountered? That’s a hard question, but I’ve got an answer. The Opening Ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will forever be top tier. All of the beautiful costumes that represent their beloved Carnival, coupled with so much music and singing — yeah! Unforgettable.
Tell us more about your podcast, “Self Discovery on Sunday with Dr. D.
“Ahhhh! This is my joy!!! When the pandemic hit, and I could no longer travel, my D-Team (Publicist, Agent, Web Guru, Intern) and I wanted to stay creative. They suggested that I host my own podcast as a weekly show. At first, I did not love the idea. However, the more they pitched this concept, I was on board. This is a space where I break everything down about life, and I’m the example. My audience emails me daily on various topics to discuss, and now we are in over 30 countries!!! Due to my rapid growth, I was honored with a Billboard in Times Square, New York City, for three weeks! My face in TIMES SQUARE!!! After that global exposure, a few sponsors have joined me, and the collaboration has been a blessing.
What advice will you give others who are taking leaps of “blind faith”?
First, realize that something in your life needs to change. We all know when something is off, and it’s key not to avoid that feeling. Blind Faith is jumping into something and having no clue as to how it will work out, yet deep down inside your core, you KNOW it’s going to be great. I did not speak Mandarin, had no family in China, and had never been there – yet, I was so beyond READY!!! Once I lived in China for three months, I traveled to Hong Kong. By the summer, Thailand was added to my list. As I completed my year, I flew to the following: Taiwan, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, India, Singapore, and Dubai!!! It was the best year of my life!
So my advice is this: Listen to your body, Make a plan for change, Execute, and don’t look back.
Dr. Denise Mose’s latest book/workbook, “Blind Faith: My Life-Changing Journey in China,” can be purchased on her website www.drdenisemose.com.
Her award-winning podcast, “Self-Discovery on Sundays w/Dr. D,” airs every Sunday on iTunes, IHeartRadio, and Spotify.
