We were lucky to catch up with Marshella Lie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marshella, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

If I could change one thing about the education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career, it would be to place a much greater emphasis on emotional intelligence, real-world problem solving, and self-discovery—starting at a young age. As we are all aware of, education often focuses on memorization and standardized testing, but doesn’t leave enough room for students to explore who they are, what they care about, and how they want to contribute to the world.

One story that comes to mind: I had a student at one of the organizations I’m currently teaching, who was incredibly gifted in sports, one of those energetic sports players and teammates in the field. But because our system pushed the idea that school-prep math and science were the only “serious” paths to success, he ended up feeling like his talent didn’t matter. He barely passed his classes, dropped out of college, and we lost touch. A few years later, we crossed paths and to my surprise, he improved his language skills so much due to his intense interaction during soccer practice. He said that once he stopped trying to fit into the mold school forced on him, he actually started learning again on his own terms.

That stuck with me. Education shouldn’t be about squeezing everyone into the same path—it should be about helping students recognize their strengths, build meaningful skills, and develop the confidence to navigate a complex, changing world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Twenty-one years ago, I arrived in the United States with very limited English. I still remember the overwhelming feeling of sitting in a classroom where I could barely understand what was being said around me. Simple tasks—ordering food, asking for help, understanding homework—felt like major challenges. Every day required courage, patience, and determination.

Despite the language barrier and the many obstacles I faced as an immigrant and ESL student, I made a conscious decision early on: I would not let these difficulties define or limit me. Instead, I chose to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

My passion for learning became my guiding light. I pushed through cultural barriers, financial hardship, and moments of self-doubt, all while learning to navigate a new country and education system. I pursued higher education relentlessly—not just to earn degrees, but to prove to myself that growth was possible. Eventually, I earned my doctoral degree in Leadership, a milestone that symbolized not just academic achievement, but personal transformation.

But my journey didn’t end there. I knew I wanted to use my experiences to uplift others, especially those who shared a similar story. I decided to give back—not only to the country that welcomed me but also to the country where I was born. I founded my own educational academy called NextGen English Academy, dedicated to providing sustainable quality education and helping others not only learn the language that once made me feel so lost, but also help them discover their self-identity, raise their confidence, inspire, and support next generation to find their passion, all while teaching full-time at the university level.

My story is one of resilience, but also of purpose. I believe language can be a bridge—not just to education and career opportunities, but to confidence, community, and a fulfilling life. Today, I stand not just as a former ESL student, but as an educator, mentor, and advocate—proof that with determination and support, anything is possible.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As an immigrant, I knew that success wouldn’t come easily. I would have to work harder, push farther, and believe in myself even when it felt like no one else did.

The early years were filled with challenges. I juggled long work hours while attending school, determined not to let language or circumstance hold me back. Every late-night study session, every paper rewritten again and again for clarity and grammar, was a step toward something greater. I had a vision—to not only survive, but thrive.

Through perseverance and sacrifice, I earned my doctoral degree in Leadership. That moment was about more than a diploma—it was a symbol of everything I had overcome. But I didn’t stop there. I wanted to make an impact, to serve and uplift others the way so many had helped me along my journey.

That desire to serve led me to receive the Presidential Service Award, a humbling honor that recognized the very thing that had fueled me from the beginning: a commitment to give back. Whether through mentorship, community involvement, or education, I wanted to be a part of building something meaningful.

Eventually, I channeled my passion into entrepreneurship—launching ventures in both real estate and education. I founded my own English academy, inspired by my own experience as an ESL learner, and committed to empowering others to find their voice and opportunities in a new land. At the same time, I began building a business in real estate, helping families and individuals create stability and wealth—something I knew the value of deeply as someone who had once started with nothing.

Looking back, my journey has been anything but easy—but it’s been deeply fulfilling. Every obstacle became a lesson. Every setback, a stepping stone. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, not just for myself, but for the many lives I’ve been able to touch along the way.

Because for me, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about rising with purpose, leading with heart, and never forgetting where you started.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building a voice, not just following!

When I first started using social media to share my work, I wasn’t thinking about “building an audience.” I was thinking about connection. I had just launched my English academy, and I wanted to reach people—especially those who, like me many years ago, were learning the language and culture, and searching for opportunities to grow.

By building a voice, people began to resonate with my message. They saw someone who had once struggled, who had built something from the ground up, and who now wanted to help others rise too. That authenticity became my greatest strength. One thing that I always keep in mind—be real!

Along the way, I learned a few important lessons that I’d love to share with anyone just starting their social media journey:
Start with your story. People connect with people—not perfect branding or polished captions. Share who you are, what drives you, and why you do what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://about.me/marshellalie
• Instagram: @mmarshellaa
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/marshellalie
• Other: https://indonesiamengglobal.com/2024/11/two-decades-away-from-home-a-journey-to-becoming-a-self-made-leader/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafjpDyVlYaL5R-F0RCk93mpb7vOSDsDB8LkiNBQthIx7Q7ldVHjIV2sGLmKvw_aem_87Euh86NeHy9-cB_vxuoow