INTERVIEWS

Fayston High School is thrilled to introduce Mr. Jay Ryu as an additional member to our Performing Arts department, leading the growth of our music education program. This semester, Mr. Jay is advising our students in subjects of Woodwind/Brass/Percussion/Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Beginner and Contemporary Band, and ninth grade homeroom. Mr. Jay has had quite an empirical life before Fayston. Born in Korea, he moved to the Netherlands in second grade, attending an American international school before moving back to Korea for two years. In eighth grade, he left for Romania, where he once again attended an American international school with an IB diploma. He then moved to America to pursue an education in Jazz Performance in Berklee College of Music, Boston. After his military service in Korea, he returned to school in Longy School of Music, graduating with a Master's degree in Music Education. He then had his first work experience in New York, Harlem as a music teacher. Mr. Jay, filled to the brim with passion and love for music, describes his teaching style as hot-headed and relationship based, as he prioritizes effective communication over anything. He engages students in learning actively, and cultivates strong communities and relationships. One piece of advice he always gives his pupils is to be yourself, for others are taken. Outside of teaching, Mr. Jay is often performing as a jazz musician every week, or playing soccer, one of his major hobbies. One fun fact about himself is that he speaks five languages – Korean, English, Spanish, Dutch, and Romanian. Mr. Jay is eager about his experience in Fayston because the classes he is teaching are new – therefore, he is taking part in the foundation of adding to the music department. Because Fayston is in the process of growing, he is delighted to take part in expanding and growing acknowledgment of the music taking place in Fayston.

Fayston High School is thrilled to introduce Mr. Andrew Wilson as an addition to the English Department, guiding our seniors through their final year of high school. He is in charge of 12th grade General and Honors English, and AP English Language. Born in England, Mr. Wilson grew up in the south east known as Surrey. He graduated from Essex University and studied English American Literature, pursuing an education revolving around his love for literature. Mr. Wilson prioritizes developing student's critical thinking abilities over anything else. He encourages his pupils to examine reading texts in depth with deep implications, processing information given by literature beyond simple words. He is a firm believer that learning is a lifelong process. Outside of teaching, Mr. Wilson spends his time playing music. One fun fact about himself is that he has played the electric guitar since he was 10 years old, and enjoys showing off his talents along with his beliefs in worship bands Mr. Wilson is highly excited for his experience in Fayston–mainly because Fayston's values overlap with his own, which portrays what he considers about himself as a teacher and a person.

Welcome the new twelfth grade bible teacher, Ms. Mira Ahn! She completed her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Sungshin Women's University before moving to the United States, where she earned a Master of Christian Education at Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity at Criswell College in Dallas, Texas. Ms. Mira shared that she wanted to be a teacher because she believed God called her to the profession. She describes herself as a lifelong learner, believing that teaching always involves learning, and she genuinely loves it. Her teaching style is traditional and instructional, yet she strives to keep her classes interactive. Her advice to students is to be joyful in what they do and enjoy their school life. Outside of school, Ms. Mira enjoys art and music, including painting and playing the violin, and she is involved in a mission organization for bible translation. She says she is excited to be part of Fayston, where students and teachers enjoy freedom and are not burdened as long as they do their work.

Meet Ms. Jieun Kim, a new addition to the math department! She is currently teaching Algebra 2, and she feels excited to be in this loving environment where students and teachers are always supporting each other. Born in Seoul, she began studying abroad in the U.S. from eighth grade and returned to Korea after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin. Ms. Jieun says that although she first chose to teach math because she thought she was good at it, she later found out that her real passion lay in teaching students. Her teaching style is interactive with students, and her advice to them is to stay diligent in their studies, for that will follow them when they are off to college. Overall, she is thrilled to be teaching in such a warm and uplifting community!

Fayston is excited to welcome Mr. Donghwa Kim, who also goes by Kay, as our new Chaplain and 9th Grade Bible teacher! Born in Seoul, Mr. Kim has studied in a variety of fields and schools, including classical composition at Soongsil University, undergraduate theology at Asia United Theological University, and Master of Divinity coursework at Baekseok University. His diverse experiences include performing in a band, church ministry, running a small bakery, publishing, and creating YouTube media—all of which he credits with enriching his approach to pastoral theology. Mr. Kim brings a dynamic teaching style to the classroom, helping students explore the timeless truths of the Bible in ways that connect with modern culture. He aims to balance depth with enjoyment, describing his lessons as "fun but serious, deep but still enjoyable." His advice to students is simple and powerful: "Love God, and dare to take on everything!" At Fayston, Mr. Kim is inspired by the school's unique culture and the maturity of its students, which he likens to a "lazy river at a water park—a steady current always flowing." He looks forward to guiding students to grow spiritually and academically while experiencing the school's supportive community.

Fayston is thrilled to welcome Mr. Corjan Devos, known as Mr. CJ, as our new 9th Grade ELA teacher! Born in South Africa, Mr. CJ spent his early years between Port Elizabeth and Middleburg, attending school in both a bustling city and a small town. He earned his Bachelor's in Arts, majoring in English and Afrikaans, and a post-graduate certificate in education from Nelson Mandela University. Mr. CJ's teaching style is all about engagement—he believes learning should be interactive, fun, and full of student participation rather than one-way lecturing. He encourages students to embrace growth, reminding them, "Don't be too hard on yourself; there's always a chance to improve, and it all depends on your mindset." Outside the classroom, Mr. CJ is an avid traveler and former guitarist (he even sings in the shower!). He loves exploring Jeju in Korea, Bali in Indonesia, and has plans to visit Hawaii in December. At Fayston, he's especially excited about contributing to the school community—not just through academics, but by helping students enjoy life, participate in extracurriculars, and create lasting memories, including the much-anticipated Vision Trip.