Meet Johanna Ocampo | I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a teacher, a friend, a lover, a yogi, a dreamer, a business woman, a HUMAN.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Johanna Ocampo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johanna, what are you inspired by?
My students inspire me. I can say, I teach all ages; from toddlers to adults, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. I see it all. I have learned so much about humans for being able to see them grow but mostly for being able to be part of their growth and development.

It is lovely to see a smile in the mornings or a sad face because a little one misses mom. And I say that it is lovely because these are sudden reminders for me that it is safe to feel, to miss, to be happy, to cry, to explore, to learn … to choose, to dance and sing for no reason, just because. But, I have also seen how as we grow, we tend to lose that freedom of being spontaneous, curious, compassionate, joyful, daring. We stop dancing and singing, and pay more attention to what others do and think.

My students inspire me because no matter what happens in my life out of the class I feel safe every time I am back and my students are there waiting for me, trying, striving, loving, failing, smiling and showing me that they need a safe place to continue to learn as much as I need to as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Fasttrack-Languages is a Montessori Inspired learning program where students from all ages come to grow in communication. Little ones come to develop language and other learning needs such as concentration, order, self learning and independence. Adults come to learn a second a language to expand their worlds, become more independent and confident when speaking the target language in order to accomplish their own individual goals. We care about our students by listening following and meeting their needs.

I am very proud of my students and myself. We have done it so far! We are still in this journey of learning. Every day is full of surprises, accomplishments, attempts and failures sometimes! Ah, and we are super excited this year because we are branching out with Fasttrack International now. We have a place in Colombia and a place in Bermuda where we bring our adult students to be immersed in the languages; Spanish and English. They study and experience the target language, and have days full of adventures!

Professionally, I have followed the journey of life. I have been an educator all my life. My profession started the day my mom asked me to help her to create a lesson plan for her students. I was 5 years old.

Easy? ah.. It all depends on what we understand about that word. I have overcome challenges because I have had support from people who believed in what I have to offer. Trust is a very important value and virtue to have and to offer. There is not success in any kind of relationship either personal or professional without trust.

So many lessons. There is one every day for sure. I have learned a lot about humans, the process of learning in any area of our lives, I have learned about business and the importance of clear and honest communication.

I invite the world or simply the viewers of this interview to see Language as this vast umbrella that goes beyond words that we use to speak. Language is everything that surround us. We communicate in so many different ways; through words, music, dance, movement, breathing, gestures, stories, numbers, clothing, paint, or simply just by being etc. We are in constant communication with others and with nature.
Language is this magical- powerful wand we can all use for good or for bad as the magicians we all are!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow! This is a fun question . I love to go everywhere and try new things. Everywhere is good to have the best time! My friend and I will always have one.

I live in Jersey City, NJ. So the activities will depend on the season.
This winter, I would take my friend to ski in colorado, then for a delicious mulled wine in montreal, dancing and getting to know new people in between … We would everything .. lol..
But if it were Summer, we would go on a sail trip, this one would be for a whole weekend at least. We will stop in different towns along the long Island sound. We would dance, drink and dance again, get to know new people and culture and language of course!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many angels as a call them. In every stage of Fasttrack-Languages development I have had a group of people who have believed in it. Most of them have been moms, families who trust the goals we have set for ourselves as a school to accomplish throughout these years.

The universe, My students and families
Nermina was and is a very important person in my life and for Fasttrack
Karen is the best teacher ever!
My sisters Clara and Leo
Veronica
Morgan
Darren
Shaton JCMamas
Mamta JCFamilies
Doucky BFF
I could keep going! The Jersey City Community has been very supporting all these years!

Website: www.fasttrack-languages.com

Instagram: @fasttracklanguages and @fasttrackinternational

Linkedin: Johanna Ocampo

Facebook: Fast Track Languages and Fast Track International