Damion grew up in Miami Florida. While growing in such a culturally and ethnically diverse city, he knew while in college that he wanted to study interesting cultures and languages and Chinese piqued his interest. After completing college and studying Chinese for two years, he figured it was time to go abroad and immerse himself in the Chinese culture. It was the best decision he ever made.
In his free time, Damion enjoys hiking, traveling and tasting different cuisines. He is also a pilot and enjoys flying from time to time.
What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory would be an 8-hour hike of the Great Wall. Two friends and I walked from Jiankou which is the unrestored and totally wild section of the Great Wall. We walked and experienced the Great Wall and had some of the most amazing views imaginable.
This memory is closely followed by visiting the terra-cotta warriors in Xi'an. I've always wanted to see the warriors and seeing them in person was something I'll never forget.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have had the opportunity to help teachers from abroad who are looking for the unique experience China offers to fulfill that desire. I get to travel around to different schools throughout China and each location offers a different experience and has something of cultural value. Whatever it is that you're looking for China is sure to have it. Whether its a sense of adventure to see sights, or experiencing the culture, cuisine or way of life, since working at this company, I have had a little taste of it all.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
The travel locations for sure. Many of our teachers who come to China don't really know how rich China is in history. I often hear the stories of sight-seeing or cultural interactions. These include both good and taboo cultural interactions between our foreign teachers and Chinese citizens. Many of our teachers will travel to and climb the Great Wall at least once during their time in China.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose to teach with Wall Street English in Beijing. Simply because through my experience, I have discovered I prefer to teach to a more mature crowd. I enjoy the thought process and the determination of an adult who wants to learn English. Personally, I can handle a mature crowd better than I can children with lots of energy. My personality is very laid back and not very animated. This meshes well with the student population at Wall Street English.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Endeavor Group is unique because we are an American owned company. We are based both in the US and in China. With a 12-hour time difference between our two offices, you can basically say we are a 24-hour company. Each year we have over 5,000 positions available to be filled by our partner schools. Our team constantly tries to help every one of our partner schools fill their vacancies. Our team has accomplished a lot in the last few years and that has only opened the doors for more endeavors.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
The biggest factor in being a successful company is trust. We understand it can be extremely intimidating going to a country you have never been to, with a language you have never spoken. Among other things including sending a copy of your passport to the school where you will be teaching, personal information etc. Having someone you can trust or have built some sort of rapport with goes a very very long way throughout the interview process. Even after your interview process is complete, we are still here and making sure our teachers are doing well, months into their assignment.
