Meet Our Instructors: Sellina Yoo

Sellina Yoo

Major: Behavioral Biology

Minor: Writing Seminars

Year: Class of 2025 

Hometown: Brookline, MA

What has teaching writing taught you about your own writing?

I’ve learned that I need to think out-of-the-box more! Our students have such vibrant creativity: whether we’re talking about Big Toe Soup, or creating villains, outlaws, and explorers who are simultaneously master detectives, our students invent worlds and characters that truly shine on the page. I’ve missed the “why not?” aspect of writing; why not write from the perspective of a cockroach who longs for Christmas? I’ve realized that I unintentionally, and intentionally, limit the genres and forms that I explore. Working with our students has re-taught me that yes, well-written stories are important, but even more so, your writing is strongest when you’re simply having fun with it. 

Can you describe a favorite moment from teaching?

We have a particularly quiet student who would nod along in class but never raised her hand during discussion or share-out. My co-teacher and I did everything we could to coax her out of her shell, including cold calling. When we finally decided to randomly pick names for share-out and hers was called, we held our breath. But she was immediately ready: shoulders back, eyes focused, she read her story with care and feeling. When she was finished, her peers applauded and she beamed, hugging her notebook close. I made eye contact with her and mouthed "great job.” She smiled again. I think I’ll remember that smile for the rest of my teaching days. She looked proud, amazed, slightly dazed, and relieved—but most of all, she laughed more afterwards, leaning closer to listen to her peers’ stories. I can’t wait to hear more of her stories in the future!

What is something you love doing even though you’re not very good at it?

I love attempting Just Dance on X-Box (all versions) with my sister and cousins, though I always get the fewest points and lowest accuracy! And somehow, I’m always the slowest to realize what song we’re dancing to. But I have just as much fun as them and get a great workout in as well! 

What would a perfect morning (or afternoon) look like for you?

My perfect morning would start off with oolong tea in my Miffy & Animals mug (some animals include a crocodile, hedgehog, zebra, and penguin). I would probably watch a nature documentary or two on Netflix and then call my sister to tell her all about it!