Selman Kaya
Williamsburg,VA
Summary
Adept in bridging cultural and linguistic divides, I bring a unique blend of teaching, bilingual communication, and fine dining hospitality from roles at Colonial Williamsburg Company and The Ministry of National Education Turkey. My journey has honed my adaptability and proficiency in Microsoft Office, underscored by a commitment to fostering inclusive environments and enhancing customer and student experiences.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Server
Colonial Williamsburg Company
Williamsburg, VA
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Hospitality Experience at King’s Arms Tavern
During my time at King’s Arms Tavern, I worked as a waiter in a historic and high-end dining environment, serving guests with professionalism and attentiveness. My responsibilities included taking orders, delivering meals, ensuring customer satisfaction, and providing guests with historical context about the restaurant’s colonial-style setting.
This experience enhanced my communication skills, customer service abilities, and ability to work efficiently under pressure. Interacting with diverse guests, including tourists and locals, helped me refine my English and cultural adaptability. Working in such a prestigious establishment strengthened my ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and deliver a top-tier dining experience.
Turkish Language Teacher
The Ministry of National Education Turkey
Mardin, TURKEY
10.2016 - 12.2023
- From 2016 to 2023, I worked as a Turkish language teacher in Turkey, primarily in a rural school where I had the unique opportunity to teach Kurdish-speaking children. Helping them acquire Turkish language skills was both a challenging and deeply rewarding experience. Beyond language instruction, I played a crucial role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
This experience profoundly shaped my perspective on education, communication, and human connection. It taught me the power of patience, adaptability, and empathy in teaching. Witnessing my students grow in confidence and fluency remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Language Interpretation And Translation
DOKUZ EYLUL UNIVERSITY
IZMIR06-2015
Skills
- Teaching & Language Education – 6 years of experience teaching Turkish, including to Kurdish-speaking students in rural areas
- Bilingual Communication – Fluent in Turkish, Kurdish, and proficient in English Strong ability to bridge language and cultural gaps
- Translation & Interpretation – Experience translating between Turkish, Kurdish, and English in professional and educational settings
- Creative & Content Development
Screenwriting & Storytelling – Passion for writing, particularly in autobiographical and literary styles inspired by Dostoyevsky and Christopher Nolan
- Educational Content Creation – Experience developing online courses on self-improvement topics like addiction recovery and AI literacy
- Hospitality & Customer Service
Fine Dining Service – Experience working as a waiter in a prestigious historical restaurant, providing high-quality customer service - Problem-Solving & Adaptability – Skilled at handling customer needs, resolving issues, and working in fast-paced environments
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Advanced proficiency
Data entry and spreadsheet management using Excel
Document formatting and editing in Microsoft Word
Affiliations
- I enjoy staying active and exploring different forms of entertainment. Football is one of my favorite sports, offering both a great workout and a chance to engage in teamwork. I also love attending concerts, as live music brings an unmatched energy. Theater performances are another passion of mine, allowing me to dive into different worlds through storytelling. Lastly, swimming is something I do regularly, as it helps me relax while staying fit.
Timeline
Restaurant Server
Colonial Williamsburg Company
06.2024 - 12.2024
Turkish Language Teacher
The Ministry of National Education Turkey
10.2016 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Language Interpretation And Translation
DOKUZ EYLUL UNIVERSITY
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